49ers vs. Colts: 5 matchups that’ll determine who wins Week 7

No. 1: 49ers LB Fred Warner vs Colts RB Jonathan Taylor

Flipping the script, it’s probably a safe bet to assume the Colts will want to feature heavy doses of the run game to help counteract both quarterback Carson Wentz’s prior turnover issues and the inclement weather.

Fortunately for Indy, having a running back like Jonathan Taylor makes that easier.

Taylor is off to a fantastic start this season, boasting rush 472 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, 210 receiving yards with a combined five touchdowns, and he’s also coming off a massive 145-yard game against the Texans last week.

True, the Niners defense isn’t as porous as that of Houston, but it still puts plenty of pressure on players like Fred Warner to be highly effective just beyond the line of scrimmage.

Warner actually endorsed Taylor ahead of the game, too, telling reporters the following:

"For some reason, he always stuck in my mind. So I got a lot of respect for Jonathan. He looks kind of deceptive on tape, but he’s got breakaway speed. He runs the ball hard. He’s a really good back. So, obviously, we’re going to have to bring all 11."

Taylor, then at Wisconsin, played Warner when the latter was a senior at BYU.

San Francisco is averaging 4.3 rush yards allowed per attempt, which is squarely in the middle of the pack so far this season, yet Warner and Co. will hope to lower that number by limiting Taylor as much as possible.

The 49ers and Colts kick off on Sunday Night Football on Oct. 24 at 8:20 p.m. from Levi’s Stadium.