Vic Tafur
@victafur.bsky.social
Senior Writer @TheAthletic.
Cover 49ers & NFL. The Fade King of NFL picks. Boxing guy.
“I walk the earth, meet people, get in adventures, like Caine in Kung Fu”
Cover 49ers & NFL. The Fade King of NFL picks. Boxing guy.
“I walk the earth, meet people, get in adventures, like Caine in Kung Fu”
49ers Kyle Juszczyk thankful to be a surprising 201 games in and a fan favorite ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
49ers Kyle Juszczyk thankful to be a surprising 201 games in and a fan favorite
www.nytimes.com
November 28, 2025 at 7:18 PM
49ers Kyle Juszczyk thankful to be a surprising 201 games in and a fan favorite ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683... NFL Week 13 picks against the spread: Too much Taysom Hill is like too much turkey
November 27, 2025 at 5:50 PM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683... NFL Week 13 picks against the spread: Too much Taysom Hill is like too much turkey
49ers tackle Austen Pleasants honors son, limb-different community with special cleats ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
November 26, 2025 at 3:03 PM
49ers tackle Austen Pleasants honors son, limb-different community with special cleats ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
And @josephperson.bsky.social on how the Panthers looked more like pretenders than contenders in ugly ‘MNF’ loss to 49ers ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
With chance to take NFC South lead, Panthers look more like pretenders than contenders
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:38 PM
And @josephperson.bsky.social on how the Panthers looked more like pretenders than contenders in ugly ‘MNF’ loss to 49ers ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
And here’s @mattbarrows.bsky.social on how 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan defended Brock Purdy after three interceptions: ‘Just a hair late’ ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
49ers’ Kyle Shanahan defends Brock Purdy after three interceptions: ‘Just a hair late’
Shanahan said he never considered replacing Purdy with Mac Jones, while Purdy said his toe injury was not a factor in the interceptions.
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:34 PM
And here’s @mattbarrows.bsky.social on how 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan defended Brock Purdy after three interceptions: ‘Just a hair late’ ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
How Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers iced his former team with the ‘perfect play’ ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
November 25, 2025 at 2:31 PM
How Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers iced his former team with the ‘perfect play’ ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Brandon Aiyuk’s 2026 guaranteed money voided, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirms www.nytimes.com/athletic/682... ⤵️
Brandon Aiyuk’s 2026 guaranteed money voided, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirms
Shanahan said the 49ers had hoped to have Aiyuk back on the field by now, but his progress has plateaued.
www.nytimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Brandon Aiyuk’s 2026 guaranteed money voided, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirms www.nytimes.com/athletic/682... ⤵️
Reposted by Vic Tafur
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... NFL Week 12 picks against the spread: Cowboys keep rolling, Chiefs keep skidding ⤵️
November 20, 2025 at 4:54 PM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... NFL Week 12 picks against the spread: Cowboys keep rolling, Chiefs keep skidding ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... NFL Week 12 picks against the spread: Cowboys keep rolling, Chiefs keep skidding ⤵️
November 20, 2025 at 4:54 PM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... NFL Week 12 picks against the spread: Cowboys keep rolling, Chiefs keep skidding ⤵️
It was worth the wait for fans and for all of Brock Purdy’s family and friends who made the drive from his hometown of Queen Creek.
In his first game back, the 49ers QB let it rip — with all of the wrinkles, audibles and different looks that make defenses nervous. ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
In his first game back, the 49ers QB let it rip — with all of the wrinkles, audibles and different looks that make defenses nervous. ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
November 17, 2025 at 3:14 PM
It was worth the wait for fans and for all of Brock Purdy’s family and friends who made the drive from his hometown of Queen Creek.
In his first game back, the 49ers QB let it rip — with all of the wrinkles, audibles and different looks that make defenses nervous. ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
In his first game back, the 49ers QB let it rip — with all of the wrinkles, audibles and different looks that make defenses nervous. ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Cardinals were perfect foil for 49ers team that needs to get hot in November, by @mattbarrows.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... ⤵️
The 49ers need to get hot in November, and the Cardinals were a good start
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Cardinals were perfect foil for 49ers team that needs to get hot in November, by @mattbarrows.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... ⤵️
Brock Purdy’s ‘elite’ presence gives 49ers renewed confidence in easy win over Cardinals www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... ⤵️
Brock Purdy’s ‘elite’ presence gives 49ers renewed confidence in easy win over Cardinals
The 49ers have their franchise quarterback back. "He was vintage Brock," Christian McCaffrey said. "That's a huge compliment."
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:59 AM
Brock Purdy’s ‘elite’ presence gives 49ers renewed confidence in easy win over Cardinals www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... ⤵️
Brian Robinson Jr. thriving in new role as 49ers’ offense continues to take shape www.nytimes.com/athletic/680... ⤵️
Brian Robinson Jr. thriving in new role as 49ers’ offense continues to take shape
Coach Kyle Shanahan said he thinks Robinson has had his best game "four weeks in a row."
www.nytimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Brian Robinson Jr. thriving in new role as 49ers’ offense continues to take shape www.nytimes.com/athletic/680... ⤵️
Reposted by Vic Tafur
The Rams and Seahawks haven’t trailed in a game since Week 6, and now face off in the game of the week with big-time implications.
