49ers vs. Browns: Previewing Week 14 for San Francisco

Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Shaun Draughn (24) runs past Chicago Bears outside linebacker Sam Acho (49) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

49ers Offensive & Defensive X-Factors

With the Bears having allowed the second-most rushing yards in 2015, fans should expect San Francisco’s offensive game plan to focus heavily on running back Shaun Draughn.

Draughn is averaging only 3.3 yards per carry but has been a workhorse since taking over the featured spot in Week 9. He also has emerged as a receiving threat out of the backfield. Last week in Chicago, Draughn hauled in five catches for 50 yards.

“He’s looking really good on the field,” Browns and former 49ers safety Donte Whitner said on a conference call with Bay Area reporters (h/t Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News). “(Draughn is) running the football, catching out of the backfield, kind of making us wish we kept him.”

Look for Draughn to take advantage of a weak Cleveland run defense.

On the other side of the ball, the Browns will look to involve their tight end Gary Barnidge.

Barnidge leads his team with 60 receptions and seven touchdowns — six of which have come within the red zone.

Linebacker NaVorro Bowman, who struggled early this season in coverage assignments but was much better in recent weeks, will likely be tasked with covering Barnidge as well as safety Eric Reid.

Bowman is consistently the team leader in tackles week to week. And his 89 tackles leads San Francisco. Fellow linebacker Michael Wilhoite is a distant second with 62.

Barnidge versus Bowman should be an enticing matchup to watch.

Next: Game Info & How to Watch