Previewing Each Game on the San Francisco 49ers 2016 Schedule

Week 14 versus New York Jets

Sunday, December 11 at 4:05 p.m. ET

The New York Jets don’t have to worry about whether or not quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will be back for 2016, and this solves one of the pressing issues the Jets had to face this offseason.

New York nearly made the playoffs last year, and it’s likely they have their sights on even loftier goals this season. Adding running back Matt Forte will help the ground attack, and wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are forces in their own right.

But the Jets have their own questions along the right side of their offensive line, according to Pro Football Focus, which could open up the door to some pass-rushing problems this season.

Why the 49ers Win

It all starts up front, and the 49ers are able to negate Forte, Fitzpatrick and the dangerous Jets offense simply by dominating the Jets at the point of attack. The Niners will try and force all runs to go to the right, where New York’s O-line is weakest in run support.

To offset the prowess of standout defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson, the 49ers offense will plan on utilizing short, well-timed passes to keep the defensive pass rush honest.

And testing some of the deeper cast of the Jets secondary will also come into play.

Why the 49ers Lose

Wilkerson and a healthy cornerback Darrelle Revis force the 49ers to make a handful of costly mistakes on offense, which puts the Niners defense on the field too early and too often.

While the right side of New York’s O-line is questionable, it’s only a matter of time before Marshall and Decker begin to make a serious impact against a largely untested group of 49ers cornerbacks. And while San Francisco’s pass rush is effective to an extent, it simply won’t be enough.

Next: Week 15 at Atlanta Falcons