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The Washington Football Team is coming off of a very impressive Monday Night Football win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13. That win marked their third in a row, putting them in a position to win the NFC East at 5-7.
Washington's Week 14 matchup comes against the San Francisco 49ers, a team that is not defined by their record. Although they have had their struggles this season, the 49ers are a team that is capable of beating anyone in the NFL on their best day.
Washington will have a tough task ahead of them in Week 14. Here are four bold predictions for the Week 14 matchup between Washington and San Francisco.
1. Washington defense will have 3 or more takeaways
Although Nick Mullens has done a solid job replacing Jimmy Garoppolo, he isn't exactly turnover proof. Mullens has six interceptions and a fumble over the last four games. That number is sure to increase against this Washington defense.
Washington has the third-best pass defense when it comes to passing yards allowed. They do a great job getting to the quarterback and forcing them to make ill-advised throws under pressure. The Washington pass rush, headlined by Chase Young, Montez Sweat and Jonathan Allen are going to be putting the pressure on Mullens all game. Expect some poor decisions from the backup.
It's not just like they don't take the ball away either. Washington is averaging 1.67 takeaways over their last three contests.
The Washington pass rush will be too much for Mullens to handle on Sunday. Expect a flurry of turnovers.
2. Washington will take the sole lead of the NFC East
Currently Washington is 5-7 and sits at second in the division behind the New York Giants. The Giants also have a 5-7 record, but since they have beaten Washington twice this season they own the tiebreaker. The NFC East rankings are going to change this week.
Not only will Washington beat the San Francisco 49ers, moving to 6-7, but the New York Giants will also lose to the Cardinals this week, moving Washington to first place in the division.
The Washington Football Team goes into Week 14 as three-point underdogs against the 49ers, which is surprising considering the win streak that this team is on.
Expect to see Washington not only cover, but win out right. The new sheriffs of the NFC East are in town and they're not wearing blue and red.
3. JD McKissic will record 10+ receptions
With Antonio Gibson out with a toe injury, JD McKissic will likely take the field as Washington's primary back. McKissic is primarily used in the passing game, but will now assume the role as the team's every down back.
Alex Smith has been remarkable for Washington over the last few games and his favorite target has been McKissic. The 49ers have excellent cornerbacks in Richard Sherman and Jason Verrett, so running backs and tight ends will be the primary targets on Sunday.
Since Alex Smith has been the starter for Washington, McKissic has recorded over 10 targets three times. With Gibson missing the majority of the team's last game against the Steelers, McKissic recorded 10 receptions for 70 yards.
McKissic is poised to have a major contribution on Sunday against the 49ers. Expect a healthy dose of receptions for the veteran running back.
4. Washington defense allows fewer than 80 yards rushing
The 49ers are a zone-run team whose focal point on offense is moving the ball on the ground. The rotation of Mostert, Jeff Wilson, and Jerick McKinnon is one of the best committees in the NFL. Washington has the 10th-best rush defense in the NFL, allowing 107 yards per game on the ground.
Washington should have no trouble getting to the quarterback on passing plays, giving them an opportunity to play the run more often. Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen have done a great job making plays in the backfield this season thus far. Expect a few tackles for loss and a deficit early for the 49ers, forcing them into a pass heavy approach.
The 49ers will have trouble running the ball on Sunday. The Washington defense is coming to play.
Overall
The Washington Football Team has shown their resilience as a franchise and their desire to shake up the NFC. Even if they don't win their division, Washington is only one game out of the final Wild Card spot, currently held by the 6-6 Minnesota Vikings.
This will be an exciting game that will go back and forth. Don't anticipate a blowout, but expect Washington's defense to really make an impact on this game.