With another win, Seahawks fans could start dreaming about home-field advantage in the playoffs.
This week’s picks ATS: ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
With another win, Seahawks fans could start dreaming about home-field advantage in the playoffs.
This week’s picks ATS: ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
November 13, 2025 at 8:48 PM
The Rams and Seahawks haven’t trailed in a game since Week 6, and now face off in the game of the week with big-time implications.
With another win, Seahawks fans could start dreaming about home-field advantage in the playoffs.
This week’s picks ATS: ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
With another win, Seahawks fans could start dreaming about home-field advantage in the playoffs.
This week’s picks ATS: ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Updated with quotes …
Brock Purdy returning from injury to start Sunday vs. Cardinals www.nytimes.com/athletic/680... ⤵️
Brock Purdy returning from injury to start Sunday vs. Cardinals
Purdy has missed six consecutive games and eight of the past nine with a lingering toe injury.
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Updated with quotes …
Brock Purdy returning from injury to start Sunday vs. Cardinals www.nytimes.com/athletic/680... ⤵️
Brock Purdy returning from injury to start Sunday vs. Cardinals
Purdy has missed six consecutive games and eight of the past nine with a lingering toe injury.
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Brock Purdy returning from injury to start Sunday vs. Cardinals www.nytimes.com/athletic/680... ⤵️
The Rams and Seahawks haven’t trailed in a game since Week 6, and now face off in the game of the week with big-time implications.
With another win, Seahawks fans could start dreaming about home-field advantage in the playoffs.
This week’s picks ATS: ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
With another win, Seahawks fans could start dreaming about home-field advantage in the playoffs.
This week’s picks ATS: ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
November 13, 2025 at 8:48 PM
The Rams and Seahawks haven’t trailed in a game since Week 6, and now face off in the game of the week with big-time implications.
With another win, Seahawks fans could start dreaming about home-field advantage in the playoffs.
This week’s picks ATS: ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
With another win, Seahawks fans could start dreaming about home-field advantage in the playoffs.
This week’s picks ATS: ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
NFL Week 11 picks against the spread: Why I like the Seahawks in the showdown in L.A. www.nytimes.com/athletic/679... ⤵️
NFL Week 11 picks against the spread: Why I like the Seahawks in the showdown in L.A.
The Seahawks' defense could decide the clash of NFC West titans. We also have the Lions and Broncos pulling upsets in big games this week.
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:09 PM
NFL Week 11 picks against the spread: Why I like the Seahawks in the showdown in L.A. www.nytimes.com/athletic/679... ⤵️
What should 49ers fans hope for amid another injury-plagued season? Mailbag www.nytimes.com/athletic/679... ⤵️
49ers mailbag: What should fans hope for amid another injury-plagued season?
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:58 PM
What should 49ers fans hope for amid another injury-plagued season? Mailbag www.nytimes.com/athletic/679... ⤵️
The injury-ravaged defense cannot hold up against good teams, while the offense still doesn’t run the ball well enough. And no trade the 49ers could have made on Tuesday at the league deadline would have changed Sunday’s outcome or their outlook. ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
November 10, 2025 at 3:18 PM
The injury-ravaged defense cannot hold up against good teams, while the offense still doesn’t run the ball well enough. And no trade the 49ers could have made on Tuesday at the league deadline would have changed Sunday’s outcome or their outlook. ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
After sobering loss to Rams, 49ers seek reset as Brock Purdy nears return www.nytimes.com/athletic/679... ⤵️
After sobering loss to Rams, 49ers seek reset as Brock Purdy nears return
Injuries and inconsistency have the 49ers searching for answers after falling to 6-4, but a favorable schedule offers hope.
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:41 AM
After sobering loss to Rams, 49ers seek reset as Brock Purdy nears return www.nytimes.com/athletic/679... ⤵️
49ers to start Mac Jones at QB vs. Rams; Brock Purdy may dress ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
49ers to start Mac Jones at QB vs. Rams; Brock Purdy may dress
Purdy has started only two games this season, with Jones going 5-2 in his place.
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:46 PM
49ers to start Mac Jones at QB vs. Rams; Brock Purdy may dress ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
“The way we attack, the points are a lot different than what they grew up doing in high school and college,” Kocurek said. “So it’s just constant repetition day in and day out, honing in on your aiming points, your attack stance, pad level and hand placement, all that.”
How the 49ers’ battered defensive line is fighting through a season from hell ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
How the 49ers' battered defensive line is fighting through a season from hell
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:40 PM
“The way we attack, the points are a lot different than what they grew up doing in high school and college,” Kocurek said. “So it’s just constant repetition day in and day out, honing in on your aiming points, your attack stance, pad level and hand placement, all that.”
How the 49ers’ battered defensive line is fighting through a season from hell ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
How the 49ers' battered defensive line is fighting through a season from hell
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:28 PM
How the 49ers’ battered defensive line is fighting through a season from hell ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
There is no excuse for Daniel Jones this week or the Colts this season … or for us not to have our fifth consecutive winning week. Week 10 NFL picks against the spread: ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
November 6, 2025 at 3:21 PM
There is no excuse for Daniel Jones this week or the Colts this season … or for us not to have our fifth consecutive winning week. Week 10 NFL picks against the spread: ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...