Week 16 offers an NFC conference NFL clash between the 7-6-1 Washington Commanders and 10-4 San Francisco 49ers.
Washington is coming off a 20-12 home loss to the New York Giants, and San Francisco defeated Seattle 20-13 for its seventh consecutive victory.
Who will win this NFC tilt? Find out in our free NFL picks and predictions for Commanders vs. 49ers on December 24.
Commanders vs 49ers best odds
Commanders vs 49ers picks and predictions
49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has rushed for a touchdown in his last two games, and I'm banking on him to find paydirt yet again.
McCaffrey has been a welcome addition to the 49ers since coming over in a midseason trade with Carolina. The veteran RB has scampered for 534 yards with four rushing TDs in eight games with the 49ers, and he’s coming off back-to-back 100+ rushing games.
San Francisco has injury issues and is incredibly thin at the RB position. McCaffrey has carried the ball 40 times over the past two games, and it isn’t difficult to imagine him getting the same amount of touches with similar results this week against the Commanders.
With 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy struggling with his health and Deebo Samuel out, I expect McCaffrey to be the offense's focal point. The 49ers' offense knows how to move the chains and should give their star back enough opportunities to rush for at least one score on Saturday.
My best bet: Christian McCaffrey Over 0.5 rushing touchdowns (+105)
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Commanders vs 49ers spread analysis
San Francisco is a 7-point home favorite and comes in as winners of seven straight. The 49ers are 6-1 against the spread over those seven games. They’ve played well at home with a 6-1 record and are 5-2 ATS at Levi’s Stadium.
Purdy has been solid since starter Jimmy Garoppolo was lost for the season, throwing for 678 yards with six passing TDs and four interceptions. Purdy is 2-0 as a starter, and the 49ers are 3-0 ATS since Purdy entered the lineup.
After a slow start to their season, Washington is 5-2-1 over their last eight. QB Taylor Heinicke has led the team since taking the starting job from Carson Wentz, and the Commanders are 5-2-1 ATS during that span.
Ultimately, the 49ers' defense still ranks first in the NFL in yards per game allowed. Mix in their offense clicking with Purdy and McCaffrey, and San Francisco should find a way to cover at home.
Commanders vs 49ers Over/Under analysis
The total is 38 points, and I’ll lean Over for this matchup.
Washington ranks 10th in defensive DVOA and allows a ninth-best 19.71 points per game. The Commanders have also allowed 20 points or more in three of their last five and now face a 49ers offense scoring 28 points per game over their last five.
I like the Commanders' defense, but the 49ers' offense is playing at a different level, and they’ll be tough to stop at home. Look for the 49ers to post a big number as Washington attempts to keep up all game.
Commanders vs 49ers betting trend to know
San Francisco is 5-1 ATS in its last six games after allowing less than 15 points in its previous game. Find more NFL betting trends for Commanders vs. 49ers.
Commanders vs 49ers game info
| Location: | Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA |
| Date: | Saturday, December 24, 2022 |
| Kickoff: | 4:05 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBS |
| Opening odds: | 49ers +/- X.X, TOTAL |
Commanders vs 49ers latest injuries
Commanders vs 49ers weather
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