49ers vs. Commanders GAMEDAY: How to Watch, Betting Odds

The Washington Commanders return home for a Week 17 contest with the NFC-leading San Francisco 49ers and a reunion with former defensive end Chase Young.

Author:
Timm Hamm
Publish date:
Dec 31, 2023 11:48 AM EST

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders are back in action today as they host Chase Young and the San Francisco 49ers at FedEx Field.

It's the first time Young, Washington's No. 2 overall pick in 2020, has played against the Commanders in his career.

His former teammates know it won't be "just another game."

“He’s going to come out here and try to give his best,” Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin said. “He’s going to be super juiced up to be back home and playing against his former team and everything.”

“It’s going to be fun,” Young said. “At the end of the day, it’s just playing ball. What happens between those white lines will determine the outcome.”

The 49ers are coming off a humbling home defeat to the AFC-best Baltimore Ravens last week, but can still lock up the NFC's No. 1 seed with a win and losses by Detroit and Philadelphia.

It'll also be a homecoming of sorts for 49ers left tackle Trent Williams and coach Kyle Shanahan. If Williams can play through a groin injury, it'll be his first game at FedEx Field as a visiting player.

Since his trade to San Francisco, Young has registered 2.5 sacks and continues to improve.

“This week is a huge one for him,” current 49ers and former Buckeyes teammate Nick Bosa said. "He’s already pretty hyped up about it and excited, so we’re going to try and play our best game for him.”

The Commanders are making a change at quarterback after season-long starter Sam Howell was benched in the past two games. Howell leads the league with 17 interceptions and is being replaced with Jacoby Brissett. It'll be the 31-year-old's 49th NFL start.