The Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers couldn’t be going in more opposite directions.
The Jaguars are on a five-game win streak after starting 1-3. The 49ers lost three straight games before the bye week after starting 5-0.
Both teams were expected to be top teams in the league, but now they meet in very different situations. The 49ers are trying to prove they’re still a top-tier team, while Jacksonville is trying to cement itself as an AFC powerhouse.
Here are five 49ers players who could cause problems for the Jaguars in Week 10:
RB Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey is not only the most dangerous player on his team’s offense, he’s debatably the most dangerous non-quarterback in the league.
McCaffrey was already in the conversation for best running back in the NFL, but since going to San Francisco, he’s ascended even higher. He provides the 49ers’ offense with a consistent pass catcher and a dynamic rusher.
The former Carolina Panthers back has 652 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 137 carries. He has also caught 32 passes for 292 yards and another four touchdowns.
With 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan calling the plays, McCaffrey is always going to put up solid production.
WR Brandon Aiyuk
In seven games this season, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has gone from underrated gem to potential top 10 receiver.
Aiyuk has an elite ability to separate and make strong catches through contact. That’s combined with elite speed, so he can always break a play for a big gain.
So far this season, Aiyuk has 35 receptions for 620 yards and two touchdowns. He’s been quarterback Brock Purdy’s favorite target, making him the most dangerous pass catcher in the Bay Area.
DE Nick Bosa
Like McCaffrey, edge rusher Nick Bosa is one of the top players at his position. In recent seasons, Bosa has taken over as the best Bosa brother and one of the best pass rushers in the league, culminating in a Defensive Player of the Year award last season.
Bosa has only three sacks so far this year, but that total isn’t indicative of the amount of pressure he puts on opposing quarterbacks and the amount of strain he puts on offensive lines. He will likely line up most often against Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson.
The Jacksonville offensive lineman hasn’t been bad this season, but it could be a rough day against the uber-athletic Bosa.
LB Fred Warner
Linebacker Fred Warner is one of the best players at his position. He’s a sure bet as a tackler and solid in run support, but his coverage skills separate him from the rest of the league’s linebackers.
Warner already has 71 total tackles this season. He’s also added two sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and five deflected passes.
Warner has the ability to limit all of the Jaguars skill players. He can get to quarterback Trevor Lawrence, stifle the explosive Travis Etienne Jr., and erase the middle of the field.
DE Chase Young
Edge rusher Chase Young hasn’t played a game with the 49ers yet. Despite this, Young could have a massive impact on the game against the Jaguars.
This will be Young’s first time taking the field alongside a pass rusher of Bosa’s caliber. And it could pay dividends.
Young proved himself as a tremendous playmaker in college, but injuries have hindered his ability to stop opposing teams over the past couple seasons. Now that he’s healthy and on a dominant defense, he should be at peak form.
