The San Francisco 49ers are one of a few teams that have must-win games in Week 7, as they will clash with the Indianapolis Colts for their second primetime home game of the season.
The 49ers currently hold a lowly 2-3 record, which ranks third in the NFC West standings. Much has contributed to San Francisco's sluggish start to the campaign, from their notable second half collapses to the mere two takeaways recorded this season.
Following their bye week, the 49ers are now looking to snap their recent three-game losing streak with a possible Sunday Night Football win over the Colts in Week 7. If the 49ers are able to hit on each of these four tasks over the course of the game, then it is fair to say that they will come away with a much-needed home victory.
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4. Nick Bosa wins the much-anticipated duel against Eric Fisher
49ers pass rusher Nick Bosa has been a menace to left tackles so far this season. The third-year right defensive end currently leads San Francisco in sacks with 5.0 to go along with a notable 10 quarterback hits recorded.
Now, Bosa is set to clash with Colts left tackle Eric Fisher in Week 7.
Now in his 30s, Fisher has lost a step following multiple standout seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He did suffer a torn Achilles injury during the Chiefs' 2020 AFC Championship Game win over the Buffalo Bills last season. The veteran tackle recently hinted that he still is not at 100 percent following the season-ending injury.
With his sheer strength coupled with his speed off the line of scrimmage, Bosa could be in for a field day against Fisher to the point where Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus may need to call for double teams in order to contain him.
3. 49ers win the turnover battle for the first time this season
As mentioned, the 49ers have not had much to go their way in the takeaways department this year. They are currently tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the fewest total takeaways with a mere two. Their NFC West rivals in the Arizona Cardinals (13) and the Los Angeles Rams (10) each rank in the top 10 in this stat.
This sure can come as a surprise to many, especially since San Francisco boasts one of the more formidable front sevens in all the NFL.
The 49ers will face off against a Colts team that has been quite cautious while on offense thanks to the mere five giveaways. Three of the Colts' giveaways this season have come courtesy of quarterback Carson Wentz, who has lost two fumbles and thrown one interception.
As mentioned before, Bosa may be in for a standout showing in going up against Fisher. And when a player of Bosa's caliber can reach the backfield and get to quarterbacks, it sure can create for turnovers. Thus, expect Bosa to play a vital role in this area of play against the Colts.
2. Trey Sermon posts the first breakout game of his career
Rookie running back Trey Sermon sure is due for a standout game in his rookie campaign.
Sermon is facing notable competition to be the 49ers' main go-to running back. Rookie running back Elijah Mitchell has made the most out of his opportunities in the campaign thanks to his team-high 189 rushing yards. JaMycal Hasty, who is just coming off of a stint on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, is also making a case to earn more snaps per game in Shanahan's offensive scheme, especially in pass plays.
Sermon sure will have a golden opportunity to prove his worth to the team against the Colts in Week 7. Whether in critical rush attempts or as a pass-blocker, he must showcase to the 49ers coaching staff that he has what it takes to be a versatile running back.
1. Jimmy Garoppolo once again shines in primetime
Jimmy Garoppolo's last primetime game came in Week 3 during the Sunday Night Football encounter with the Green Bay Packers. While he led a key touchdown drive that gave the 49ers a lead late in the game, it was not enough to push San Francisco to a pivotal win over the NFC powerhouse.
Now, Garoppolo will get another opportunity in primetime to show on just why he deserves to be the 49ers' starting quarterback for the remainder of the year.
Garoppolo was recently sidelined due to a calf injury that he suffered during the Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. But after rehabbing the injury for the past two weeks, Garoppolo is now ready to start for San Francisco.
The veteran quarterback will have a golden chance to post a stout performance against a sluggish Colts secondary unit. For one, the likes of cornerbacks Kenny Moore (102.3) and Xavier Rhodes (130.5) have allowed a passer rating of over 100 when targeted this season.
Garoppolo must be on close watch for any downfield opportunities with wideout Deebo Samuel, as this could end up being an X-factor in the contest.
In the big picture, the 49ers simply need to do what they can in order to avoid a 2-4 start to the campaign.
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