The San Francisco 49ers continue their winning ways with a gritty 32-29 win over the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday. Brock Purdy's jersey finally got some grass stains to the tune of three sacks, but he threw for 189 yards and led two key fourth-quarter scoring drives. Mike Evans had his most impactful game as a Niner with seven catches for 113 yards and a touchdown, while Christian McCaffrey rushed for six yards a carry and a touchdown.

On the defensive end is where the 49ers shined, despite allowing 29 points. Five different players recorded sacks: Fred Warner forced a fumble, as did Gracen Halton (with a recovery and touchdown). Renardo Green impressed in coverage with two interceptions.


Next on the schedule are the Washington Commanders for a Monday night tilt at home.

Washington is currently in the basement of the NFC East with a peculiar 1-3-1 record. Just two years removed from an NFC Championship Game appearance, Washington significantly regressed last season mainly due to injury. While there are talented players on defense and two reputable receivers, this franchise is in the hands of talented quarterback Jayden Daniels.


5 - Eddy Piñeiro


Second visit on the watch list for Eddy Money, but so far this season, he hasn't been. Piñeiro's consistency from deep distances is what's troubling for Dineiro, since all his FG misses have been north of 50 yards. And two missed PATs don't make matters better. He did hit a clutch 43-yard field goal late in the game to give the 49ers a lead for good in Seattle. Still reliable, just not as nearly automatic as he was last season. Piñeiro needs a clean, stress-free kicking game, simply for confidence.

4 - Christian Kirk


After sitting the first five games on Injured Reserve with a calf injury, the practice window opened this week for Christian Kirk and is trending toward playing on Monday night. Now that the 49ers' most recent receiver injury is Deebo Samuel Sr. with a hamstring injury that will sideline him for a few weeks, activating Kirk feels necessary.

Mike Evans (assuming he plays) and George Kittle will remain the receiving focal points, but Kirk and Brandin Cooks should get targets as well. At least one reception would be helpful. Anything north of that would be a freebie.


3 - Renardo Green


One of the defensive stars last week in Seattle, but Renardo Green's play has stayed consistent throughout the season. Three interceptions, five passes defended, and zero missed tackles highlight an 82.6 PFF grade through five weeks, which is considered upper echelon territory. Stefon Diggs is dealing with a hamstring, and Terry McLaurin is the veteran, so expect short passes more than post routes from Daniels to whoever Green blankets.

2 - Malik Mustapha


Kyle Shanahan described Malik Mustapha as a "missile"—just ask Jaxon Smith-Njigba if he agreed. But seven tackles, including Cooper Kupp on a late 4th-and-10 with a pass defended and a fumble recovery, confirmed Mustapha's impact. Mustapha is quickly developing himself into a big hitter around the league.

Mustapha should maintain that physicality while avoiding penalties (and fines) in the short term as he continues to fill in for an injured Marques Sigle.

1 - Jaden Dugger


After Dre Greenlaw's ejection last week, rookie linebacker Jaden Dugger stepped in to play 47 defensive snaps, which included nine tackles with two pressures and a sack. Dugger showed skills as a respectable run defender and sure tackler, while still needing some refinement in coverage.

With Dre Greenlaw's actions resulting in a one-game suspension, Dugger gets the start next to Fred Warner. The goal this week should be to contain or spy Jayden Daniels outside the pocket when he scrambles (103 rushing yards last week vs. New York).

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