49ers vs. Broncos: Predicting which Niners tee off on Sunday night

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Wide receiver Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers avoids linebacker Justin Hollins #52 of the Denver Broncos (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

No. 3: 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel

Wide receiver — or should we say “wide back” — Deebo Samuel is coming off his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro season in 2021.

Samuel started off the 2021 season as one of the best receivers in the league. As the year progressed, he also became one of the most prolific running backs, ultimately finishing that campaign with 1,405 yards receiving and 365 yards rushing.

It was thought that as the 2022 season played out, he would have fewer carries from the backfield and just be a contributor in the passing game.

In Week 1 against the Bears, though, Samuel actually had eight carries for 52 yards and only two receptions for 14 yards. In Week 2, however, the numbers flipped to where most thought his production would be: four carries for 53 yards and five receptions for 44 yards.

Samuel has had two very pedestrian games to kick off 2022. So he is primed to have his breakout game in prime time during Week 3.

He should get a healthy amount of targets from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo against the Broncos. And considering two of the Niners’ running backs, Elijah Mitchell and Tyrion Davis-Price are both injured, Samuel should have a good amount of carries as well.

Look for Samuel to have six rushes for 63 yards, and seven receptions for 105 yards against Denver.