San Francisco 49ers vs Washington Commanders Betting Preview
On Saturday afternoon, the Washington Commanders head to the bay area to take on the 49ers in a must-win game for Washington. Will the Commanders bounce back from a disappointing loss last week? Sportsmemo NFL handicapper Eric Pauly shares his thoughts and gives three-player prop angles to take a look at for the game tonight.
San Francisco 49ers vs Washington Commanders Week 16 Betting Odds
Saturday, December 24 | Week 16 NFL Betting Notes |
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Point Spread: | San Francisco 49ers -7 vs Washington Commanders |
Total: | o/u 38 Points |
Location: | Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA |
Game Time: | 4:05pm ET / 1:05pm PT (Odds Above Courtesy of DraftKings) |
TV: | CBS |
San Francisco 49ers vs Washington Commanders Betting Preview
The 49ers have clinched the NFC West and are trying to lock down the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. The Commanders lost a must-win game last weekend in ugly fashion, and now they have another must-win game against a far better opponent. This does not bode well for the Commanders.
The 49ers have the best defense in the NFL, and the Commanders have one of the worst offenses in the NFL. The 49ers can have a field day, even if this game is more impactful for Washington down the stretch.
Washington Led By Commanding Defense
Sunday’s loss to the Giants was huge for this team. For starters, it exposed how lucky they have been over the past six weeks. Furthermore, it showed how far away this offense is from being good.
The Commanders have had these issues all year, but now it is stopping them from winning. Now, Washington needs to beat the 49ers to make the playoffs. It is not impossible, but it will be tough.
The Commanders’ offensive line has been solid in run blocking, but their pass blocking has been terrible all season long.
This has been evident all year, but they were truly exposed on Sunday. Taylor Heinicke cannot throw deep, nor is he accurate in the intermediate game, and when he is rushed, he is a turnover waiting to happen on every single play.
Washington has a full complement of skill players, but with no time in the pocket and a limited quarterback, that does not mean much. The 49ers will be able to pin its ears back and get after Heinicke all game long.
The Commanders are good at pounding the rock, and that is how they beat the Eagles, but they will not be able to do that against the 49ers.
The Commanders’ defense continues to be great. It is certainly a top-seven unit in the NFL. This team gets pressure, makes plays in the secondary, tackles well, and forces turnovers. In order for this unit to help the offense, it needs to stop the run, and it needs to force turnovers.
The 49ers’ passing game is limited, so they get the ball out quickly and try to get yards after the catch. The Commanders need to step up and tackle well and avoid allowing chunk plays.
Purdy is also limited as a quarterback, but if the 49ers can establish the run, he won’t have to do much in a 49ers win. This unit needs to step up in a big way if Washington wants any chance to win.
49ers Content With Purdy At QB
As I have mentioned earlier, the 49ers’ defense is amazing. It is tops in the NFL, and it will keep them in any game. Despite playing with a rookie QB, this team is still destined for greatness.
The 49ers’ offensive game plan with Brock Purdy is simple. Get the ball out quickly, run the ball, or allow their skill players to make plays with the ball in their hands. Purdy has shown an ability to make good decisions so far, but he is a long way to go.
If Washington can keen in on some of the routes designed for easy completions and make a play, this offense can be ineffective. However, if the 49ers can establish the run and the Commanders do not tackle well, it will be a good day for this offense.
On defense, it is the same story. This is a matchup that should have the entire 49ers’ defense licking its chops.
These pass rushers have an amazing matchup against a poor offensive line, and these defensive backs have an amazing matchup against a QB with limited arm strength.
I would not be shocked if this defense scores a touchdown and forces multiple turnovers. This unit has everything it needs to slow down and shut down the Commander’s offense, and I expect them to do so.
San Francisco 49ers vs Washington Commanders Prediction
The Commanders were a nice story this year, but unfortunately, their Cinderalla story will fall short of the postseason. This team is too inept on offense, and they will finally get blown out on Saturday.
This matchup is tailormade for the 49ers’ defense. This is the top unit in football, going against one of the worst units in football. This could get ugly quickly if the 49ers force turnovers.
Prediction: San Francisco 49ers -7 -110 (I’d include SF -1/-1.5 in every teaser as well)
Sportsmemo Christmas Special
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NFL Odds Board
WagerTalk’s Live Odds Screen features up-to-the-minute lines from a variety of offshore and domestic sports books. Track the NFL point spreads, totals and betting percentages for all of the Week 16 games, including this San Francisco 49ers vs Washington Commanders showdown, from your desktop or phone.
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Meet the Author
Eric Pauly, @slimeaction on Twitter, graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in Finance. Eric is a die-hard Washington Commanders and New York Knicks fan and enjoys watching and writing about the NFL, NBA and MLB. His favorite gambling movements include hitting a +1000 future on Washington to win the NFC East in 2020 and predicting Jonathan Taylor’s breakout season with a +900 ticket for him to win the 2021 NFL rushing title. Aside from the sports betting industry, and making a brilliant Cleveland Browns vs Los Angeles Chargers betting pick, Eric also enjoys good eats, dynasty fantasy football leagues, daily fantasy sports and playing the guitar.
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