49ers vs. Bengals: 5 Key Matchups

Here are five key matchups to watch when the 49ers face the Cincinnati Bengals at home on Sunday.

1. Nick Bosa vs. Orlando Brown Jr.

It's time for Nick Bosa to actually earn the check that makes him the highest-paid non quarterback in the NFL. Through 7 games this season, he has just 2.5 sacks. And going back to last season, he has only 3.5 sacks in his past 12 games counting the playoffs. This is a troubling trend, one that has lasted for almost an entire season. He's starting to look like a player whose best days are behind him. This week, he has to face Brown. These two have faced each other twice in the NFL -- once in 2019 and once in 2022. Both times, Brown shut out Bosa. Which means to have success, Bosa might need to rush against right tackle Jonah Williams.

2. Charvarius Ward vs. Ja'Marr Chase.

Chase has 556 receiving yards while no one else on the Bengals has more than 204. He IS their passing game. And he's extremely good. He can beat you deep, and he can beat you after the catch -- he's a complete receiver. The 49ers will need their best cornerback, Charvarius Ward, to step up and slow down Chase. Unfortunately for the 49ers, these two have faced each other twice when Ward was on the Chiefs and Chase got the best of him both times. In the first matchup, Chase put up 266 yards and 3 touchdowns. In the second matchup, Chase put up 54 yards and one touchdown. If Ward at least can keep Chase out of the end zone, that would help.

3. Jaylon Moore vs. Trey Hendrickson.

Trent Williams missed practice all week with an ankle injury and is questionable to play. Assuming he doesn't, his backup, Jaylon Moore, will have to block Hendrickson, the Bengals best pass rusher. Hendrickson has 7 sacks through 6 games. Moore will need help from tight ends and running backs. He can't handle Hendrickson one on one.

4. Brandon Aiyuk vs. Cam Taylor-Britt.

With Deebo Samuel out, Brandon Aiyuk has to be the 49ers' No. 1 wide receiver even though he's more of a second option. And this week, he has to face Taylor-Britt, who's giving up a passer rating of just 83.1 this season. This will be a tough matchup for Aiyuk, but one he can win if he plays his best and stops dropping contested passes. Taylor-Britt will be in his hip pocket all game.

5. Jauan Jennings vs. Mike Hilton.

Jennings is the 49ers' secret weapon, especially when Samuel is injured. Most teams don't have a nickelback who can cover Jennings in the slot. But the Bengals have Hilton, who's an elite nickelback. He's allowing a passer rating of 43.9 this season. The 49ers should stay away from this matchup and find a new secret weapon this week.