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Five 49ers to watch in must-win NFC game vs. Bears in Week 14 originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The 49ers still are mathematically in the NFC postseason picture.
But a lot would have to go right for Kyle Shanahan’s team to qualify for the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season.
First, they have to start winning games.
And Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Bears is anything but a sure thing, even as the opposition enters Levi’s Stadium on a six-game losing streak.
The 49ers are coming off back-to-back losses to Green Bay and Buffalo by a combined 73-20.
The Bears, meanwhile, have suffered narrow misses. They have lost consecutive games to Green Bay, Minnesota and Detroit — postseason-bound teams from the NFC North — by a combined seven points.
With an eye to the future, here are five players who have to step up for the 49ers to get back on the winning track:
S Ji’Ayir Brown
Second-year safety Ji’Ayir Brown has started all 12 games this season. He has experienced his ups and downs along the way.
Brown started just five regular-season games as a rookie. He intercepted two passes and added another in the Super Bowl, when he picked off Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes.
This season, the big plays have been lacking for Brown. He has just one interception and no forced fumbles or fumble recoveries.
Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has done a good job of protecting the football. He has gone six games without throwing an interception. Brown must put himself in a position to generate a takeaway that could swing the momentum of this game.
DE Sam Okuayinonu
The 49ers must upgrade their defensive line in the offseason, so these games down the stretch are important for players to show they’re part of the solution.
Okuayinonu made the first two starts of his NFL career the past two weeks in place of injured Nick Bosa.
Although a starting job in the future might not be in the cards for Okuayinonu, he can show he is worthy of a long-term role with the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/five-49ers-watch-must-win-182204690.html
Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-12-06 18:22:00
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