Washington Football Team: Five bold predictions vs. 49ers
2. J.D. McKissic totals over 110 scrimmage yards, one TD
Speaking of McKissic, he is going to be a key for Washington in this contest. He is a great receiver out of the backfield and with Gibson out, he is going to play a huge role for the team.
Washington will likely have three running backs available on Sunday: McKissic, Peyton Barber, and Javon Leake. Barber figures to be used as a between-the-tackles back, but he is averaging just 2.7 yards per carry, so he will be more of a short-yardage and goal-line back. Meanwhile, Leake, a practice squader, will only play sparingly.
McKissic will probably log more snaps than any of the backs. He will be used in a hybrid role as a runner and a receiver, but he will see more touches as a receiver since Smith loves to check the ball down to him. He is coming off a 10-catch, 70-yard game against the Steelers, but he should be in line for more yards in this one.
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If McKissic gets between 15 and 20 touches, which is certainly possible given the amount of carries and receptions available in Gibson’s absence, he could go for 100+ yards on the day. Most of McKissic’s damage will come through the air, but he has been an effective change-of-pace runner, and he could rip off a long one against the 49ers. He’s shifty and elusive, so he can run for 50 or so yards if the offensive linemen can get him space a few times.
All told, McKissic should have a shot to set a new career-high in yards. If he can eclipse his previous single-game high of 70 receiving yards, set last week, he should have a shot at 100+ yards. We’ll say he can get at least 110 and find the end-zone in what would be the best game of his career.