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.
Written By:
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne P. Brown
Wayne P. Brown
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne P. Brown
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Keys to Victory vs. Colts: How San Francisco Can Win in Week 16
As the San Francisco 49ers head into a critical Week 16 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, the margin for error is slim. With playoff positioning on the line, the 49ers must lean into their identity, execute with discipline, and control the game from start to finish. This... -
49ers Keys to Victory vs. Bears: How to Win on Sunday Night Football
As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Chicago Bears, this matchup sets up favorably on paper—but games aren't won on paper. Both teams sit at 11-4, and for the 49ers, they're looking to top the NFC West. For the 49ers to handle business and stay on track in the... -
49ers playoff picture: Where San Francisco stands after win over Colts
The San Francisco 49ers extended their winning streak to five games with a 48-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, building momentum as they head into the postseason. San Francisco had already clinched a playoff berth Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers... -
Key stats from the 49ers' 48-27 Week 16 win vs. the Colts
The San Francisco 49ers improved to 11-4 on the season after a 48-27 Week 16 win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Below are several statistics and notes from Monday's game, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff. With...