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Bold Prediction #2: Rex Burkhead outrushes Deebo Samuel
Deebo Samuel might be the best rushing wide receiver of all time, as his versatility has paid off way more than the 49ers have ever expected since drafting him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Samuel currently has 44 rushes for 301 yards and seven rushing touchdowns on the season.
As good as Samuel is, Rex Burkhead is primed for another breakout game after his 149-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Los Angeles Chargers last week. That effort was good enough to get him nominated for FedEx’s Ground player of the week award.
This won’t be an easy task, as San Francisco ranks 11th in terms of the least amount of rushing yards allowed by a defense this season, with just over 1600 yards. San Francisco started the year by allowing seven 100-yard rushing days to opponents but also haven’t surrendered one of those since Week 13 (where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks).
When the 49ers let up more than 100 rushing yards in a game, their record is 3-5 on the season. So that’s why the Houston Texans should keep the ground game alive while also letting Mills sling the ball and continue his hot streak. Both sides of the offense will compliment each other and set Houston up to make San Francisco very uncomfortable.