Raiders vs. 49ers: 5 players to watch for San Francisco in Week 9
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Tight End George Kittle
Notice how the first three players on this list are on offense? Well, if the Raiders defense is bad, why would it be any other way?
San Francisco 49ers
Questions at quarterback, combined with the overall lack of production from San Francisco’s wide receiver corps, prompts the need for Kyle Shanahan to get even more effort out of his No. 1 tight end, George Kittle.
Oakland’s pass defense is suspect, allowing a league-high 8.3 yards per pass on the season. That could open up more opportunity for the Niners’ other pass catchers, but it also means a big night for Kittle could be in store.
Kittle has been a bona fide force this season, leading all 49ers receivers with 37 receptions and 584 yards. Granted, it would help if the 49ers either had C.J. Beathard starting or, at the very least, a somewhat-productive Nick Mullens under center. But assuming either quarterback is able to effectively move the ball against a bad defense, one should expect Kittle to be a major X-factor.
Especially in the red zone.
The Raiders are tied in the category of giving up the most touchdowns to tight ends this season (five).
So look for Kittle to be a go-to target when the Niners offense gets into the red zone.