5 Bold Predictions for 49ers' Week 11 Matchup

After such a thrilling road win against the New Orleans Saints last week, the 49ers are on the up and up after a shaky 4-4 start. A loss against the Saints would have likely ended their playoff hopes for the season. 

Of course, it seems the 49ers can't catch a break. 

Even with this win, the 49ers will have to make their playoff push without All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis. Willis was put on the season-ending injured reserve list due to a bad toe.

Losing NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith hurt, but the loss of Willis could prove devastating. Production-wise, the 49ers should be fine with rookie Chris Borland, who has played well in the absence of No. 52, but Willis is the leader of this 49ers. 

Forget the Super Bowl; if the 49ers can make the playoffs with this injury-riddled roster, that should be a win in itself. However, for now, the 49ers will move their attention to the New York football Giants. 

Here are five bold predictions for the 49ers' Week 11 matchup against the Giants. 

49ers Will Rush for 200-Plus Yards, Three Touchdowns

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The 49ers' rushing attack picked up some steam against the New Orleans Saints last week, and I expect that to continue against the worst run defense in football right now. Yes, the Giants are ranked 32nd against the run. 

Look no further than Week 10 for proof. The Seattle Seahawks ran roughshod over this Giants' front seven, including impressive performances from both Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch. Lynch and Russell combined for 247 yards on the ground and five rushing touchdowns. 

We could see a similar combination this week with Frank Gore and the mobile Colin Kaepernick.  

Eli Manning Will Throw Two Pick-Sixes

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Eli Manning has played relatively well this season, especially in the turnover department. After leading the league in interceptions last season, Manning has thrown only six interceptions through the first 11 weeks of the season. 

The last time Manning threw two interceptions in a game this season was back in Week 2. Before the Seahawks game last week, Manning didn't thrown an interception for four consecutive weeks. 

That's what makes this a bold prediction.

Not only will Manning throw two interceptions, they'll be pick-sixes. I'll go as far and say both pick-sixes will occur in the first quarter of this Sunday's game.

49ers' Offensive Line Will Give Up Zero Sacks

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As many 49ers fans already know, one of most disappointing developments this season has to be the performance of the offensive line. Pass protection has never been this team's forte, but its struggles this season have also impacted the run game. 

Some of the blame should be directed toward offensive coordinator Greg Roman for incorporating a more pass-heavy offense this year, but performance ultimately comes down to the player. 

An offensive line can survive a dip in play from one or possibly two players, but when almost every lineman has regressed, you start to see major cracks develop on offense. 

Against the Giants this Sunday, I expect the 49ers' offensive line to turn in its best performance of the season. Not only will it have success on the ground—see first bold prediction—but the 49ers' offensive line will surrender zero sacks against this Giants' pass rush. 

49ers Defense Will Rack Up Eight Sacks

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Speaking of sacks, the 49ers' defensive line will have a huge day against the Giants' offensive line this Sunday. Those two pick-sixes will be in result of a heavy 49ers pass rush, led by the newly reinstated Aldon Smith. 

We're going bold here. Smith will have four of the 49ers' eight sacks against Manning and this Giants offense. Smith's return to the lineup will really help the 49ers secondary. 

More importantly, Smith has turned into a fantastic run defender. Some fans view Smith as a one-dimensional player, but if you put on the tape, his run defense has improved tremendously over the years. 

Even with the significant loss of All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis, the 49ers are still getting back an All-Pro pass-rusher in Smith. With his return, I see a breakout performance from this defensive line. 

Colin Kaepernick Will Pass for 300, Rush for 100 Yards

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As you can tell, I'm predicting this will be a high-scoring game. The 49ers should easily put up anywhere between 35-40 points against this shaky Giants defense. 

Earlier in the season, the Giants secondary was playing really well, but injuries have hurt this unit. This is where Kaepernick can flourish both on the ground and in the air. The Giants rank 25th against the pass on the season. 

Its time for some breakout games from big-name players, namely Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree. I see big games for both players, especially Davis.

Expect Kaepernick to be the second player in NFL history to pass for 300 yards and run for 100 yards. Russell Wilson was the first player to achieve this feat.