After Week One of the NFL season, one thing is apparent: perhaps the numerous football pundits/commentators and former players should refrain from prediction segments on their respective shows.

While some debated whether arriving south of the International Date Line was too early or too late, most Week One outlooks had the Los Angeles Rams facing the San Francisco 49ers. But after a convincing 27-7 win in Melbourne, the 49ers got their season off to a roaring start.


Quarterback Brock Purdy was solid, passing for 205 yards and three touchdowns (with an interception), while the newly formed one-two punch in the backfield of Christian McCaffrey and rookie Kaelon Black combined for 133 of the team's 174 rushing yards.

Defensively, the 49ers were equally as efficient. Led by linebacker Fred Warner (11 tackles, one forced fumble), five players notched quarterback hits, while cornerback Renardo Green recorded a key interception. The defense held firm on a goal-line stand, ultimately culminating in a 99-yard touchdown drive.

Unfortunately, as per usual, the 49ers did not depart Australia unscathed. Rookie receiver De'Zhaun Stribling suffered a non-contact ankle injury that will sideline him for about ten weeks, while an MCL tear will officially end tight end Jake Tonges's season.

Week Two is a date with the Miami Dolphins, who dropped their opener against Las Vegas. From a roster standpoint, with their lack of talent and rookie coach, Miami looks more like a contender for the number one draft pick next year than in the AFC. Aside from De'Von Achane, on paper, the Dolphins do not have much to threaten the 49ers. But the NFL is a league of parity, and no opponent should be taken for granted. At minimum, a middling effort should earn a victory this week.


5 - Corliss Waitman


A punter on the players-to-watch list is not the norm. Still, given the talent discrepancy on its roster, Miami will need to play mistake-free while maybe surprising in the return game, after averaging 32 yards on five kickoff returns in Week One, including a 79-yarder from Jaylen Wright. Pinning Miami back inside the 20 and consistently shifting field position should be Waitman's goal this week.


4 - Deebo Samuel


After nine touches in Week One, which included a touchdown reception on an improvised route, wide receiver Deebo Samuel made his presence known against the Rams. Wideout Mike Evans will remain Brock Purdy's top target, and once tight end George Kittle rounds into form, he will receive his fair share of targets, but for now, Kyle Shanahan could consider Deebo as he once did: a veteran Swiss Army knife.

Momentum gimmick plays like reverses or line-of-scrimmage screens could be in play this week. If those don't produce, anything positive from the return game will suffice (45-yard return in Week One).

3 - Demarcus Robinson


Wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling's injury creates an opportunity for Robinson, firmly placing him as WR3. A 38-yard deep touchdown in Week One could give Robinson more post-route opportunities as the main vertical threat after playing in 63% of the offensive snaps.

Production and hands haven't always been proficient for Robinson, but against a young secondary like Miami's, four to five targets could be in line this week, depending on how the run game is working and how Brock Purdy spreads the ball around.

2 - Jake Brendel


Defensively, Miami's secondary is young and unproven despite two interceptions last week. Jacob Rodriguez looks to be an impact rookie, combining for 14 tackles at linebacker. In the trenches, however, Miami's mainstay is defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who should be center Jake Brendel's matchup this week, along with Connor Colby.


According to Pro Football Focus measurables from Week One, Brendel was the fourth-highest-rated center, neutralizing the Rams' interior. Sieler is a nine-year vet with a high motor who can stuff the run and produce a pass rush (35.5 career sacks). This is an important matchup inside.

1 - Nick Bosa


Defensive end Nick Bosa's first step looked good enough to make an impact in the pass rush last week, but Matthew Stafford made it nearly impossible, releasing the ball in less than three seconds on each dropback. Bosa played in 59% of the defensive snaps, while rotating in with Romello Height. After recording a quarterback hit and two tackles for loss, Bosa provided excellent run-defense support, ranking first among all edge rushers in Week One.

It will be almost a year to the day of Bosa's torn ACL—and since he last recorded a sack. Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis is elusive and can get out of the pocket and scramble, but he's also known to hold on to the ball too long. That extra second or two should give Bosa multiple sack opportunities this week.

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