49ers vs. Texans: 5 key matchups to watch in Week 14

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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after defending a pass against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 2: 49ers’ Ahkello Witherspoon vs. Texans’ DeAndre Hopkins

Despite the Texans being forced to start backup quarterback Tom Savage in the wake of rookie QB Deshaun Watson’s season-ending knee injury, No. 1 Houston wideout DeAndre Hopkins is still putting forth a remarkable season.

HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 19: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Houston Texans signals first down against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Hopkins ranks second among all NFL receivers entering Week 14 in receiving yards (1,084),212 behind the league leader, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown.

It’s safe to say any chance the Texans have to win this game, offensively, comes down to how big an impact Hopkins has versus the 49ers secondary.

Covering him largely falls upon the shoulders of rookie cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon.

Witherspoon has been tested moderately this year — 210 pass-coverage snaps — but didn’t face much opposition with the Bears’ anemic receiving corps last week. Hopkins presents a serious challenge, vastly superior to what the rookie had to deal with last week.

If stopping Houston’s ground game is of serious importance to San Francisco’s defense, the Witherspoon-versus-Hopkins matchup is just as crucial.