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Early Week 14 Preview: 49ers vs. Jets

View images of the key players on San Francisco's thirteenth regular season opponent, the New York Jets.

Somebody will end a losing streak on Sunday when the San Francisco 49ers (1-11) host the New York Jets (3-9) in Week 14.

Both teams have combined to lose 15 consecutive games, with the 49ers supplying 11 of the defeats. The quarterback position will be fascinating to watch for both sides in this non-conference clash. The Jets named Bryce Petty as the team's starting signal-caller for the final four games of the regular season.

The 49ers, on the other hand, will not make a change after removing Colin Kaepernick in last week's road loss to the Chicago Bears. San Francisco will lean on Kaepernick for an eighth-straight week.

Here's a closer look inside Sunday's matchup.

All-time Record: 10-2

San Francisco currently has a two-game winning streak over the Jets and have a 4-1 home record against the AFC East foe.

Previous Matchup: 49ers 34 – Jets 0 (Sept. 30, 2012)

The 49ers registered the first shutout in the all-time series with a 34-0 road victory at MetLife Stadium. Kaepernick also scored his first career rushing touchdown with a 7-yard run.

The Jets Best Player: Brandon Marshall

Marshall, 32, remains as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Marshall's receiving numbers, however, have been impacted by New York's inconsistent play at quarterback. The 11th-year pro has caught 53 passes for 711 receiving yards and three touchdowns. For added perspective, consider that Marshall caught 109 passes for 1,502 receiving yards and a career-high 14 touchdowns last season with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback.

Many of Fitzpatrick's 14 interceptions have come on passes that were targeted to Marshall. Defending him will be critical for a 49ers defense that has given up several deep passing plays in recent weeks.

Who You Should Get to Know: Leonard Williams

New York boasts a star-studded defensive line with Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson. But it's the second-year Williams who has put up the better numbers of the trio. The defensive end leads the Jets with 6.5 sacks and is second on the team with 51 tackles.

Although the Jets were beat soundly by the Indianpolis Colts, 41-10, on "Monday Night Football," Williams recorded 10 tackles and a half sack. The 6-foot-5, 302-pound lineman is a force against the run and as a pass-rusher.
Where They Excel: Rush Defense

Due to the team's strong depth on the defensive line and stalwart linebacker David Harris (67 tackles), the Jets have the league's fourth-best rush defense, allowing 90.3 yards per game on the ground. New York has also kept opponents to 3.5 yards per carry and has allowed seven touchdown runs, which ranks eighth-best in the league.

Where They Struggle: Turnover Differential

The Jets are 31st in the NFL with a minus-15 mark in this crucial category. Fitzpatrick's aformentioned interception woes, coupled with the defense's inability to create takeaways, has hampered New York's chances of winning in 2016. The Jets have recorded just six interceptions and two forced fumbles this season. Superstar cornerback Darrelle Revis has 28 career interceptions and six forced fumbles, but does not have a takeaway on the year.

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