It's Week 13, and the San Francisco 49ers are at 5-6 in the season. The team travels to Buffalo to take on the leaders of the AFC in a Sunday night showdown. The 49ers face their fourth team coming off of their bye week. What will it take for the 49ers to be victorious this weekend? Welcome to the "Keys to Victory."
Contain the QB
Josh Allen is one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. His size and ability will allow him to make designed runs. The 49ers must contain the edge and keep Allen throwing from the pocket. Keep a spy on Allen to prevent big runs up the middle.
Stop the Run
In Week 12 against the Packers, the 49ers defense committed 19 missed tackles. The 49ers must stop the run and force Allen to become one-dimensional. Expect the Bills to get finesse and explosive runs from James Cook, their leading rusher, and mix it up with powerful inside runs with rookie running back Ray Davis.
The 49ers will be without Nick Bosa and Jordan Elliott on the defensive line, but they will likely get Kevin Givens back. Hopefully, Givens will help upfront and allow the 49ers' linebackers to fill the gaps and make the tackles for minimal to zero gain.
Limit the Penalties
The 49ers committed nine penalties while losing to the Packers. They must find a way not to beat themselves up and be the most disciplined version of themselves on the field.
Execute
The 49ers must execute offensively, rushing and passing. Receivers must catch passes, block, and do the essentials. The offensive line must perform both run blocking and pass blocking. Their number one job is to create holes for their running backs and keep the quarterback's pocket clean. Running backs must make the right cuts.
The forecast calls for snow, so this could be a massive game for Christian McCaffrey and the running back core. The quarterback has to take what the defense is giving up. If they stack the box, check out to a quick pass. It's going to take a full game of executing 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense to win this game.
No Turnovers
The 49ers turned the ball over three times against the Packers. Quarterback Brandon Allen threw an interception and fumbled the ball twice, one recovered by the Packers. Running back Christian McCaffrey also fumbled late in the game on a 23-yard screen pass. These little mistakes can cost the 49ers from winning. Lose the turnover battle, lose the game.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott is undefeated coming off of the bye. This does not mean that the 49ers don't have a chance in this game. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is undefeated in prime-time games this season. If the 49ers stick to the keys to victory, they will be victorious.