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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) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Titans Pass Defense

The Titans have done a good job this season limiting opponents’ running games, allowing an average of just 3.6 yards per carry — third best in the NFL.

While head coach Kyle Shanahan shouldn’t stray from the running game, this stat line means he’ll have to rely pretty heavily on quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to move the ball effectively through the air.

The last two games, against relatively good defenses, have shown Garoppolo is comfortable doing this.

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Where Garoppolo has shown to be most effective is over the middle of the field. Tennessee has a great coverage safety in Kevin Byard, but strong safety Johnathan Cyprien has been a bit of a liability. And we’ve already touted why the Marquise Goodwin versus LeShaun Sims matchup is vital.

But this could be a game where slot receiver Trent Taylor makes a big impact. Garoppolo targeted Taylor just three times last week, but we should expect that to change this week.

Overall, 49ers fans will be watching closely to see if Garoppolo can continue playing at the same level he’s displayed the previous two-plus weeks.

If so, it will only reinforce the notion San Francisco has its franchise quarterback.

Next: NFL power rankings: Stacking up 32 teams heading into Week 15

The 49ers and Titans kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.