The Miami Dolphins will host the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday in a Week 16 showdown. Which five Dolphins players could present the biggest challenges to a 49ers victory? Let's break it down.
WR Tyreek Hill
Hill's speed will always threaten the 49ers. He is known for lining up as the X, Y, and Z and going to work at each wide receiver position. Hill may be having a down season with 805 yards and five touchdowns, but he's almost impossible to cover in man coverage. The 49ers must not allow Hill to get behind the defense and gain explosive plays down the field.
RB De'von Achane
The 49ers' defense will face their fastest competition out of the backfield this week with De'Von Achane. Speed is only one of his greatest attributes. His hands, route-running, and pass-catching skills make him most dangerous. Achane has over 500 yards in receiving, catching 70 passes on 78 targets for six of his ten total touchdowns on the season. The Dolphins love to execute screen plays utilizing the running back, and it could be dangerous for the defense to defend on Sunday afternoon.
TE Jonnu Smith
Smith is the Dolphins' second-leading receiver with more than 700 yards in the season. He is known to gain explosive plays down the field for the offense. His ability to score in the red zone makes him most dangerous. He has become Tua Tagavailoa's number one target in the red zone area. The 49ers' linebackers and safeties must watch Smith across the middle of the field. He is Miami's version of George Kittle and can be dangerous—if not the most dangerous player—to defend on the field.
CB Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey leads the team in interceptions with two and pass deflections with nine. Expect Ramsey to lock down wide receiver Jauan Jennings on the outside. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy must be careful when throwing to Ramsey's side of the field. Expect the 49ers to get physical with the veteran cornerback, attacking with wide receiver Deebo Samuel. This will force Ramsey to make tackles, something he isn't too fond of doing.
DE Chop Robinson
Robinson is second on the team in sacks with five and has six tackles for a loss. The rookie will give the Dolphins speed on the edge, which could present tackle Colton McKivitz with a problem. What makes Robinson the most dangerous out there is his speed and relentless motor to get to the quarterback. Expect the 49ers to slide protection wherever Robinson lines up.