The San Francisco 49ers are big underdogs in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles, here are three bold predictions for Sunday’s contest.
Expectations of the San Francisco 49ers winning their first game of the 2017 season this weekend will be low as they take on a 6-1 Philadelphia Eagles team.
The Niners will be looking for a much better performance after being blown out 40-10 by the Dallas Cowboys last time out, but now face the challenge of going on the road against a legitimate playoff contender led by a quarterback in Carson Wentz who is in the MVP conversation.
But what can we expect from the 49ers in Week 8. Here we make three bold predictions for the matchups.
3. The 49ers to keep Eagles Under 100 yards rushing
San Francisco’s rush defense has largely been improved this season but collapsed in Week 7 as Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys gashed them for 265 yards on the ground. It was a disappointing dropoff for a 49ers defense that had kept opposing teams to under 100 yards rushing in two of the last three games but came against one of of the best running backs in the league coming off a bye week.
The Niners will not be facing the same caliber of running back this weekend, with LeGarrette Blount’s downhill style of running the kind they should be able to slow down even with Arik Armstead on the sidelines. Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement provide decent change-of-pace options for the Eagles but, with Philadelphia coming off a short week, San Francisco should be confident of resuming normal service in stopping the run.
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2. Zach Ertz to be kept in check
Zach Ertz is enjoying a breakout season for the Eagles, averaging 70.6 yards per game with 494 receiving yards to his name so far. Having seen Jason Witten catch all four of his targets for 54 yards and a touchdown last week, this seems to be a good matchup for Ertz on paper.
But statistically San Francisco has been very good defending tight ends. The 49ers are giving up just 37.1 yards per game to tight ends and are ranked first in the league in Football Outsiders’ DVOA in that regard. Philadelphia’s outside receivers should have no problems shredding San Francisco, but do not be surprised if it is an unexpectedly quiet day for Ertz.
1. Carlos Hyde to have a 100-yard bounce-back game
The Eagles have allowed 100 yards rushing to just one opposing team all season, but hey we’re going bold here. It’s tough to find too many areas where San Francisco can exploit the Eagles. Philadelphia has been susceptible to passes over the middle so tight end George Kittle should have some success, but it’s tough to expect the passing game to hold up with right tackle Trent Brown and guard Brandon Fusco both questionable to play.
With possible changes on the offensive line, expect San Francisco to try to build confidence up front by focusing on the the running game and a tailback in Hyde who looked back to his best after hip issues in previous weeks.
Next: NFL Week 8: One burning question for each team
Hyde averaged 4.9 yards per attempt as he put up 68 yards on 14 carries against Dallas, but the 49ers were unable to stick with the run game as the contest got out of hand. But Hyde may be the Niners’ most reliable offensive option on Sunday as they bid to avoid another blowout. Sheer volume could well result in a big day for the starting running back.