The San Francisco 49ers look to extend their five-game winning streak against the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football at Levi’s Stadium. The Commanders limp into this game with an injury report longer than the 49ers’ somehow and following a tie with the New York football Giants. After a very physical and tense matchup with the defending Super Bowl champions, the extra day of rest is right on time for the 49ers. Seattle fell to the Broncos last night, so a win on Monday night will place an even tighter hold on the NFC West for San Francisco.
There is no shortage of storylines heading into Monday. Brandon Aiyuk could have been at the top of them, but yeah, you know how that went. Adam Peters returns to Santa Clara, as does former first-round pick Javon Kinlaw, who has turned in a solid career as a professional.
Here are three things to watch for on Monday night:
The 49ers rushing attack vs. Washington’s run defense
Among all the issues with the Commanders in 2026, the front seven isn’t among them. The overall defense for Washington has earned a zero in EPA, which means the defense isn’t a positive, but it isn’t a detriment. The scales tip based on the Commanders’ run defense, as the passing defense has been torched. Washington allows -0.07 EPA/rush, and the passing defense allows 0.05 EPA/pass.
The interesting part is the game plan may be closer to the vest on Monday night given the injuries to the receiver position. Mike Evans missed Thursday’s practice with soreness in his Achilles. The 49ers may be inclined to run the football and try to hit that magic 30-carry number, but Washington is solid at defending the run.
Will the 49ers throw it around the yard and test Fabian Moreau or Mike Sainristil? Amik Robertson has done a great job so far in 2026, but the secondary around him is very susceptible to the pass.
Defending Jayden Daniels
It doesn’t matter the season, defensive coordinator, or personnel; the 49ers have issues defending mobile quarterbacks. Daniels rushing ability kept Washington alive last Sunday against the Giants. Washington’s offense is never under center at 37.7%, which is the third-lowest total in the NFL. Out of shotgun is where the Commanders live at 53.9%.
The 49ers will need to keep Daniels in the pocket and make him work from the pocket. Improvising outside of the pocket opens things up for Daniels to run and get the ball to players downfield if the coverage breaks down. Disciplined pass rush will be the key to containing Daniels.
Washington’s left tackle issues
The loss of Laremy Tunsil can’t be understated. Tunsil was a massive upgrade for Washington’s offensive line. His absence hasn’t been easy to deal with, as third-year tackle Brandon Coleman has stepped in for Tunsil and is responsible for 32.2% of Washington’s allowed pressures, the highest number in the NFL. This season, Coleman has allowed 18 pressures, 13 hurries, two QB hits, and three sacks on 203 pass-blocking snaps. Ouch.
His latest performance against the Giants was his worst of the season, with two sacks, two hurries, and four pressures allowed on 39 pass-blocking snaps. Whoever is lined up against Coleman has to take advantage. The 49ers have a chance to continue the pass rush surge we saw on Sunday against Seattle.
For a longer and in-depth discussion, check out the video below as I joined Big Doug to preview Monday night’s game:
About the Author: Insidethe49
