Preview
This marks the third week in a row in which San Francisco has played a 1 win team. This matchup doesn’t constitute much praise, but it will have lasting implications on the draft order. Both standing at the bottom of the rankings boasting bottom five records. If OBJ’s prediction has anything to say about it, the Giants should win by a landslide on their way to 8 consecutive wins. Well, New Yorkers can dream, can’t they? Although this game does not boast playoff caliber rosters, there are still aspects that deserve attention. Nick Mullens will record his second start and could become the 49ers’ starter for the remainder of the season with a solid performance. OBJ is on Comeback Player of the Year watch, as he is on pace for 120 receptions and over 1500 yards. This game has interesting aspects surrounding the core, but still portrays dying teams unwilling to give up on their season.
Players to watch
Nick Mullens recorded his first NFL pass last week and made the Raiders pay. Some wonder where this kid came from and others still think it was due to Oaklands ineptitude. This contest will test the rookie further, as he prepares for Landon Collins and Janoris Jenkins. Odell Beckham has strung together back to back weeks of 8 receptions and 135 yards. If he can hit those totals for a third time, the G-Men have solid chances to pull out their first W in OBJ’s prediction. A lot will fall on the shoulders of the Giants defensive line, as without “Snacks” clogging the interior, Matt Breida could be in for a solid outing. Pierre Garcon and George Kittle seemed to be Mullen’s favorite targets from a week ago. If their production continues, New York fans may be in for a rough night.
Keys to the game
New York Giants
Protect Eli Manning.
Control the Clock
Get OBJ involved early
Force Takeaways
San Francisco 49ers
Protect the Ball
Force Turnovers
Pressure manning
Stop Saquon Barkley
Injury list
New York Giants
No Injury Designations - All Players Cleared to Play
San Francisco 49ers
Reuben Foster, LB - Hamstring (Out)
Pierre Garcon, WR - Knee (Out)
Jaquiski Tartt, S - Shoulder (Out)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Saquon Barkley, RB (NYG)
Odell Beckham Jr., WR (NYG)
George Kittle, TE (SF)
Sterling Shepard, WR (NYG)
Nick Mullens, QB (SF)
Prediction
The 49ers have allowed 102 yards per game on the ground, and they will have their hands full on Sunday against Saquon Barkley, who has his eyes set on the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. I am expecting OBJ and Barkley to combine for 300 yards and a couple touchdowns against the 49ers 22nd ranked defense. Although Nick Mullens nearly posted a perfect passer rating, he shouldn’t have the same success against New York’s eleventh ranked pass defense. With a big game from the Giants skill position players and a rocky outing from San Fran, the Giants should run away with their second win of the 2018 campaign.
Final Score: Giants 31, 49ers 20
Written by: Jason Feiner