Our staff writers break down the San Francisco 49ers Week 10 matchup, a home game against the New York Giants.
Let's dive into the keys to the game in this "Four Downs" preview of Sunday's divisional matchup, presented by SunPower.1st Down:Who will score the 49ers first touchdown?@JoeFann: C.J. Beathard
The rookie quarterback has just as many rushing touchdowns as passing touchdowns this season (two). With all of the injuries to the 49ers receiving corps. (Pierre Garçon, George Kittle and Trent Taylor) it seems as likely as anything that Beathard will get his third rushing touchdown on Sunday.
@KeianaMartinTV: Pierre Garçon
The 49ers definitely fed "Los" last week as Hyde led the team in both rushing (41) and receiving yards (84) and set a new single-game career-high in receptions (nine). Hyde is averaging over 84 total yards through nine weeks of the season and leads the team in touchdowns with four. Hyde is due for another score after not seeing the end zone since Week 6. It's a definitely a possibility against the Giants 28th-ranked rushing defense.2nd Down: Which 49ers defender will force a turnover?
@JoeFann: Dontae Johnson
I'm going with Johnson for no other reason other than he's due. Johnson hasn't had a pick since his rookie season in 2014. As an every-down player on the 49ers defense, he's got as good a chance as anyone else to intercept Eli Manning on Sunday.
**@KeianaMartinTV**: Adrian Colbert
The 49ers seventh-round pick will get his first-career start on Sunday in the place of the injured Jaquiski Tartt. In rookie cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon's first NFL start against the Eagles, he came down with his first-career interception. I think Colbert will keep the rookie trend going and come up with a pick of his own against Eli Manning and a Giants offense that committed three turnovers in Week 9.3rd Down: Which 49ers player are you most excited to watch?
@JoeFann: Reuben Foster
Foster is the marquee player on the 49ers defense. He led the team with 14 tackles in Week 9 and should be all over the place again on Sunday against the Giants. Foster had a few splash plays in the backfield and stops on third down against the Arizona Cardinals. All eyes should be on No. 56 each time the 49ers defense takes the field.
**@KeianaMartinTV**: Marquise Goodwin
Goodwin has had a handful of explosive plays this season. That includes a 55-yard grab down field last week against the Arizona Cardinals. Last Sunday against the Rams, the Giants gave up six plays of 35 yards or more. Goodwin has yet to find the endzone this season, and I'd be excited to see Goodwin break loose down field for six.4th Down: What is your bold prediction?
@JoeFann: The 49ers get a defensive score
I'm doubling down on this one. San Francisco is one of eight NFL teams without a defensive score this season. As the 49ers offense has been limited to just 10 points in each of its last three games, a defensive touchdown would be a welcomed sight.
**@KeianaMartinTV**:49ers lead wire-to-wire
On paper, this is a perfect opportunity for the 49ers to get their first win. San Francisco has trailed during the majority of their contests, and I'm certain Kyle Shanahan hopes to get off to a strong start against the struggling Giants on Sunday. I predict San Francisco to find their rhythm early against New York and head into the bye with a win.
