49ers vs. Packers: 4 critical matchups that determine Week 3 outcome
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers WR Deebo Samuel vs. Packers CB Kevin King
The No. 1 pass-catcher in the NFL through two weeks isn’t the Seattle Seahawks’ D.K. Metcalf, the Arizona Cardinals’ DeAndre Hopkins or the Tennessee Titans’ Julio Jones.
No, it’s the 49ers’ own, wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Samuel’s 282 receiving yards on the year, including 189 in Week 1 against the Lions, probably isn’t sustainable over the course of a full season. And neither is the fact he’s accounted for well over 50 percent of the Niners’ aerial offense.
All that said, Samuel has a juicy opportunity to continue his early trend, matching up frequently opposite Packers cornerback Kevin King.
King was something of a surprise re-signing by Green Bay during the offseason, particularly in light of his struggles and inconsistency over the first four years of his career. Already in 2021, he’s allowed catches on both times he’s been targeted for a total of 72 yards, and it’s a safe bet quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will look to target King again.
Especially if Samuel is matched up opposite him.