San Francisco 49ers: 3 Bold predictions vs. Titans in Week 15

The San Francisco 49ers host the Tennessee Titans in Week 15 looking to make it three wins in a row. Here we make three bold predictions for the game.

The San Francisco 49ers are one of the in-form teams in the NFL having won three of their last four games, and they will look to continue that fine run when they host the Tennessee Titans in Week 15. Sunday’s contest will mark the first home start for Jimmy Garoppolo, the 49ers quarterback having significantly impressed in leading them to wins over the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans.

Garoppolo will now look to make it three in a row and faces a Titans team whose playoff hopes look in jeopardy after an alarming dip in performances.

The three-win 49ers are favored to come away with the victory and here we make three bold predictions for the contest.

3. Garrett Celek to have a 100-yard game

“Celek time” has become a popular phrase in the 49ers’ locker room, even more so after the tight end had a two-catch 67-yard game in the win over the Texans, scoring the touchdown that put them up for good.

Celek looks to be a reliable target for Garoppolo and the Titans are giving up an average of 61.8 yards per game to tight ends, according to Football Outsiders. Look for Celek to take advantage of a favorable matchup and have his best game of the season.

2. Solomon Thomas to have multiple sacks

With only two sacks on the year, some may suggest Solomon Thomas has had an underwhelming year. However, Thomas is already an excellent run defender and has a chance to pad his sack total this weekend.

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The Titans have given up at least three sacks in four of their last six games and enter this game with both left tackle Taylor Lewan and Marcus Mariota banged up, though both will play.

Lewan is an integral part of the Titans offensive line, but Thomas would be a tough matchup even if the tackle was not recovering from injury. The third overall pick has the talent to get the better of the ailing Lewan and sack a less mobile Mariota multiple times.

1. Carlos Hyde to have over 150 scrimmage yards

The Titans run defense is ranked a respectable 15th in the NFL by Football Outsiders’ DVOA but has endured several rough outings this season. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals and the Texans have all come close to putting up 200 yards on the ground against the Titans.

That should be music to the ears of 49ers running back Carlos Hyde, who had 78 yards and a touchdown on just 14 carries against the Texans. With the passing game flourishing thanks to Garoppolo and Matt Breida spelling Hyde effectively, the 49ers’ starter is being kept fresh. But he should get plenty of run on Sunday versus a Titans team that is giving up nearly nine targets and 52.5 receiving yards per game to opposing running backs, per Football Outsiders.

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Hyde has not been as involved in the passing game with Garoppolo replacing C.J. Beathard under center, but he should still receive some targets on Sunday and is well positioned to put together a strong performance in what has been a quietly impressive year.