It's the return of the Battle of the Bay between the San Francisco 49ers and the Las Vegas Raiders. The 49ers travel to Vegas to bring in the New Year with a Week 17 matchup. The 49ers, who own an eight-game win streak, look to remain the hottest team in the NFL. If the team sticks to these five keys to victory, Kyle Shanahan will have the longest win streak of his career.
CONTAIN Davante Adams
Davante Adams is one of the best receivers in the league, coming off his worst performance last week against the Steelers. Adams was targeted nine times with only two receptions for 15 yards. The 49ers struggled last week against the Washington Commanders' trio, Jahan Datson, Terry McClaurin, and Curtis Samuel. All three of the Commanders' receivers scored a touchdown against the league's number-one defense.
49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward, aka Mooney Ward, will have his hands full, but if anyone can get the job done, it's Mooney. Don't expect Adams to have a big day from quarterback Jarrett Stidham. If Adams plays, keep him contained, and the 49ers will be looking at nine straight.
ELIMINATE Josh Jacobs
The 49ers remain number one in the league in stopping the run, giving up, on average, 75 yards per game. The Raiders are ranked 16th rushing in the NFL, averaging 121.7 yards per game. Pro Bowl selection Josh Jacobs lead the Raiders' rushing attack. The Steelers held Jacobs to 44 yards on 15 attempts. The Raiders rushed for 58 yards in total.
The 49ers should have zero problems in taking away the run. Eliminating Jacobs and the rushing attack will force the Raiders to become one-dimensional. If the 49ers stop Jacobs, it will lead to a great day in the 49ers' secondary.
SLOW DOWN Maxx Crosby
Since the Raiders will be without Chandler Jones (IR), the 49ers must focus on slowing down his counterpart Maxx Crosby. Crosby is the Raider's number-one pass rusher. He likes to line on the right said. 49ers tackle Mike McGlinchey will be challenged in stopping Crosby. McGlinchey hasn't given up a sack since the Kansas City Chiefs game.
If McGlinchey begins to struggle, expect the 49ers to help by using tight end George Kittle or fullback Kyle Juszczyk to chip the edge on the right side. If the 49ers can slow down Crosby, Purdy will have the time he needs to make plays to secure his team another victory.
UTILIZE CMC's Hands
The Raiders are 32nd in defending running backs in the passing game. The 49ers have a running back who specializes in catching the football. Expect Christian McCaffrey to have a great game on the ground and in the air. If the 49ers take advantage of the Raiders' weakness, they will start the new year with a victory.
SCORE Touchdowns
Against the Commanders, the 49ers failed to score two touchdowns in the red zone and had to settle for a pair of Robbie Gould field goals. Expect the 49ers to get more red zone attempts against the Raiders. The team must capitalize on these opportunities and score touchdowns on the road to secure another victory. Scoring touchdowns means more points and, more importantly, keeps their defense aggressive.
In Conclusion...
Both teams will be without some of their key players on Sunday. The 49ers will have every opportunity to show their dominance. The team is 4-3 on the road and struggled early in the season. Now that the team is playing with more cohesion, expect the 49ers to prove why they are the most dangerous team in the NFL.