The San Francisco 49ers are 3-0 heading into Thursday Night Football. They will be facing the New York Giants this weekend for the 49ers’ home opener. Coming off a short week, there is a lot to look for in this matchup, especially with injuries for both teams. The 49ers are favorites heading into this week’s game, and if they stay healthy, they should be able to get the win. Here is a look at the matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants.
San Francisco 49ers Run Game vs. Giants
It’s no secret that the San Francisco 49ers have a strong run game. It is hard for great defenses to stop running back Christian McCaffrey. There have only been two weeks this season so far, but in the two games played, the Giants have allowed an average of 136.5 rushing yards per game, according to ESPN. Just this season, McCaffrey alone has rushed for 268 yards, according to Pro Football Reference. The 49ers will most likely utilize their run game to control the time of possession and wear out the Giants’ defense.
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (23) – Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports
One thing to watch for this week is how many rushing attempts McCaffrey has. He was the only running back used last week, and even head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that he should use him less and that the amount he played against the Rams was not the plan. The two other running backs that have been on the game-day active roster are Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason. Coming off of a short week, they may get more touches.
When this team gets a solid run game going, it is easier to include the passing game. The 49ers improved on their yards after the catch last week compared to week one, which could be key against the Giants. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk did not break anything regarding his shoulder, but his play level on Thursday will depend on his pain tolerance. Luckily, the team has enough players they should not need to rely on Aiyuk. If the 49ers control the time of possession with the run game and mix in the passing game with all of those targets, the offense should put up a big fight against the Giants.
49ers defense – Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
No Saquon Barkley vs. San Francisco 49ers Defense?
Head coach Brian Daboll stated on Tuesday that he will not rule out Giants’ running back Saquon Barkley yet. Daboll stated that the running back is healing quickly. Either way, Barkley would not be at his full strength, which means the 49ers have a much higher advantage. Barkley is the heart of that offense, and without him, it will be tough for the Giants to face the 49ers defense.
The second running back on the Giants’ roster is former 49ers running back Matt Beida. According to ESPN, San Francisco’s defense has allowed an average of just 65 rushing yards per game. While the Giants are going to gameplan around that, the 49ers’ defense should be able to prevent the Giants from rushing the ball and force them to pass more.
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (23) – Terrell Lloyd/49ers
49ers Banged Up Secondary vs. Giants Passing Game
The 49ers starters are healthy in the secondary, but they are loose on depth. They went into the season with the most depth they have had in a while, but with Samuel Womack on the injured reserve and Ambry Thomas limited this week, the team has to be careful. It is football, and injuries happen, but on a short week, a lack of depth is tough to overcome. If the starters remain healthy, it should be just fine, especially with Isaiah Oliver stepping up big time in the team’s week two matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Giants’ quarterback Daniel Jones has thrown just two touchdown passes compared to three interceptions this year. With pressure up front from the 49ers defensive line, there will be some inaccurate passes that can lead to turnovers. If the 49ers can win the turnover game, they should have no problem outscoring their opponent.
When it comes to Jones, the one thing to watch for is his ability to scramble. The 49ers have not faced a quarterback like this yet in the season, but in the past, they have had a weakness against a quarterback that can scramble. He has already rushed for 102 yards and one touchdown, according to Pro Football Reference. If the team can force Jones to throw or, of course, get the sack, the defense should be able to get off the field quickly.
The San Francisco 49ers will kick off against the New York Giants in Levi’s Stadium this Thursday. The Giants will look to move to a winning record and not fall behind in the NFC East. The Niners are looking to stay undefeated, as well as on top of the NFC West. The 49ers will also wear their red throwbacks, so expect the energy to be high despite the short week.
