New York @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 11, 2015 ) San Francisco 27, N.Y. Giants 30

Two teams on the fast track for the top overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft collide at Levi's Stadium on Sunday as the New York Giants pay a visit to the winless San Francisco 49ers. In addition to this discussion, the Giants found themselves in another undesirable one as two players that requested anonymity told reporters that "(coach Ben) McAdoo has lost this team" and "guys are giving up on the season."

New York certainly looked lost in last Sunday's 51-17 throttling by the Los Angeles Rams, but McAdoo tried to change the narrative by telling reporters that "we have a run in us." That's an optimistic outlook, considering Eli Manning presides over a Giants offense that ranks 28th overall while the team's 30th-ranked defense has produced just seven takeaways - which are fourth fewest in the league. As one might expect, the 49ers hardly are singing in the streets with losses in 23 of their last 24 overall on the heels of a 20-10 setback to Arizona last Sunday. Rookie quarterback C.J. Beathard, who has been sacked 14 times in his last three starts, completed under 50 percent of his passes for the second straight week as he keeps the seat warm while trade acquisition Jimmy Garoppolo gets up to speed in San Francisco.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Giants -2.5. O/U: 42

ABOUT THE GIANTS (1-7): Although New York's 27th-ranked ground game has rushed nowhere fast for much of the season, running back Orleans Darkwa has made the most of his opportunities over the last three weeks. The 25-year-old Darkwa is averaging 15 rushing attempts and 74.3 yards per contest over that the last three games and faces the 49ers' NFL-worst rush defense that is allowing 135.7 rushing yards per tilt. Rookie tight end Evan Engram has proven a consistent outlet for Manning, reeling in 15 receptions for 212 yards and three touchdowns in his past three games.

ABOUT THE 49ERS (0-9): Beathard would be wise to keep tabs on Carlos Hyde, who set career highs in receptions (nine) and receiving yards (84) last week. The 26-year-old Hyde has pulled even with the injured Pierre Garcon for the team lead with 40 catches, with 22 coming in the running back's last four games. Marquise Goodwin also has stepped up in the absence of Garcon, posting 148 receiving yards in his last two home games while leading the NFC with 19 yards per reception this season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. San Francisco rookie first-round pick LB Reuben Foster recorded 14 tackles last week.

2. Manning will tie brother Peyton with his 208th consecutive start at quarterback, trailing only Brett Favre (297).

3. The 49ers conceivably could be mathematically eliminated this week, marking the earliest point in a season that a team has been nixed from postseason consideration since the 1967 Denver Broncos.

PREDICTION: Giants 16, 49ers 13