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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: Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Nick Mullens vs. Giants Pass Defense

Was Nick Mullens’ 151.9 passer rating in his NFL debut an anomaly? Or is it a sign of things to come?

At any rate, Mullens can take some comfort knowing the Giants pass rush is just about as bad as that of the Raiders. While Oakland entered Week 10 with a mere seven sacks, adding none during the game and remaining dead last in the NFL, New York can boast only 10 entering this contest — one spot ahead of the Raiders in this ranking.

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So one wouldn’t expect Mullens to worry about being sacked too much during the game. But there are still advantages to be exploited here.

Granted, the Giants have allowed only 1,952 yards through the air — 16th in the league. Yet that number is skewed by the fact they’ve been playing from behind against teams looking to run out the clock with the rushing game.

Instead, the bigger number to look at is average yards per play, which sits at an average of 6.9 through the air.

That ranks 25th.

While the Niners have been bad at forcing turnovers, particularly interceptions, the Giants are just about as paltry, registering four pass-based takeaways on the year.

If Mullens can pick up where he left off against the Raiders, he should have little trouble dissecting New York’s questionable defense in Week 10.

3 stats to consider in Week 10 between 49ers & Giants. dark. Next

The 49ers and Giants kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Nov. 12 from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.