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Giants vs. 49ers: 5 key matchups to watch in Week 10 for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver Victor Cruz #80 of the New York Giants is tackled by cornerback Carlos Rogers #22 of the San Francisco 49ers after a pass reception during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park on October 14, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The New York Giants defeated the San Francisco 49ers 26-3. Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver Victor Cruz #80 of the New York Giants is tackled by cornerback Carlos Rogers #22 of the San Francisco 49ers after a pass reception during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park on October 14, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The New York Giants defeated the San Francisco 49ers 26-3. Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – NOVEMBER 13: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants walks off the field after throwing an interception against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 13, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – NOVEMBER 13: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants walks off the field after throwing an interception against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 13, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers look to nab their first winning streak of 2018 as they host the one-win New York Giants in Week 10 on Monday Night Football. Here are five key matchups to watch during the game.

For only the second time this season, the San Francisco 49ers have a shot at a winning streak. This, after the Niners pulled off a massive 34-3 win over the Oakland Raiders in Week 9.

Fortunately, another one-win team comes to town to take on head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad on Monday Night Football in Week 10. The New York Giants, sitting at 1-7, have had all kinds of problems on both sides of the ball. Veteran quarterback Eli Manning is looking more and more like he needs to be replaced, the offensive line is a mess and New York’s defense is nearly as shaky as that of Oakland.

So, needless to say, upstart quarterback Nick Mullens has the chance to be the hero once more during this prime-time bout.

The 49ers currently sit at three-point favorites, according to Odds Shark. And as is the case with every NFL game, regardless of the opponent, wins and losses will ultimately be determined by the matchups at stake.

Fortunately for San Francisco, there are plenty of matchups the team can win en route to victory No. 3 on the year.

Starting off with a key one coordinator Robert Saleh’s defense will have to worry about, Giants running back Saquon Barkley.

No. 5: 49ers Run Defense vs. Saquon Barkley

Instead of looking for a replacement for Manning in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Giants elected to go with Penn State running back Saquon Barkley at No. 2 overall.

Barkley has proven to be a bona fide stud. He’s currently averaging 4.7 yards per carry, which is tied for 14th best among all ball carriers this season. And with Manning holding back the pass offense, one shouldn’t be shocked if New York head coach Pat Shurmur looks to feature Barkley as much as possible during the game.

For some reason, however, the Giants still boast the league’s second worst rushing offense, totaling a mere 623 yards this season. Part of it is due to the G-Men playing from behind and being forced to rely heavily on the passing game.

That said, the Niners’ season-long issues with tackling could be in play here.

Linebacker Reuben Foster, who leads the team in missed tackles (12), missed Week 9 with a shoulder injury. It might be wise to shut him down for the year, especially if he’s a liability. And the Niners linebacking corps did just fine without him against Oakland.

Either way, Barkley putting up a big game would be one of only a few ways San Francisco could lose in Week 10.