Why 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick is the X-Factor in Week 6 vs. Bills

The San Francisco 49ers need to get the most out of now-starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick in Week 6 as they visit the Buffalo Bills.

The San Francisco 49ers will visit the Buffalo Bills on Sunday for a Week 6 showdown. The 49ers are coming in off of their third straight loss, while the Bills are hot off of a Week 5 win.

On Tuesday, head coach Chip Kelly announced quarterback Colin Kaepernick would get the start for Week 6 over Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert has not looked like a starting quarterback this season, and his play has demanded change.

The 49ers offense has been a bit lackluster and is averaging just 18.5 points a game. They currently rank 31st in total yards per game, as well as total passing yards per game.

Much of the teams’ woes have come in the second half of games. While the 49ers do average more points in the second half this season, the stats are a bit diluted. San Francisco has been outscored 103-37 heading into the fourth quarter this season, and they have failed to score in the third quarter three times this season.

Kaepernick has the ability to change the game, and here is why is the X-factor against the Bills.

The Feet of Colin Kaepernick

Kaepernick has a career average of six yards per carry and has rushed for 11 touchdowns. The 49er Faithful are no strangers to what Kaepernick is able to do on the ground. In fact, it is the reason that most of the reason fell in love with Kaepernick in 2012.

The NFL saw Kaepernick run through defenses, including a 56-yard touchdown run against the Green Bay Packers in the postseason.

The Bills rush defense has allowed just 81 yards per game on the ground. With Kaepernick back behind center, holes should start to open more for 49ers running back Carlos Hyde. Hyde has helped keep a consistent run game for the 49ers, and Kaepernick’s ability to run should help keep Hyde moving.

The Arm of Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick has averaged 12.3 yards per pass attempt with 56 touchdown passes. While Kaepernick has been inconsistent throwing the deep ball, his strong arm allows him the ability to fire passes into tight windows.

The 49ers do not have an explosive wide receiver, so Kaepernick will have to rely on his strength to get passes into his recievers’ hands. Kaepernick will need to establish a passing game early if they hope to have any edge against Buffalo. The team expects to have tight end Vance McDonald back which should help.

 The Expectations for Colin Kaepernick

The bar is set low for Kaepernick’s return. Gabbert has been unimpressive and that should help Kaepernick’s stock just a little. If Kaepernick can score a couple of touchdown and keep the ball safe, he should earn favor back from some of the fans.

Low expectations will allow Kaepernick play fast and loose.

More from Niner Noise

The 49ers will travel to face the Bills for the morning game on Sunday. There are several headlines to pay attention to in this game. LeSean McCoy facing his old head coach, Rex Ryan’s attempt to keep the Bills hot and the weakened 49ers defense attempt to slow down the Buffalo offense.

The biggest story, though, will be the return of Kaepernick. With a new contract in hand, Kaepernick has almost nothing to lose. And there is nothing scarier than a man with nothing to lose.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

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