The San Francisco 49ers head to MetLife Stadium this weekend to face the New York Giants in what could be a defensive grinder from start to finish. Here are five defensive players to keep an eye on in Sunday’s matchup.

Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, San Francisco 49ers

Since joining the 49ers, Yetur Gross-Matos has been a steady presence on the defensive front, doing the dirty work that often goes unnoticed. He’s shown strong discipline setting the edge, helping contain outside runs and forcing plays back inside to the linebackers.

Gross-Matos’ versatility allows him to move around the formation, and he’s been effective both rushing the passer and defending the run. Against a Giants offense that leans heavily on misdirection and quick-developing plays, his ability to maintain, contain, and pressure Jaxson Dart off script will be key to San Francisco’s success.

Bryce Huff, EDGE, San Francisco 49ers

Bryce Huff’s impact has been immediate for the 49ers. His elite first step and natural bend off the edge have made him one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the NFC this season. With Nick Bosa out, Huff has stepped into a lead role and he’s delivered, consistently creating pressure even when double-teamed.

This week, Huff faces a Giants offensive line that’s struggled to keep its quarterback upright. If he can win his matchups early and force quick throws, the Giants will have trouble finding rhythm. Expect him to be a major factor on third downs and in obvious passing situations.

Dee Winters, LB, San Francisco 49ers

Dee Winters continues to emerge as a bright spot for San Francisco’s defense. The young linebacker has stepped into Fred Warner’s leadership role with confidence, combining speed, instincts, and sure tackling to hold the middle together. Look for him to be active in both run defense and coverage throughout the afternoon.

Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, New York Giants

Kayvon Thibodeaux is the sparkplug of New York’s defense. He is a relentless pass rusher who can take over a game when he finds his rhythm. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and ability to get behind blockers make him a nightmare matchup for opposing tackles. The Giants will rely on Thibodeaux to create pressure on Mac Jones and disrupt the timing of San Francisco’s offense. 

Dexter Lawrence, DT, New York Giants

Dexter Lawrence’s combination of power, leverage, and surprising quickness makes him nearly impossible to handle in one-on-one situations. He’s a tone-setter for the Giants’ defense, he controls the line of scrimmage and commands double teams on nearly every snap.

Lawrence’s presence will be critical against the 49ers’ run game. If he can clog up the middle and limit Christian McCaffrey’s success between the tackles, the Giants can force San Francisco into passing situations where Thibodeaux and the edge rushers can take over.

Final Thoughts

This Week 9 matchup will come down to who wins up front. The 49ers will count on Gross-Matos, Huff, and Winters to keep the defensive pressure consistent and the run game bottled up, while the Giants’ hopes ride on Thibodeaux’s explosiveness and Lawrence’s power inside. Whichever team’s defensive front can impose its will first could very well decide who walks out of MetLife Stadium with the win.