The San Francisco 49ers are set to visit Highmark Stadium this weekend for a critical Week 13 showdown against the Buffalo Bills. Which five players could pose the biggest threats to a 49ers victory?
QB Josh Allen
Allen is the biggest threat the 49ers must prepare for in Week 13. His strong arm will test the 49ers defense deep down the field. His ability to run designed plays is what the 49ers defense must be prepared for the most. Allen can scramble outside the pocket and execute scripted, designed runs built into the Bills' offensive scheme. The 49ers must always contain the edge and keep a spy on him.
RB James Cook
Cook is another dual threat at the running back position. He's explosive out of the backfield in the run game. The 49ers must wrap and tackle him down to the ground to prevent explosive runs. Cook is also a threat as a pass catcher. He will be utilized in the screen pass game. The 49ers will have another long day on the football field if Cook is not defended.
WR Khalil Shakir
Shakir may be undersized, but he's undoubtedly not underused. He's quick, fast, and can separate from his defenders. He will be used as the X, Y, and Z throughout the game, which makes him dangerous. His versatility makes the Bills' offense unique and dangerous. If 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (knee) doesn't play, defending Shakir could be a tough challenge.
DE Von Miller
Miller needs no introduction. Although he plays a limited role, he has four sacks on the season. The fact that he's limited makes him a threat on the edge. He provides the Bills with pass-rushing abilities coming off the bench. He may not be the same version of his younger self, but if he is left one-on-one, it could cause havoc to the offensive line.
DE Gregory Rousseau
Rousseau is the sack leader for the Bills with 5.5 sacks this season. He's the new and improved version of what Von Miller used to be in his younger days. Rousseau is 6'6", 266 lbs, and packs tons of power around the line of scrimmage. He also has two forced fumbles on the season and 37 tackles. The 49ers can't afford to leave him in one-on-one matchups, especially if left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) cannot play. The 49ers must block Rousseau at all costs.
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