The last game of the final week of the season will feature the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. Of all the players on the team, the 49ers need Deebo Samuel to have a huge game against the Seahawks in Week 17.
Earlier this season, San Francisco acquired Emmanuel Sanders from the Denver Broncos. The veteran pass-catcher immediately became the 49ers' No. 1 wide receiver for Jimmy Garoppolo. San Francisco was hoping to see Dante Pettis become a reliable option in his second season in the NFL. Instead, as a rookie, Samuel emerged as San Francisco's No. 2 wide receiver as the season progressed.
When the team landed Sanders, it was assumed that Samuel and the other wide receivers would see a decrease in targets. Contrary to belief, the rookie out of South Carolina has been even better with Sanders on the opposite side of the field.
In his first 14 games in the NFL, Samuel has hauled in 52 receptions for 700 yards and three touchdowns. However, since Week 8 (when Sanders arrived), the team's second-round pick has corralled 37 catches for 532 yards and two touchdowns. He's had the best season by a rookie receiver in team history since Jerry Rice.
On Sunday night, the 49ers will need a win over the Seahawks to secure the NFC West title. Without a doubt, Seattle will be focused on slowing down the likes of George Kittle and Sanders. With that being said, Samuel could go overlooked and be a key contributor to San Francisco's offense. Seattle particularly doesn't have a defense that should cause any issues for the 49ers' offense.
Seattle's defense is 24th in the NFL against the run. That bodes well for a San Francisco team that boasts the No. 2 ranked rushing attack. At the same time, the Seahawks have been susceptible to the pass, allowing 263.5 passing yards per game (27th in the NFL).
Provided that, everyone in the offense should get involved in Sunday night's contest. Among them, Samuel is poised to have a notable outing in a crucial showdown with the Seahawks.
The last time these two teams met, the Seahawks prevailed over the 49ers in overtime by the score of 27-24. Jason Myers was able to deliver a game-winning field goal following a Russell Wilson led drive. Despite San Francisco losing the game, Samuel had one of his best performances of the season as he caught eight passes for 112 passes.
There's no reason to believe that he can't repeat his performance from Week 10 in Week 17. The key to the 49ers being crowned the NFC West champions on Sunday is dependent on how Deebo Samuel plays.
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