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New York Jets vs San Francisco 49ers: prediction, preview, pick to win

By The Sports Xchange
New York Jets WR Robby Anderson has undeniable deep-threat ability but has a propensity for drops. This is as big a chance for Anderson to prove he deserves to be a part of the Jets' plans in 2017. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
New York Jets WR Robby Anderson has undeniable deep-threat ability but has a propensity for drops. This is as big a chance for Anderson to prove he deserves to be a part of the Jets' plans in 2017. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Levi's Stadium. TV: CBS, Greg Gumbel, Trent Green, Jamie Erdahl.

SERIES HISTORY: 13th regular-season meeting. 49ers lead series, 10-2. The 49ers won the most recent game, Sept. 30, 2012, when CB Carlos Rogers returned a fumble 54 yards for a touchdown in a 34-0 victory at MetLife Stadium. The most memorable game in the series was played Sept. 6, 1998, when Garrison Hearst scored a 96-yard touchdown in overtime to lift the 49ers to a 36-30 win. It remains the longest overtime touchdown run in NFL history.

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GAMEDATE: 12/11/16

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Bryce Petty and Colin Kaepernick have been the focus of attention leading into Sunday's game. Don't be surprised, however, if Matt Forte and Carlos Hyde have a greater impact on who wins the battle of last-place teams.

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The Jets will be seeking to wash away the embarrassment of a nationally televised blowout while the 49ers attempt to end an 11-game losing streak in a game that figures to greatly aid someone's draft position in May.

Petty was named the starter for the Jets' remaining four games shortly after Monday's 41-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Petty relieved starter Ryan Fitzpatrick for the second half and went 11-for-25 for 135 yards and one touchdown. He threw two interceptions.

Look for lots of work out of the shotgun and plenty of quick passes from Petty. Forte and Bilal Powell have been underused as pass catchers, but this should be a game in which they get plenty of work on dumpoffs and screens.

San Francisco coach Chip Kelly decided to stick with Kaepernick after benching him last week.

The Jets' linebacking corps, shredded by Colts tight end Dwayne Allen for three touchdowns on Monday night, will need to limit Kaepernick's running.

The 49ers need to dominate the line of scrimmage to get their running game going early.

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MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

--WR Brandon Marshall vs. CB Tramaine Brock and/or CB Jimmie Ward. Marshall is on pace for just 960 receiving yards and has yet to display any chemistry with new QB Bryce Petty, but this is a get-right spot against a 49ers secondary that has given up 26 passing touchdowns, tied for the second-most in the league. Look for the Jets to exploit the 6-foot-4 Marshall against Brock or Ward, each of whom are listed at smaller than six feet tall.

--49ers QB Colin Kaepernick vs. Jets LB Darron Lee. The Miami Dolphins didn't assign a linebacker to spy Kaepernick two weeks ago, when Kaepernick ran for 113 yards while leading the 49ers within a few yards of an upset victory. Kaepernick's weaponry is decidedly unimposing, so it makes sense for the Jets to try to further limit the 49ers' offense by assigning Lee, their youngest and fastest linebacker, to Kaepernick in the middle of the second level.

FRIDAY INJURY REPORT:

NEW YORK JETS

--Out: S Antonio Allen (concussion), T Breno Giacomini (back, calf, shoulder), WR Jalin Marshall (concussion), LB Lorenzo Mauldin (ankle), DT Steve McLendon (hamstring), RB Khiry Robinson (lower leg)

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--Questionable: DE Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle)

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

--Doubtful: T Joe Staley (hamstring)

--Questionable: DT Quinton Dial (elbow), LB Aaron Lynch (ankle)

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT:

Jets WR Robby Anderson. New QB Bryce Petty loves Anderson, whom he peppered with 11 targets in the second half of Monday's 41-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Petty completed just four passes to Anderson, though one went for a 40-yard touchdown. Anderson has undeniable deep-threat ability but has a propensity for drops. This is as big a chance for Anderson as it is for Petty to prove he deserves to be a part of the Jets' plans in 2017.

FAST FACTS:

Jets QB Bryce Petty passed for 135 yards and a TD in relief Monday.

Jets RB Matt Forte has 387 scrimmage yards (96.8 per game) and a rushing TD in four games vs. the 49ers. He is one of seven players in NFL history with 9,000 rushing yards (9,386) and 500 receptions (516).

Jets DT Leonard Williams led the team with 10 tackles and had half a sack last week. He ranks second among NFL defensive tackles with 6.5 sacks.

49ers RB Carlos Hyde has returned from a shoulder injury to rush for 86, 65 and 92 yards the last three weeks. The 49ers have amassed 456 rushing yards in those games, the third most in the league behind Buffalo (548) and Seattle (519).

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In his past two home games, 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has 604 passing yards, four TDs and one interception. In his past five home games vs. the AFC, he has seven TDs and no interceptions,

PREDICTION:

The 49ers have lost their last three home games by an average of 16 points, and Todd Bowles knows Colin Kaepernick well.

OUR PICK: Jets, 17-10.

--Chris Cluff

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