Redskins vs. 49ers: 5 Players To Watch

If most fans were asked the question of who they felt was the 49ers' most effective WR this season, then they would either say Anquan Boldin or Michael Crabtree. However, the correct answer is Stevie Johnson. While he does play limited snaps, he has an 80-percent catch rate this season and has dropped only one pass in 2014. Facing the league's second-worst pass coverage, he is poised for a big game.

Trent Williams has been one of the NFL's best offensive tackles over the past few seasons and was the top-graded OT in 2013, according to Pro Football Focus. Currently, he is ranked seventh in terms of pass blocking efficiency and this will play a huge role if the Redskins plan to win. The 49ers currently have a pass rush grade of 8.0, so it's essential that Williams protects RGIII's blindside from constant pressure for the entire game.

As a top five outside LB when he's on the field, the 49ers couldn't have been happier for the return of Aldon Smith last week. Prior to his return, they weren't having their typical success with rushing the passer, but all of that changed against the New York Giants; and Eli Manning can confirm that after being pressured eight times by Smith. The Redskins will need to find an answer for him or RG3 will suffer a similar fate as Manning did.

Colin Kaepernick has been somewhat mediocre this season, and especially over his last three games, where he hasn't eclipsed 250 passing yards in any of them. Additionally, even though he has focused more on pocket passing this season, he's still a dual-threat QB that hasn't registered one rushing TD so far. Against the Redskins, he has a great chance to either throw for over 250 yards, get his first rushing TD or perhaps both.

This might be unfair to mention due to him missing most of this season with an injury, but the Washington Redskins have not won a game this season where Robert Griffin III has finished the game. Their three wins have happened with either Colt McCoy or Kirk Cousins under center. The pressure is mounting for RG3 to return to his fantastic rookie year form. No other player will be watched more closely in this game than him.