Caleb Wilfinger
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In what is sure to be one of the biggest games on the Week 11 NFL slate — especially from a playoff picture perspective — the San Francisco 49ers will travel to Buffalo for a date with the Bills in a pivotal primetime matchup for both teams on Sunday Night Football. The 49ers are on their last legs in the NFC West race, while the Bills are looking to lock up the AFC East and keep pace with the Chiefs for the top overall seed. The handicap on this game seems to be a solid spot to buy the Bills given the uncertainty with Brock Purdy’s status, but that’s not what I’ll be focusing on in this piece.
Be sure to also check out our 49ers vs Bills predictions, but now let’s take a look at my favorite anytime touchdown scorer picks for this primetime game, which includes a wide receiver and running back.
James Cook, RB, BUF (-110 at FanDuel)
The insertion of Joe Brady as the Bills’ offensive coordinator has completely unleashed James Cook within an already excellent offense. The top Buffalo running back has already tallied 11 touchdowns this season, and has picked up 5 touchdowns over his last 4 games played. Cook is also the beneficiary of sharing a backfield with Josh Allen, who is often going to be shown a ton of attention by opposing defenses in the red zone, and understandably so given his track record around the goal line. There’s also the matter of the matchup at hand for this week, as Cook is facing a San Francisco defense that is in the midst of a brutal stretch of consecutive road games, having just allowed Josh Jacobs and the Packers to run all over them at Lambeau Field last week. This is a team that has struggled mightily against the rush this season, allowing the third-most touchdowns to opposing running backs this season. Given that the Bills are fresh and healthier following a bye week, it would make sense for Buffalo’s coaching staff to lean on its ground game in this one. After just surrendering a trio of touchdowns to Jacobs a week ago, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Cook racked up at least 1 touchdown on Sunday.
Jauan Jennings, WR, SF (+310 at FanDuel)
The 49ers have been an injury-riddled team all season, but San Francisco’s offense is in dire need of a spark given its uncertain situation at quarterback. And while other players have faltered in big moments for the 49ers this season, Jauan Jennings has become the most dependable receiver on the roster. Jennings finished with 10 receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown against the Seahawks back in Week 11, before adding 5 receptions for 40 yards in a brutal spot a week ago considering the quarterback situation for the 49ers. It’s clear he has chemistry with Brock Purdy, and if the 49ers starting quarterback does suit up, Jennings immediately provides value a bit further down the board in this market. This week, the 49ers are taking on a Bills defense that has look strong of late, but is still susceptible against the pass in the middle of the field. If San Francisco is going to have any chance of keeping up in this game, then there’s no doubt that Jennings will play a massive role in this offense doing so.
