49ers-Giants preview: QB Nick Mullens key to victory on Monday Night Football
By Chris Wilson
The San Francisco 49ers and third-string quarterback Nick Mullens host the New York Giants tonight on Monday Night Football. Niner Noise previews the 49ers’ Week 10 matchup, including key stats, players to watch, X-factors, injury news and how to watch the game live.
Tonight’s Monday Night Football matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants marks the third time the Niners have been featured in a prime-time game over the past month.
So far in 2018, San Francisco impressed when playing in front of a national audience, as their two games under the lights included both an exciting down-to-the-wire battle with a formidable NFC opponent, and a trouncing of a long-time Bay-Area rival.
Last week’s final “Battle of the Bay” was the coming-out party for 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens, who transformed himself from an unknown third-stringer into a household name thanks to a record-breaking NFL debut.
For more on Mullens’ breakout performance during last week’s blowout win, check out Niner Noise’s game recap and post-game grades and analysis including highlights of the game and full position grades.
Similar to last week, the 49ers will face off in Week 10 against a rebuilding team on a downward trend. The one-win Giants currently hold the NFL’s worst record, and are a leading candidate for the top spot in the 2019 NFL Draft.
With just two wins on the season, San Francisco hasn’t fared much better, but a victory over New York — along with their defeat of the Oakland Raiders last Thursday — would nearly ensure that the 49ers won’t draft first in 2019.
The Giants do have the advantage of extra rest and preparation for tonight’s game thanks to their Week 9 bye, but the Niners are riding high after playing their best game of the 2018 season last week against the Raiders.
The key to victory for San Francisco will be the play of their third-string quarterback. Mullens — who wasn’t immediately given the starting job despite his historic NFL debut — won’t be expected to provide a repeat performance in Week 10. But if the former undrafted free agent can give the Niners the serviceable quarterback play they’ve lacked for much of the season, the 49ers should enter their bye week with a two-game winning streak.
Let’s break down some important aspects of the San Francisco 49ers and their Week 10 opponent, the New York Giants.