Game Preview: 49ers at Washington Commanders

The Niners need to avoid playing down to their competition, avoid further injury, and focus on playing a clean game.

Looking to rebound after a costly defeat on Christmas night, the 49ers travel to Washington as 13.5-point favorites against the Commanders.

Several Washington starters will miss this game. Center Tyler Larsen and left tackle Charles Leno Jr. have been placed on injured reserve, along with safety Percy Butler and running back Chris Rodriguez.

Cornerback Benjamin St.-Juste is in the concussion protocol and former 49er Tariq Castro-Fields is expected to start in his place. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett hurt his hamstring in practice and is listed as questionable, Sam Howell is expected to start.

Five players are out for the 49ers: starters Arik Armstead and Ji’Ayir Brown, as well as Jauan Jennings, Ross Dwelley, and Jaylon Moore.

When Washington has the ball

Howell was benched with over six minutes left in the third quarter after a 6-22, two pick game against the Jets last week. The Commanders scored three of their four touchdowns when Brissett was at quarterback. Media reports Saturday morning indicate Brissett’s hamstring is aggravated and Howell will start.

Leading rusher Brian Robinson is back after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury. Robinson has 664 yards on the year with 4.2 yards per carry and a long of 29.

Terry McLaurin is the top receiver with 69 catches on 117 targets for 885 yards, but only three touchdowns.

Washington is missing two starters on the offensive line and right tackle Andrew Wylie is questionable with an elbow injury. A makeshift line, and Howell returning after his worst showing of the year, would indicate Washington will struggle to score.

This is a game where the Niners defense needs to avoid mistakes. Washington lacks the personnel to move the ball in this game. The 49ers need to play a clean game in terms of penalties and injuries, and not give up any big chunk plays, particularly to McLaurin.

Chase Young will be motivated to face his former team. Javon Hargrave should play well with Washington’s starting center out.

When the 49ers have the ball

The Commanders missing two starters in the secondary indicates this should be a big game for Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle. This is the first start Castro-Fields has seen this year. In his time with the Niners, he demonstrated good speed but got handsy drawing flags in coverage.

This is a get-right game for Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan to get back to the team’s identity on offense. Christian McCaffrey should be featured in the first half and if the Niners build a big lead the starters may be able to sit out the 4th.

The goals for this game are simple, get the win, put the game away early, and avoid injury.

Prediction (My record 10-5)

Washington has several key players out and should not present a challenge.

Facing a depleted offensive line, the 49ers' pass rush should get home on Howell and force him into mistakes. On offense, the Niners can run on Washington, and the Commanders' secondary is only at 50% strength.

In short, this should be a Niner walk, but San Francisco needs to play to their standard. The 49ers need to recalibrate after the loss to Baltimore and raise their play in preparation for a vital matchup against the Rams next week.

Both teams want the Niners to win this one.  Washington has their eyes on USC quarterback Caleb Williams, the same holds for New England.  Each team assumes the Bears will be the Bears and pass on Williams.  Washington and New England are both 4-11 and looking to lose out.

The Niners need to avoid playing down to their competition, avoid further injury, and focus on playing a clean game.

49ers 38 Commanders 13