The 49ers have scored 30-plus points the last two weeks. It’s their first time eclipsing the 30-point mark in consecutive weeks since the first two weeks of the season. Now they play a game in Baltimore where scoring 30-plus could be a necessity. The Ravens defense has been excellent the past five weeks, allowing 12.4 points per game in that span.
The offense could have their hands full in what’s expected to be a wet game in the rain. Here are the six players to watch on the offense:
TE George Kittle
It’s almost amazing how much better the 49ers’ offense looked against Green Bay compared to the two previous weeks when Kittle was out. The tight end had six receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown in his first game since Halloween. San Francisco will be taking on a high-powered Baltimore offense which means the offense will need to score every chance they get, which should mean plenty of targets for Kittle.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Garoppolo has put together his best back-to-back games as a 49er, throwing for six touchdowns, two interceptions and 677 yards – good for a 125.0 passer rating. He has a chance to continue his hot streak against a Baltimore defense that’s middle of the road against the pass, allowing 235 yards per game. However, that pass defense has improved lately and allowed just nine passing touchdowns all season, which is the second-fewest in the league. The big key for Garoppolo will be not turning the ball over, especially in the red zone.
LT Joe Staley
Staley practiced for the first time since injuring his finger against Seattle, which may be a sign he’s good to go for Sunday. He’s officially listed as ‘questionable’ on the injury report. Staley wasn’t good the last time he played. He struggled against Jadeveon Clowney in a game where Garoppolo was sacked a season-high five times. Baltimore, just like Seattle is near the bottom of the league at getting to the quarterback, which may bode well for Staley in a return. If Staley can’t go, look for Daniel Brunskill to get the start over Justin Skule.
WR Deebo Samuel
Samuel saw more snaps than Emmanuel Sanders for the third straight week last week. Sanders has been off-and-on dealing with a rib injury that has limited his snap count and Samuel has made the most of his opportunity. In the three games since Sanders’ injury, the rookie receiver has 18 receptions for 296 yards and a touchdown, and is tied with Terry McLaurin for most receptions by a rookie this season. Samuel has slowly become Garoppolo’s favorite non-Kittle target and he’s been consistently coming through.
RB Tevin Coleman
The weather is expected to play a key factor Sunday. Rain is expected to start Saturday night and go all the way through kickoff. That could put importance on both team’s running game, and more importance on Coleman. Coleman’s struggles continued Sunday night with 11 carries for 39 yards, but he did find the end zone for the first time since Week 8. Coleman might be relied on heavily with the weather and he’ll need to step up if that ends up being the case. Matt Breida is officially questionable with his ankle injury, but whether Breida plays or not doesn’t change the fact the 49ers need a big game from Coleman.
RT Mike McGlinchey
McGlinchey has had some struggles since his return in Week 10, but he had a good outing against the Packers. He’ll likely be lined up against Matthew Judon on Sunday. Judon leads the Ravens with seven sacks and 25 quarterback hits. The last time Judon finished a game without hitting the quarterback was in Week 4. McGlinchey could have his hands full with Judon, and will need to contain the pass rusher to help Garoppolo continue his good play.
