Facing the Giants in Week 3 Just Became Easier for the 49ers

Week 3 just became an easier outing for the San Francisco 49ers.

Star running back Saquon Barkley suffered a sprained ankle in Week 2 and is set to miss a few games. That means he will not be available for the New York Giants when they face the 49ers on Thursday Night Football.

#Giants RB Saquon Barkley has a sprained ankle, source said after tests today. He’ll be out Thursday and considered week-to-week. https://t.co/j2kVbascHG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 18, 2023

Instead of scoring 13 points on the 49ers, the Giants will be scoring 10. Barkley being available or not isn't that significant for the 49ers. His absence makes it easier for them, but this was always an easy game for the 49ers. The Giants lack any real impact players offensively. There is no reason why they should not win and continue their undefeated record to 3-0. All Barkley's absence does is raise the pressure on winning for the 49ers. With him out, the Giants will look to former 49ers running back Matt Breida. Revenge game?

Really, the greatest challenge that facing the Giants presents is that it is on a short week. Thursday night games are always tough, even for the elite teams. The 49ers could start the game sluggish, but I would expect them to turn it up after once they get going. They're the home team after all, which is always the best case for playing on Thursday night.

Either way, the Giants don't pose a threat. Quarterback Daniel Jones is going to gift the 49ers defense a ton. Going from Matthew Stafford to Jones is such a massive drop off. And the last time Jones played an elite defense, he threw for only 104 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. There will be absolutely zero excuses for why the 49ers don't handle the Giants easily.