The San Francisco 49ers, fresh off their bye week, are poised to face the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, November 5, 2023. With the chance to secure a playoff spot and potentially clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed, the 49ers are in a strong position against a struggling Titans team. Currently tied for the worst record in the NFL, the Titans are traveling across the country with a rookie quarterback and an interim head coach.
The odds heavily favor San Francisco, with bookmakers setting the spread at 12.5 points. While the disparity suggests a one-sided matchup, the complexities of this game could provide unexpected entertainment. As the 49ers prepare for their 18th game of the season, here are three key predictions for the upcoming clash.
Brock Purdy Set to Exploit Titans’ Defensive Confusion
The 49ers’ quarterback, Brock Purdy, is expected to capitalize on the Titans’ defensive struggles. Tennessee employs what is termed a “chaos defense,” modeled after schemes popularized by Mike Macdonald and Brian Flores. This approach aims to disorient opposing quarterbacks through unconventional player roles and aggressive blitz packages. However, the scheme has backfired, leaving the Titans’ defense vulnerable.
Despite a formidable interior duo of Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat, the Titans’ secondary has shown consistent communication issues. With a defensive backfield that has seen frequent changes and lacks depth, Purdy is likely to find openings in the passing game. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan is expected to exploit these weaknesses by targeting the flats and intermediate routes, while also using gap-scheme runs to challenge the Titans’ fast but undisciplined linebackers.
Purdy’s efficiency when given time in the pocket should enable the 49ers to score between 30 and 35 points. The strategy will be straightforward: relying on playmakers to win individual matchups against a defense struggling to contain them.
Cam Ward Faces Challenges Against 49ers’ Pressure
On the other side of the field, rookie quarterback Cam Ward will lead the Titans. Despite the team’s challenges, Ward has displayed significant growth and resilience throughout the season. His ability to sense edge pressure and extend plays has been impressive for a rookie. However, he struggles against A-gap pressure, often leading to rushed throws and mistakes when faced with direct pressure up the middle.
49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and defensive line coach Kris Kocurek are likely to implement strategies aimed at exploiting this weakness. Although the 49ers’ pass rush has been less dominant this season, they may find success against Tennessee’s offensive line by deploying interior blitzes. While Ward may orchestrate a few scoring drives, he is anticipated to make critical errors under pressure.
The Titans possess talent, but their receiving corps has been one of the weakest in the league, complicating offensive efforts. This limitation may hinder Ward’s ability to move the ball consistently, especially against the 49ers’ formidable defense.
Expectations for the Game
The 12.5-point spread reflects the Titans’ struggles rather than a lack of respect for their talent. The absence of a reliable receiving unit forces the Titans to rely on a solid run game and occasional magic from Ward. If the 49ers’ secondary performs to expectations, the Titans could face significant challenges in advancing the ball.
While the game may start slowly due to post-bye rust, the 49ers are expected to establish their rhythm. An early lead by the Titans is possible, but San Francisco’s quality play should eventually prevail.
Final score prediction: 49ers 30, Titans 17. As the 49ers aim for a playoff berth, they look to secure a decisive victory against a Titans team still finding its footing.
