San Francisco 49ers

Jets vs. 49ers: 5 San Francisco Matchups to Watch in Week 14

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The San Francisco 49ers host the visiting New York Jets in a tale of two struggling teams trying to finish the season on a positive note. Niner Noise looks at five specific matchups to watch during the Week 14 bout.

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Implications from this Sunday’s contest between the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets are few and far between.

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Neither team is vying for a playoff spot, and about the only long-term consequence will be where each team lands in the pecking order of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Still, this doesn’t mean this Week 14 game is without meaning for either team. Both the Jets and Niners want to finish strong, future jobs are on the line and individual players will want to carry over some momentum into the offseason.

Essentially, what’s left is pride. For the 3-9 Jets, it’s a chance to bounce back from an ugly loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football last week. And the Niners want to shore up an equally frustrating defeat at the hands of the Chicago Bears, hoping to end an 11-game skid in the process.

To do this, San Francisco is going to have to win a number of the individual matchups.

Niner Noise takes a look at five of these and breaks down why each is so important to the prospects of a 49ers victory in Week 14.

Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Zane Beadles (68) blocks Buffalo Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5: Linemen Zane Beadles & Andrew Tiller vs. Defensive Tackles Sheldon Richardson & Leonard Williams

It all starts up front, and the 49ers are going to be hard pressed to hold up protection along their offensive line.

Veteran left tackle Joe Staley (hamstring) is doubtful for the contest, which likely means left guard Zane Beadles will slide into his place and Andrew Tiller will be inserted into Beadles’ stead.

While the Jets have endured their fair share of defensive issues this season, the right side of the line is pretty good. It’s comprised of defensive tackles Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams, who rank at 80.1 and 85.3 overall, per Pro Football Focus.

Richardson is more of the pocket-wrecking force along the line, while Williams is leading New York with 6.5 sacks.

Beadles has struggled in both run blocking and pass protection this season, so the left end of San Francisco’s O-line could be a major liability.

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (99) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

No. 4: Defensive End DeForest Buckner vs. Center Wesley Johnson

Staying with the up-front scheme, another matchup to watch is how well rookie defensive end DeForest Buckner fares against backup center Wesley Johnson.

The Jets have placed perennial Pro Bowler Nick Mangold (ankle) on injured reserve, so Johnson will now be making the snaps. And it’s an advantage that favors San Francisco’s interior defenders.

Buckner has been the 49ers’ best interior rusher this season, and he’s watched his stock increase in recent weeks. And he’ll have an even better opportunity in nickel formations.

Granted, Johnson will receive help from Jets left guard James Carpenter, who is solid in pass protection.

But if Buckner can manage to get in between these two and create pressure on New York quarterback Bryce Petty, the Niners defense will have a notably easier day on the defensive side of the ball.

Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) greets fans before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

No. 3: Cornerback Tramaine Brock vs. Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall

Veteran corner Tramaine Brock might just want to forget last week’s performance against the Bears.

Because he’ll have to focus on defending Jets standout wide receiver Brandon Marshall this week.

Marshall is leading all Jets receivers with 53 catches for 711 yards and also has three touchdowns to go along with his offensive production this season.

San Francisco’s secondary hasn’t demonstrated any of the ball-hawking abilities shown in recent years, but Brock does have 12 passes defended on the year — leading the team.

Brock doesn’t get beat often. But when he does, it’s bad. Just ask Pro Football Focus’ Jeff Deeney:

Marshall is one of the few offensive weapons at quarterback Bryce Petty’s disposal, so Brock better be on his game.

Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) catches the ball in front of New Orleans Saints inside linebacker Nate Stupar (54) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2: Tight End Vance McDonald vs. Linebacker David Harris

Linebacker Vance McDonald has emerged as one of the preferred offensive weapons in the 49ers passing game this season. And he’ll be a safety blanket for quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

While not necessarily the mismatch nightmare, McDonald has demonstrated some pass-catching competency this season and currently ranks second on the team with 391 yards and leads the Niners with four touchdown grabs.

He’ll frequently be covered by Jets linebacker David Harris, and coverage is Harris’ specialty.

Harris leads New York with 45 tackles, and Pro Football Focus gives him an 80.1 pass-coverage grade — highest out of all Jets defenders.

If McDonald can win this crucial one-on-one matchup, Kaepernick might not have a repeat of the lowly efforts from a week ago.

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) celebrates after he scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1: Running Back Carlos Hyde vs. the Jets Run Defense

Say what you want about the Jets’ numerous woes this season. But the fact is their run defense is pretty darn good — fourth in the NFL, to be exact.

Meanwhile, the 49ers also rank No. 4 in rushing this season. So we have ourselves a bit of a strength-versus-strength scenario for two scuffling teams in Week 14.

Running back Carlos Hyde will get the lion’s share of carries again this Sunday, and the Niners offense will have to revolve around him if there is to be any sort of continuity on that side of the ball.