Big Blue View
The 2-6 New York Giants host the 5-3 San Francisco 49ers in a Week 9 matchup at MetLife Stadium. The 49ers are looking to rebound after a 26-15 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 8, a setback that dropped them to third place in the NFC West. For the Giants, injuries continue to pile up, as running back Cam Skattebo joins star rookie Malik Nabers on injured reserve. FanDuel Sportsbook has New York listed as 2.5-point home underdogs, with the over/under set at 48.5 points.
Robert Saleh’s defense was also bitten by the injury bug. Star linebacker Fred Warner joined edge defender Nick Bosa on injured reserve after Week 6. Starters Jordan Elliott (DT), Sam Okuyinonu (edge), and Dee Winters (LB) are also dealing with injuries, as are Yetur Gross-Matos (edge) and Bryce Huff (edge). On the other side of the football, though, Brock Purdy may return to the starting lineup for Kyle Shanahan.
Saleh’s return to the 49ers has stabilized the defensive unit amid a rash of consequential injuries. San Francisco ranks eighth in the NFL, allowing just 20.5 points per game. The unit also ranks eighth in red zone touchdown percentage, with a 52% touchdown allowed rate. For reference, the Giants are 27th with a 68% red zone touchdown rate.
The 49ers do, however, allow yards; they’re 22nd in yards allowed (337.1 yards per game). They allow a third down conversion on 38.95% of attempts, which ranks 19th in the NFL. The 49ers allow 107.9 rushing yards per game (15th in the NFL) and 229.3 passing yards per game (22nd in the NFL).
Saleh has mostly rushed four in 2025, blitzing on just 17.6% of defensive snaps, which ranks fifth lowest in the NFL. Their ability to generate pressure is the lowest in the NFL (10.8% pressure rate). The lack of pressure is one of the most significant defensive issues, which is compounded by the injuries.
The 49ers front office made a midseason move this week to strengthen their pass rush, acquiring physical edge rusher Keion White from the New England Patriots in exchange for a sixth-round pick. It was much needed for Saleh’s current personnel. White, who recorded five sacks and 45 pressures last season, had seen a reduced role in Mike Vrabel’s defense this year.
He’ll make his San Francisco debut in Week 9 against the Giants. White joins rookie edge Mykel Williams, the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, who has already posted 16 pressures and a sack through eight games. Bryce Huff, who missed Week 8 with a hamstring injury, may miss Week 9. Huff does lead the 49ers with 24 pressures and four sacks.
The 49ers are injured along their front seven. Rookie defensive lineman Alfred Collins joins Kevin Givens and Kalia Davis on the defensive line, with Sam Okuayinonu and Robert Beal Jr. playing most of the EDGE snaps behind Williams and Trevis Gipson due to the injuries.
Dee Winters, who is day-to-day...
