5 Bold Predictions for 49ers' Week 12 Matchup

The San Francisco 49ers' 16-10 victory over the New York Giants last Sunday put them right back in the thick of the NFC playoff race. At 6-4, the 49ers still have an uphill battle to the postseason, but with all the injuries, fans should be proud of the team’s effort over the last few weeks. 

After this home game against the Washington Redskins, the schedule toughens up. Outside of the Oakland Raiders, the 49ers' remaining opponents all have winning records at this point in the season. 

With the exception of a complete collapse by the Arizona Cardinals, if the 49ers make the postseason this year, they will have earned it. However, everything starts with winning the fluff games, and that starts this Sunday.

Here are five bold predictions for the 49ers' Week 12 matchup against the Redskins. 

Aldon Smith and Aaron Lynch Will Combine for Six Sacks

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Aldon Smith has racked up an ungodly 42 sacks over the last three seasons but was shut out in his first appearance this season after a nine-game suspension. Don't worry, folks—Smith will be just fine. 

If you watch the tape, Smith was consistently double- and tripled-teamed against the New York Giants, yet the linebacker was still effective in providing pressure on quarterback Eli Manning. The Giants offensive line had fits containing No. 99. 

More importantly, Smith's presence gave other players opportunities to shine, including rookie linebacker Aaron Lynch. 

Now, we all know the situation with Ahmad Brooks is less than ideal, but the silver lining in all this melodrama has been the play of Lynch. Like it or not, Brooks is going to have to deal with Lynch and his playing time going forward. 

The 49ers have been quite stubborn in the past when it comes to using a consistent rotation along the defensive line and linebacker corps. With a player like Lynch in the rotation, this pass rush should be active no matter who plays on the edge. 

With that said, Smith and Lynch will have a big day against a suspect Redskins offensive line. Not to mention, the Redskins could be without their top offensive lineman in left tackle Trent Williams. Rookie right tackle Morgan Moses would be Williams' likely replacement at left tackle. 

Book it—Smith and Lynch will combine for six sacks this Sunday in Santa Clara. 

Colin Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III Will Each Throw Three Picks

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Now, this shouldn't come as a huge surprise for 49ers and Redskins fans. The play of Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick this season has left a lot to be desired. 

Nonetheless, Griffin III has never thrown three interceptions in a single game during his three-year career with the Redskins. Kaepernick has two under his belt; one of those games came against the vaunted Seahawks defense last season. 

Both players still have bright futures, but this Sunday should create more critics of the two quarterbacks. Kap and RG III have flashed the ability to be effective pocket quarterbacks; however, they have not progressed enough in this area.  

Maybe it will take different coaching staffs to get the best out of each player. While Jim Harbaugh should most certainly stay on as head coach, many believe it's time for offensive coordinator Greg Roman to take a hike.

The same can be said for rookie head coach Jay Gruden, who embarrassingly called out his quarterback to the media a few days ago. Gruden later apologized for his comments. 

The 49ers and Redskins should find the end zone this Sunday, but I believe we could see a pick fest with both quarterbacks. 

Vernon Davis Will Rack Up 200-Plus Yards Receiving, 2 Touchdowns

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Vernon Davis has been a huge disappointment this season. This 49ers offense as a whole has disappointed, but Davis stands out with only 18 receptions and 176 receiving yards in eight starts this season. 

He has dealt with ankle and back injuries throughout the season, but even when healthy, he just hasn't looked sharp. 

Some believe the contract talks in the offseason have affected his play. This could be true, but Davis has still played an effective role as a blocker despite the 49ers' inconsistent running game. 

Nevertheless, Davis is still confident that things will work out for him, telling Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area: "Everything always works itself out, especially if you’re working hard and doing the right things. It’ll come. It’ll come. It’s just a matter of time. I know that I have to be optimistic, keep my faith and just keep working hard."

This game against Redskins this Sunday will be a good chance for Davis to back up his comments. Statistically speaking, the Redskins are ranked in the top 10 in pass defense. However, this Redskins defense has given up 36 receptions of 20-plus yards and six receptions of 40-plus yards. 

Just last week, the Redskins had major struggles defending rookie receiver Mike Evans, giving up huge chunks of yards through the air. Evans finished the day with 209 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Davis could have a similar performance in what should be his breakout game of the season. 

Yes, in back-to-back weeks, the Redskins will surrender 200-plus receiving yards and two touchdowns to a single player. Watch out for Davis this Sunday. 

49ers Will Score a Return Touchdown

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The 49ers haven't scored a return touchdown in what feels like forever. To be exact, they haven't scored a single return touchdown in the regular season since 2011. It was the first 49ers game of the Jim Harbaugh era. 

Honestly, the return game has been stagnant since the departure of Ted Ginn. LaMichael James provided some exciting moments, but he ultimately wasn't the answer.

After James was cut early in the season, rookie receiver Bruce Ellington took over return duties. He was inactive last week, so Perrish Cox and Carlos Hyde helped out in return duty against the Giants.  

If Ellington can't go this week, my prediction still stands. We'll see our first return touchdown since early 2011. 

Jim Harbaugh Will Go 2-of-2 on Challenges

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This might be a silly prediction, but when it comes to Jim Harbaugh, an exception has to be made. As any 49ers fan can tell you, Harbaugh has made some foolish challenges in the past. Some have even come at inopportune times. 

In 2014, he has only thrown the red flag three times. He's won one of three challenges, and overall he has been pretty poor in this area. 

Including this season, Harbaugh is 12-of-32 on challenge flags over the last four years. He converts a pathetic 38 percent of his challenge flags. 

Think the unthinkable this Sunday. Harbaugh will successfully convert both of his challenge flags. If that isn't a bold prediction, I'm not sure what is.