Week 15 Preview: Titan-ic opportunity for Niners to put stranglehold on playoff hopes.
The well rested San Francisco 49ers return home from their bye week to take on a Tennessee Titans team that is fresh off of their second win of the season. The Titans 31-29 win against Cleveland in the snow saw RB Tony Pollard rush for 165 yards and two touchdowns in what was easily their best offensive game this season. The 49ers will have to ensure that Pollard and the Titans cannot repeat that output in order to keep a firm hold on their playoff hopes.
On the surface, playing the 2-11 Titans should not instill much concern, but with the 49ers supplanted in the middle of a race for the NFC West (and possibly the number one seed in the NFC) with the Rams and Seahawks, this game couldn’t be more important and certainly cannot be overlooked. Sitting one game behind their divisional foes, the 49ers may have to win out in order to secure a division title. The late bye week may serve the Niners well as they will come into this game at the healthiest they have been all season, and should see the return of several key players for the final stretch run.
The 49ers hold a 9-6 record all-time vs the Titans/Oilers, with the last matchup being in 2021 being a 20-17 Titans victory in Tennessee.
Injury Report
The 49ers made a series of roster moves this week including the release of K Matt Gay, signaling the return of Eddy Pineiro. DE Yetur Gross-Matos is also close to returning to action as are LB Tatum Bethune and DE Sam Okuayinonu. FB Kyle Juszczyk is dealing with a rib injury and is limited in practice with his status up in the air for this game.
49ers
LB Tatum Bethune (ankle)
DE Sam Okuayinonu (ankle)
FB Kyle Juszczyk (ribs)
LB Nick Martin (concussion)
Titans
DT CJ Ravenell (toe)
LB James Williams Sr (illness)
Matchups to Watch
49ers Defensive Line vs Tony Pollard
Coming off of his career best game at Cleveland, Tony Pollard will garner a lot of attention from 49ers DC Robert Saleh. If Alfred Collins and company can effectively disrupt the run lanes, the Titans will struggle to move the ball efficiently. While QB Cam Ward is capable of making plays, forcing the Titans offense to be one dimensional should benefit the 49ers. If Pollard can get going on the ground, it could make for a long day for the 49ers defense.
49ers Interior O-Line vs Jeffrey Simmons
If there is one player on Tennessee’s roster that has a chance to disrupt this game, it is DT Jeffrey Simmons. While Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, and Spencer Burford have been playing well over the last few weeks, they will have their hands full with Simmons. Neutralizing Simmons will be the key to getting the run game going with Christian McCaffrey and Brian Robinson Jr. If Simmons is able to disrupt, look for the 49ers offense to move to a quick strike passing game and screens to keep the Titans defense off balance.
Brock Purdy vs. the Tennessee Secondary
If Brock Purdy spent his bye week watching the Titans take on the Browns and saw Shedeur Sanders throw for 364 yards and three touchdowns, there is no doubt he is licking his chops at the thought of slinging the ball around the yard come Sunday afternoon. Can Purdy take advantage of this Titans secondary and re-establish his connection with WR Ricky Pearsall? That is a question that should be answered early in the game.
The 49ers Win, IF…
Stopping Tony Pollard and the run game to force rookie QB Cam Ward to beat the defense in the pocket will be the gameplan. If the 49ers defense can take away Ward’s first read, he will get antsy and force throws that the secondary should be able to take advantage of. Ball control on offense and establishing the run game will be key on offense, while using play action to allow Purdy to make plays down the field.
The Titans Win, IF…
This week has the feel of what could be a trap game as the 49ers do not want to get caught looking ahead to their final three weeks of playoff caliber opponents. If the 49ers come in under-prepared and allow the Titans run game to get going, they could be in for a dog fight on Sunday afternoon.
Final Thoughts, Spread, and Prediction
The 49ers enter this game as a whopping 12.5 favorite over the visiting Titans. A focused and ready 49er squad should be able to take care of business as long as they play their game and control the ball. With the playoffs firmly within their grasp, I expect the 49ers ready to fight their way to the top of the NFC standings.
This should be a one sided game, and the 49ers will cover the large spread.
Prediction: 49ers 26, Titans 13