Niner Noise
FanSided

5 predictions for 49ers vs. Browns on Monday Night Football

By Peter Panacy

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns scrambles while under pressure from defensive end Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 13, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns scrambles while under pressure from defensive end Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 13, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a 52-yard play after making a catch against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a 52-yard play after making a catch against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 2: A 49ers Pass Catcher Goes Over 100 Yards Receiving

To date, no Niners receiving threat has recorded 100 receiving yards in a single game. Not even in the 49ers’ Week 2 blowout of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Expect that to change in Week 5.

A key reason why is a banged-up Browns secondary, which will be without top cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams, who appear to be on track to miss the contest with hamstring injuries, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler:

Like the Niners, the Browns do have a good pass rush. And this unit, versus San Francisco’s offensive line, will be a key matchup to watch in Week 5.

So there likely aren’t going to be a lot of down-the-field passes from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Instead, look for short and intermediate pass plays from Garoppolo, which generates yards after the catch.

Perhaps tight end George Kittle, who excelled in this aspect a year ago, is a player to watch en route to netting 100 yards in a game.