SF 49ers vs. Saints: 5 matchups that’ll determine Week 10 outcome
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: SF 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk vs. Saints CB Marshon Lattimore
It doesn’t appear as if Deebo Samuel (hamstring) will be cleared in time to help bolster San Francisco’s offense in Week 10, although there’s always hope he’s available.
Instead, rookie wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will be asked to shoulder the load after missing Week 9’s game while on the reserve/COVID-19 list. That’s a bonus, especially if the SF 49ers can get something of a repeat of last week’s performance from fellow receiver Richie James to stretch the field.
James might be a player to watch in Samuel’s likely absence, but Aiyuk is far greater a difference-maker for San Francisco.
It’s highly likely New Orleans will put its top cornerback, Marshon Lattimore, on man-coverage assignments against Aiyuk.
And it’s a matchup that could potentially benefit the 49ers, too.
Lattimore, the two-time Pro Bowler, has had something of a down year in 2020, earning an overall 54.3 grade from Pro Football Focus, as well as a 53.3 pass-coverage mark with an allowed passer rating of 121.5 when targeted.
That’s a potential plus. Especially considering the Niners will need to make some plays through the air to both offset New Orleans’ run defense and ability to score seemingly at will.