4 ways Trey Lance, 49ers attack weak Texans team in Week 17

2 of 5

Trey Lance, Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) hands the ball off to running back Eli Mitchell (25) Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: 49ers must pound the rock

The Texans are tied for next to worst in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game this season with 141.3, and that is great news for Kyle Shanahan and the offense. When the 49ers are at their best, they are running the football regardless of who is at quarterback, and this should be a matchup they can take advantage of.

But adding another rusher in the mix like Trey Lance should only open things up for the offense, who ran for 89 yards on 16 attempts in his lone start way back in Week 5.

The Niners rank in the top half of the NFL in rushing offense and should see a slight boost if rookie running back Elijah Mitchell is ready to return. Mitchell has missed three consecutive games due to a knee injury, but Shanahan stated he has a chance to play on Sunday.

Whether it’s Mitchell or Jeff Wilson Jr. leading the backfield in Week 17, there should plenty of holes for them to run through against a weak Houston defense.

Additionally, wide receiver Deebo Samuel should see his regular rushing work as well, and with so many threats, the 49ers should run the ball effectively whenever they want.