Washington Commanders vs San Francisco 49ers Odds, Lines, Spread, and Picks NFL Week 16
By Daniel Coyle in NFL Football
Published:
- San Francisco 49ers host the Washington Commanders riding a seven-game win streak
- The Commanders are winless in two, but remain the No. 7 seed in the NFC
- Read on for all the odds and trends ahead of Saturday afternoon’s matchup Levi’s Stadium
The Washington Commanders look to strengthen their tenuous grasp on the No. 7 seed in the NFC when they visit the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday afternoon in NFL Week 16 action. Read on for an analysis of the Washington Commanders vs San Francisco 49ers
The Commanders travel to the coast winless in two games after dropping a 20-12 decision to the New York Giants last weekend. The 49ers return home after clinching the NFC West title with a 21-13 victory in Seattle that also extended their current SU win streak to seven games.
| Team | Spread | Moneyline Odds | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | +6.5 (-115) | +250 | O 37.5 (-110) |
| San Francisco 49ers | -6.5 (-105) | -320 | U 37.5 (-110) |
*Odds taken at Caesars Sportsbook on December 23, 2022.
The 49ers have faded to 6.5-point favorites in the NFL odds since opening as 7.5-point chalk. The total has also been on the decline since opening at 40.5, dipping to 37.5.
Start time of Sunday afternoon’s contest is set for 4:05 pm ET at Levi’s Stadium.
Commanders vs 49ers Recent History
Saturday afternoon’s matchup marks the first meeting between these NFC rivals since 2020. The Commanders have taken two of three from the Niners in head-to-head action, capped by a 23-15 win in San Francisco two years ago. Recent dates between these teams have been low scoring, with the total reaching 40 just once during a steady 5-1 run for the UNDER.
Washington Commanders Betting Outlook
The Commanders’ steady march back into the playoff picture has stalled during the team’s current 0-1-1 SU run. Winners in six of their previous seven, the Commanders had the chance to slam the playoff door on the struggling New York Giants while facing their divisional archrivals in each of their past two outings. Instead, the Commanders saw their recent offensive woes deepen, averaging just 16 points per game while recording a tie and loss against New York.
An offensive coordinator having Brian Robinson Jr. + Antonio Gibson and only producing 7 rushing TDs when that’s your supposed “identity” is a crime pic.twitter.com/SNTnkLvG4K
— 𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗵𝗮𝗻 🪖 (@DotsByDaniels) December 23, 2022
Now faced with a daunting stretch run that features dates with Cleveland and Dallas to close out their schedule, the Commanders must find a way to kickstart an offense that has produced just five TD passes over the past five games, and no scoring runs over the past three.
The team’s ground game woes are not helped by the current uncertain status of the team’s top two rushers. Both Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson have found their way onto the injury report, with Gibson reportedly limited at practice by his ankle injury.
Tyler Heinicke has remained steady under center, connecting on three scoring passes over the past two weeks. However, his offensive line needs to step up after allowing Heinicke to get sacked eight total times over his past two outings.
San Francisco 49ers Betting Outlook
The 49ers enter the final three weeks of the season focused on improving their playoff position after wrapping up the NFC West crown last weekend. The Niners currently control the No. 3 seed but remain just one game back of No. 2 Minnesota, which would set the stage for a Wild Card Weekend clash with the Commanders.
The @49ers defense leads the league in total points allowed and total yards allowed this season.
Special group. 😤 pic.twitter.com/NVXdSMmBGB
— NFL (@NFL) December 19, 2022
San Francisco has flashed playoff form during its 7-0 run, particularly on defense. The squad has surrendered just 11 points per game during their win streak, and an average of just 10 points in five straight home wins since getting blown out 44-23 by Kansas City in Week 7. The 49ers’ defense has made life particularly hard for opposing rushers, who have averaged just 58.4 yards per game and generated just two total scoring runs during the team’s seven-game win streak.
That stingy performance has helped ease Brock Purdy’s transition into the role of starting quarterback. The talented rookie has tossed for six scores against one pick over the past three games. However, Purdy is one of several key offensive personnel to make the injury report, due to an oblique injury that limited him on Wednesday and Thursday. Receiver Deebo Samuel remains on the shelf with ankle and knee injuries, while rusher Christian McCaffrey has been limited at practice by a sore knee.
Washington Commanders vs San Francisco 49ers Prediction
While the pressure is off the 49ers, they still have plenty to play for, making a big post-clinching letdown unlikeable. That said, the Niners are likely to be cautious with their injured stars, placing a heavier responsibility on the defense to shut down a faltering, injury-plagued Commanders attack.
The Pick: OVER 37.5 (-110)
2022 NFL Season Picks Record: 6-11; -3.6 units
Sports Writer
Daniel has been writing about sports and sports betting for over 23 years. The seasoned pro has contributed to the likes of Sports Illustrated, Sportsnet, NESN, Bleacher Report, OddsShark, the Globe and Mail, and The Nation magazine.
