In their quest to avoid a three-game losing streak since 2021, the San Francisco 49ers are uncertain about who will be starting at quarterback against the Cincinnati Bengals. With the sounds of Gorillaz playing in the background, the 49ers are preparing for a crucial matchup on Sunday.

Under coach Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers have a 3-3 record when a quarterback makes their first start for the team. Whether it is Brock Purdy or Sam Darnold, fans will be eager to see who takes the field against the Bengals.

One key number to keep in mind is the sack percentage. Bengals' quarterback Joe Burrow has been sacked on only 5.6 percent of his dropbacks, which is the 10th-lowest percentage in the league. Interestingly, the 49ers have only faced one other quarterback with a lower sack percentage this season, and that was Kirk Cousins.

Unfortunately for the 49ers, the defense struggled to apply pressure on Cousins during their most recent game, resulting in a loss. However, Burrow has struggled when facing the pass rush, with a passer rating of 70.7 while under pressure. This could be an area where the 49ers' defense can find success.

Burrow has faced difficulties this season, ranking outside the top 15 in passing touchdowns, completion percentage, and yards per game. He has also struggled in sack percentage and interception percentage. It remains to be seen if these struggles stem from his calf injury during training camp or if opponents are starting to figure him out.

The matchup against the Bengals may pose a challenge for the 49ers' defense, as their ability to sack the quarterback has been in question recently. However, Burrow's reported return to full health after the bye week could change the dynamics of the game.

One player to watch on the Bengals' defense is Trey Hendrickson, who has taken 100 percent of his snaps on the right side of the defense this season. Hendrickson has been a force to reckon with, amassing several pressures and quarterback hurries, as well as being tied for fourth in sacks.

Hendrickson will likely face off against Jaylon Moore, who had a solid first start for the 49ers but didn't have to face the likes of Danielle Hunter. This matchup will test Moore's skills and provide insight into his progress as a third-year tackle.

On the defensive front, the Bengals have struggled against the run, allowing an average of 142.8 rushing yards per game, the fourth-most in the league. In contrast, the 49ers were held to a season-low 65 rushing yards in their previous game against the Vikings. However, star running back Christian McCaffrey, who has been dealing with an oblique injury, has shown some carry-to-carry issues in recent weeks.

McCaffrey's yard-per-carry average has dwindled in the last few games, but with a week of full practices and facing a vulnerable Bengals run defense, he may have the opportunity to break out of this slump.

The matchup between the 49ers and the Bengals promises to be an exciting one, filled with uncertainties at the quarterback position and opportunities for key players to shine. Both teams will be hungry for a victory, making this game a crucial one for their respective seasons.

Next Up In San Francisco 49ers News.