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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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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers walks off the field after defeating the Oakland Raiders 34-3 in their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers walks off the field after defeating the Oakland Raiders 34-3 in their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

No. 3: George Kittle vs. Landon Collins

It’s fairly obvious to state, but second-year tight end George Kittle is the 49ers’ best weapon on offense.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

And it’s not even close.

Kittle is on pace to record 1,230-plus receiving yards this season, which would mark a franchise high for San Francisco tight ends. His reliability as a target, regardless who is under center, has been a major boost for what has otherwise been a frustrating passing game in 2018.

So, why should anything change in Week 10?

Covering Kittle has proven to be a tough assignment. Against the Giants, that responsibility will largely fall upon fourth-year pro safety Landon Collins, who has two Pro Bowl nods and one first-team All-Pro selection back in 2016.

Like most of the Giants defense, Collins has had something of a down here. After recording five interceptions back in 2016, Collins has yet to post one this season and has just four passes broken up.

He’ll have some opportunities against Kittle, though, as Nick Mullens will look to make the talented tight end a key factor during the game.