Titans vs. 49ers: 5 crucial matchups for San Francisco in Week 15
By Peter Panacy
![SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 08: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans runs is tackled by Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 8, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 08: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans runs is tackled by Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 8, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/76fdf515a9b322096e867ec591570d6c868398d5766a3c8aa17cfca04ef64df9.jpg)
No. 3: Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon vs. Wide Receiver Rishard Matthews
As noted earlier, the Titans aren’t quite getting the desired production levels out of wide receivers Corey Davis or Eric Decker.
But the primary beneficiary of this has been veteran wideout Rishard Matthews.
The 28-year-old receiver has 645 yards on the season and leads all Tennessee receivers with three touchdown grabs. While he’s not necessarily Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota’s favorite target — more on that in a second — he’s proven to be a worthy option.
Covering him will largely fall upon the shoulders of rookie cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, who suffered a knee injury in Houston last week. According to Niners Wire’s Chris Biderman, Witherspoon could end up playing this Sunday, which is a good sign.
Especially considering how much No. 2 cornerback Dontae Johnson was victimized by the Texans offense a week ago.
Witherspoon has been a bright spot within San Francisco’s defense, and it will be interesting to see how this particular matchup rounds out.