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San Francisco 49ers: 5 best player matchups to watch this season

By Aaron Tan

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 12: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Candlestick Park on January 12, 2013 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 12: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Candlestick Park on January 12, 2013 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers is hit by Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. Donald was flagged for roughing the passer. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers is hit by Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. Donald was flagged for roughing the passer. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Weston Richburg vs. Aaron Donald (Weeks 7 and 17 vs. Los Angeles Rams)

Center Weston Richburg was arguably the 49ers’ most prized acquisition in free agency this season. I explained why Richburg was such a good signing for the 49ers in this article.

To sum it up, the main reason was scheme fit, which was the theme of the 49ers’ free agency as a whole. I am confident in Richburg’s ability to be a truly great center in this offense, and that is why his matchup against the Rams’ interior defensive lineman, Aaron Donald, will be so fun to watch.

Donald has long been regarded as one of the best, if not the best, defensive tackles in the league. He is the best piece of the Rams defense and a crucial factor in their recent success.

The matchup between Richburg and Donald will be even. Richburg will win some one-on-ones, and Donald will get his fair share of wins against Richburg. It will just be two great football players going at it against each other, and it will be nothing but fun to watch.