The San Francisco 49ers got back on track with a grinding 20-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday night. Tight end George Kittle returned to action, and although he didn't record a reception, his blocking helped pace running back Christian McCaffrey to a productive game (201 total scrimmage yards, 2 TDs).
Defensively, new starting linebacker Tatum Bethune helped set the pace against Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. His 10 tackles, coupled with Falcons quarterback Michael Penix's inaccuracy and the kicking prowess of kicker Eddy Piñeiro (17 consecutive field goals made), all contributed to a 49ers victory.
San Francisco now stands at 5-2, along with Los Angeles and Seattle, in a competitive NFC West.
Up this week is an early road tilt with the Houston Texans. Led by C.J. Stroud and young defensive phenoms Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. The Texans have been impressive defensively, leading the league in total yards allowed and ranking in the top 10 in rushing yards allowed and turnover differential. With playmaker running back Joe Mixon remaining out, along with receivers Christian Kirk and Nico Collins, even more onus rests on the right arm of quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Stroud sports a two-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio but has not passed for more than 244 yards in any game this season. With division rivals L.A. and Seattle on bye, if the 49ers want to maintain their division lead, playing mistake-free and complementary football will be essential. Oh yeah, throw in (shall I say kick in?) some more Piñeiro field goals, who has been fantastic this season.
5. Matt Hennessy
Center Jake Brendel left early against Atlanta with a hamstring injury and is down this week. Backup Matt Hennessy stepped in and more than held his own. No botched snaps or exchanges with quarterback Mac Jones, no penalties, no sacks allowed, all contributed to Christian McCaffrey's big game. Houston's interior D-line is occupied by veterans Mario Edwards Jr. and Sheldon Rankins, who are the assignments this week. Anything resembling last week's effort from Hennessy would be ideal for Mac Jones's protection and head coach Kyle Shanahan's trust.
4. Dee Winters
With the Texans down Nico Collins and Christian Kirk, tight end Dalton Schultz likely becomes a more integral part of Houston's offense. With 30 receptions while averaging 9.5 yards per catch, C.J. Stroud will target Schultz in third-down situations, which is where linebacker Dee Winters comes in. Winters allows under five yards per reception in pass coverage, which bodes well for San Francisco in short-yard situations.
3. Tatum Bethune
Presuming Winters covers Schultz, Bethune will be the first line of defense past the interior in the flat against Houston tailbacks Nick Chubb and Woody Marks. Coming off an excellent game against Atlanta, in which he greatly contributed to bottling up Bijan Robinson (under three yards per rush), Bethune could also focus on serving as a spy, just in case C.J. Stroud extends plays scrambling. If we're really thinking ambitiously, a deflected pass or forced fumble. Look for Stroud to focus on quick passes in the middle of the field if he's not targeting a wide receiver, which is where Bethune will be ready and waiting.
2. Mykel Williams
In addition to Jake Brendel's injury, defensive end Bryce Huff also sustained a hamstring injury and is out for at least two weeks. That leaves rotation defenders Robert Beal Jr and Sam Okuayinonu. And with Nick Bosa out for the year and Yetur Gross-Matos also down this week, any semblance of a pass rush on the edge will fall on Mykel Williams.
The 49ers have nine sacks on the year, which ranks second-fewest in the NFL, so sacks may be a tall ask until John Lynch trades for a pass rusher. As long as Williams impacts the game on the edge with activity, the 49ers will be content, but specific stat expectations should be tempered.
1. George Kittle
Even the most casual football fan knows George Kittle loves to block, and he did so effectively last week to help Christian McCaffrey break loose. Unfortunately, Kittle didn't record a reception. The tight end who founded Tight End U on National Tight End Day should have targets coming his way.
A touchdown wouldn't be a surprise, and red-zone targets or a deep-seam route look should all be on the table this week. Don't expect another bagel for Kittle. His mark on this game should be felt beyond blocking.