The San Francisco 49ers return to action in Week 10 looking to finally put an end to a losing streak that has dented confidence in a preseason Super Bowl favorite.

San Francisco has a mightily tough challenge on the road against a Jacksonville Jaguars team that has won five on the spin and sits atop the AFC South at 6-2.

But refreshed off the bye week with two key players returning from injury and with a star defensive player making his debut, the Niners have reason for hope they can end a surprising skid.

San Francisco 49ers (5-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2)
Date: Sunday, November 12
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: EverBank Stadium/Jacksonville, FL
Betting odds: 49ers -3, Over/Under 45
How to watch on TV: Fox
Streaming: FuboTV, YouTube TV, Network apps, etc.
Radio: KNBR 680 AM / 104.5 FM, 107.7 FM “The Bone" / SacTown Sports 1140AM

Can the offense return to form?

Over the first five weeks of the season, the 49ers averaged 33.4 points per game. Since, they have managed just 17 points in each of their three defeats.

Moving the ball with efficiency has not been a problem, but costly turnovers, including two in the redzone, have prevented the 49ers from a better offensive output. 

Quarterback Brock Purdy has had a week off to put his recent spate of interceptions behind him, and he will have wide receiver Deebo Samuel and All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams back in the lineup.

But the Jags' defense is third by Expected Points Added per play and currently allows opponents to score at the NFL's fourth-lowest rate (27.4%) and forces turnovers at a league-high rate of 17.9%. The 49ers' offense is in a much better position to prosper in terms of personnel, but the test it faces is a very stiff one.

Will the defensive change make a difference?

The debut of Chase Young is not the only change for the 49ers' defense in Jacksonville.

After giving up 852 yards over the course of the last two games, the Niners made the move to bring defensive coordinator Steve Wilks down from the coaching booth to the sideline.

The aim is seemingly to improve the communication between Wilks and the linebackers as adjustments are made throughout the game.

Going against a Jacksonville attack that is 21st in the NFL by EPA per play and is hamstrung by a vulnerable offensive line, the 49ers' defense would appear to have a distinct opportunity to end an unexpected slump. If it does not take that chance, the pressure on Wilks to significantly increase.

3 players to watch

• RB Christian McCaffrey: The 49ers' running back can claim the outright record for consecutive games with a touchdown with a score against Jacksonville. More importantly, with Deebo Samuel back in the lineup, the scope for both him and McCaffrey to create mismatches against the Jags' base defense and give Purdy much-needed easy completions is extremely high.
• OT Trent Williams: Having missed the last two games with an ankle injury, All-Pro left tackle Williams is set to return in Week 10 despite still not being 100 percent healthy. Going against a stud edge rusher in Josh Allen and a Jags defense that loves to attack with stunts and creepers, it is imperative Williams is healthy enough to hold up.
• DE Chase Young: The prospect of reuniting Young with former Ohio State teammate Nick Bosa is an extremely tantalizing one, and they have a favorable matchup against Jacksonville's tackles. If they can win quick enough to negate the speed with which Trevor Lawrence gets rid of the ball, the 49ers will likely be in an excellent spot to prevail.

More 49ers news ahead of the game

• 49ers face harsh truth with 2022 top pick Drake Jackson
• Weather forecast: Chance of showers in 49ers-Jaguars

Eight non-quarterback 49ers to watch in Week 10 at Jaguars

They’ll have a big say in the outcome.