49ers-Commanders preview: A George Kittle breakout game is in the cards

October 19, 2026

The Washington Commanders have struggled to rebound after facing the Giants, managing just a single victory in the weeks that followed those matchups since 2022, and six of those defeats were by margins of at least a touchdown. In contrast, the San Francisco 49ers have dominated recent encounters with NFC East opponents, winning eight of their last nine meetings, with the lone loss coming in the 2022 NFC Championship game.

San Francisco’s defense has been surprisingly effective against the run, ranking near the top of the league in rushing success rate and EPA per rush, while limiting opponents to just over five yards per scramble. The Commanders’ offense is allowing about 29.8 points per game, roughly one point fewer than the 49ers’ scoring output.

The 49ers will be without their primary ball carrier, Bill Croskey‑Merritt, who has carried the ball twice as often as any teammate, leaving Rachaad White as the only other back with double‑digit rushes this season. Quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to be a dual threat, having posted a 103‑yard rushing performance against the Giants and a 69‑yard effort against Dallas, and he currently averages 12.6 yards per scramble with nine explosive runs, tied for the league lead.