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Jaguars vs. 49ers: 5 matchups to watch for San Francisco in Week 16

By Peter Panacy

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: #32 Kendall Hunter of the San Francisco 49ers attempts to break free during the NFL International Series game between San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on October 27, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: #32 Kendall Hunter of the San Francisco 49ers attempts to break free during the NFL International Series game between San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on October 27, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks evades Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks evades Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Linebacker Reuben Foster vs. Running Back Leonard Fournette

There’s going to be a bit of a reunion between rookies Reuben Foster and Leonard Fournette on Sunday.

Remember this?

The Jaguars sit as the No. 1-ranked rushing offense in the league, totaling 2,087 yards on the ground, and Fournette is a big reason why. He’s only averaging 4.0 yards per carry, but his 83.9 total rush yards per game ranks fifth in the NFL.

Jacksonville should be expected to put the ball in Fournette’s hands early and often, therefore taking pressure off Blake Bortles to be a key playmaker.

That’s where Foster comes in.

The 49ers defense has experienced a major turnaround versus the run this season, ranking seventh best in the league allowing just 3.8 yards per attempt. Foster’s 90.4 Pro Football Focus run-defense grade is a big reason why.

If San Francisco’s defensive front can do a good job cutting off lanes and slowing Fournette down at the point of attack, Foster should have a relatively easy day converging on the talented tailback.

Regardless of the stats, this should be a matchup every fan will want to watch.