INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts play their second straight game against an NFC West Division opponent Week 5 when they play host to the San Francisco 49ers.
With the season right around the corner, let's take a close look at the matchup:**
Week 5:**
Indianapolis Colts vs. San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, Oct. 8; 1 p.m.
Lucas Oil Stadium2016 synopsis:
The 49ers in 2016 finished with a 2-14 record, placing fourth in the NFC West standings. The team actually opened its season with an impressive 28-9 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, but would go on to then lose 13 straight games before claiming their second and only other victory of the season, 22-21, also over the Rams, in Week 16. The team's performance led to the dismissal of head coach Chip Kelly, who has since been replaced by former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
Despite having an offensive guru, Kelly, as their head coach, the 49ers had major struggles on offense particularly throughout the 2016 season, as they ranked 31st in the league in yards per game (308.1), including ranking last in passing yards per game (181.9) despite ranking fourth in the league in rushing yards per game (126.2).
The quarterback position for San Francisco in 2016 would be split between Blaine Gabbert (five games started; 91-of-160 completed passes for 925 yards with five touchdowns to six interceptions) and Colin Kaepernick (11 games started; 196-of-331 completed passes for 2,241 yards with 16 touchdowns to four interceptions, with 69 rushing attempts for 468 yards and two rushing scores).
Carlos Hyde led the rushing attack for the 49ers, as he had 217 rushing attempts for 988 yards (for an impressive 4.6 yards-per-carry average) with six touchdowns on the ground, while also adding three receiving touchdowns. Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley, meanwhile, had a team-best 64 receptions for 667 yards to go with three touchdowns, while tight end Vance McDonald hauled in a team-high four touchdown receptions.
The San Francisco defense, meanwhile, was even worse, allowing a league-worst 406.4 yards per game. While the 49ers only gave up 240.5 passing yards per game, ranking 16th in the league in that category, they really struggled against the run, allowing a league-high 165.9 yards per contest.
Safety Antoine Bethea led the 49ers with 110 total tackles, while also adding an interception, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble on the year. Linebacker Gerald Hodges had a team-best two interceptions, while defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and linebacker Ahmad Brooks led the unit with six sacks apiece.
The 49ers in 2016 would have no representatives selected to either the Pro Bowl nor given 1st Team All-Pro honors.Key additions:
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk, wide receiver Pierre Garçon, quarterback Brian Hoyer, defensive end Elvis Dumervil, quarterback Matt Barkley, linebacker Brock Coyle, center Tim Barnes, wide receiver Aldrick Robinson, wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, halfback Tim Hightower, defensive end Dekoda Watson, guard Brandon Fusco, tight end Logan Paulsen, linebacker Malcolm Smith, defensive tackle Earl Mitchell, tackle Garry Gilliam2017 NFL Draft picks:
Defensive end Solomon Thomas (Round 1, Pick 3), linebacker Reuben Foster (Round 1, Pick 31), cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (Round 3, Pick 2), quarterback C.J. Beathard (Round 3, Pick 40), running back Joe Williams (Round 4, Pick 15), tight end George Kittle (Round 5, Pick 2), wide receiver Trent Taylor (Round 5, Pick 34), defensive tackle D.J. Jones (Round 6, Pick 14), outside linebacker Pita Taumoepenu (Round 6, Pick 18), defensive back Adrian Colbert (Round 7, Pick 11)Key losses:
Linebacker Gerald Hodges (Bills), cornerback Tramaine Brock (free agent), linebacker Shayne Skov (free agent), guard Andrew Tiller (Chiefs), safety Antoine Bethea (Cardinals), guard Andrew Gardner (free agent), wide receiver Rod Streater (Bills), halfback Shaun Draughn (Giants), quarterback Colin Kaepernick (free agent), tight end Je'Ron Hamm (free agent), tight end Jim Dray (free agent), linebacker Nick Bellore (Lions), wide receiver Quinton Patton (free agent), safety Marcus Cromartie (Seahawks), defensive end Zach Moore (Panthers), defensive tackle Tony Jerod-Eddie (free agent), wide receiver Torrey Smith (Eagles), cornerback Chris Davis (free agent), quarterback Blaine Gabbert (Cardinals), linebacker Michael Wilhoite (Seahawks), defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey (free agent)Series history vs. Colts:
Colts lead, 25-19Last matchup:
Sept. 22, 2013: Colts 27, 49ers 7; Candlestick Park (San Francisco)
2017 Colts Season Previews:
• Week 1 (at Los Angeles Rams)
• Week 2 (vs. Arizona Cardinals)
• Week 3 (vs. Cleveland Browns)
• Week 4 (at Seattle Seahawks)
• Week 5 (vs. San Francisco 49ers)
• Week 6 (at Tennessee Titans)
• Week 7 (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)
• Week 8 (at Cincinnati Bengals)
• Week 9 (at Houston Texans)
• Week 10 (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)
• Week 12 (vs. Tennessee Titans)
• Week 13 (at Jacksonville Jaguars)
• Week 14 (at Buffalo Bills)
• Week 15 (vs. Denver Broncos)
• Week 16 (at Baltimore Ravens)
• Week 17 (vs. Houston Texans)
The analysis from those producing content on Colts.com does not necessarily represent the thoughts of the Indianapolis Colts organization. Any conjecture, analysis or opinions formed by Colts.com content creators is not based on inside knowledge gained from team officials, players or staff.
