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Five 49ers to watch in must-win Week 14 game vs. Bills originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
There is no need to even discuss the 49ers’ playoff possibilities until they get back to the .500 mark.
That is, if they get back to the .500 mark.
The 49ers take a 5-6 record into Orchard Park, N.Y., where they will face one of the NFL’s hottest teams in conditions that might make their Week 12 game at Green Bay feel balmy.
But that’s low on the list of the 49ers’ concerns.
The top challenge that awaits comes in the form of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. With six regular-season games remaining, Allen is the betting favorite to win NFL Most Valuable Player.
“I think it starts with Josh Allen,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “I think he continues to get better. He’s all what he’s always been, effective, being able to run and scramble and find guys.
“The difference I think with him this year is just being more effective. He’s grown as far as being able to throw on time.”
Meanwhile, the 49ers are running out of time.
In order to keep it close and give themselves a chance to win, the 49ers must receive strong performances from these five players (and a whole lot more):
DT Maliek Collins
The 49ers’ depth on their defensive line has been tested this season, and Maliek Collins has been the rock in the interior of their defensive line.
Collins’ week has already been a good one. Collins surprised some unsuspecting families in the area with money for groceries around the Thanksgiving holiday.
On the field, Collins can make an impact, too.
The Bills’ run game is led by fourth-year running back James Cook, who has 596 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Collins will be asked to stuff the interior of the line and force Buffalo to become one-dimensional with its passing game.
Then, Collins will often stay on the field to rush the passer. His four sacks on the season rank behind only Nick Bosa (7) and Leonard Floyd (6.5) for tops on the team.
RG Dominick Puni
The…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/five-49ers-watch-must-win-181410270.html
Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-11-29 18:14:00
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