49ers vs. Dolphins: Previewing Week 12 for San Francisco

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Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs the ball for a first down in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive and Defensive X-Factors for San Francisco

G Joshua Garnett

Rookie guard Joshua Garnett will get one of the bigger tests of the season in Week 12 going up against Dolphins pass-rushing defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who leads Miami starters with five sacks on the year.

Pass protection was never one of Garnett’s strength’s coming out of college, so this will be quite the intriguing matchup to keep quarterback Colin Kaepernick protected.

October 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the 49ers 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

WR Jeremy Kerley

Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley hasn’t been much of a factor since Kaepernick took over. But he’s still a valuable part of the offense and could have a good day against Dolphins nickel corner Bobby McCain.

According to Pro Football Focus, McCain is posting a 64.8 overall grade on the season. So Kerley might wind up being a No. 1 option in the passing game.

RB Carlos Hyde

Which version of running back Carlos Hyde will we see in Week 12? Will he be the ball-carrier who danced around too much against the Cardinals? Or will Hyde look more decisive like he did last week against New England?

We’ve already covered how stopping the run has been one of the Dolphins’ weaknesses this season. It’s a matchup head coach Chip Kelly would be wise to exploit.

49ers Run Defense

If the Niners stop the run, they have a good chance at pulling off the upset. If they don’t, well, you know the story.

The problem is Dolphins tailback Jay Ajayi. He’s pretty good, in case you haven’t noticed.

So look for defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey to be a factor as well as inside linebacker Gerald Hodges. If defensive ends DeForest Buckner and Quinton Dial press gaps, and guys like Eli Harold and Ahmad Brooks set the edges well enough, the Niners might just be able to slow Ajayi down enough.