San Francisco 49ers

LOLB Ahmad Brooks, will he stay or will he go? The speculations can finally be put to rest. Brooks will stay as the 49ers signed the linebacker through 2017. The six-year extension is worth $44.5m with $17.5m guaranteed. The 27-year old had a career-best 34 solo tackles and 7 sacks last season. Brooks is expected to start alongside LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Patrick Willis and OLB Aldon Smith next year. The 49ers have to decide now if they want to keep ROLB Parys Haralson, who will make $2.45m in 2012.

Seattle Seahawks

It is no big secret that the Seahawks are trying to improve their quarterback situation. They are interested in trading up in the draft to get Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III but face stiff competition from the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins. They are also interested in QB Peyton Manning, provided he becomes available, but the Seahawks aren't considered favorites to lure him to Seattle. Where does the passer come from then? "Every year going into the draft we're looking to take a quarterback and effectively upgrade the quarterback position, and this year is no different," head coach Pete Carroll said. Free agent QB Charlie Whitehurst will likely not return which opens up a vacancy. Carroll is intrigued by Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill, Wisconsin's Russell Wilson and Arizona State's Brock Osweiler or could turn his attention to undrafted rookie free agent Josh Portis.

The San Francisco 49ers travel to the state of Missouri for their regular season finale against the St. Louis Rams. The 49ers can clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs with a win and the St. Louis Rams are still in the running for the number one pick in the draft. The Niners are coming off a 19-17 come-from-behind win at the Seattle Seahawks, whereas the St. Louis lost 27-0 at the Pittsburgh Steelers and suffered the second shutout in four weeks. The regular season series is currently tied at 61-61-2. Both teams last met in week 13, when the 49ers beat the Rams 26-0 at The Stick.

The 49ers ruled TE Delanie Walker (jaw) out for this game. TE Justin Peele will be the number two tight end in his place. WR Kyle Williams (concussion) and WR Ted Ginn Jr. (ankle) will likely miss the contest, too. WR Brett Swain is expected to start and WR Joe Hastings has been signed from the practice squad to give the Niners three active wideouts. S Reggie Smith will return the punts in Ginn Jr.’s absence and RB Kendall Hunter will be responsible for returning kick-offs. CB Carlos Rogers (knee), CB Chris Culliver (shoulder) and FB Bruce Miller are listed as questionable but are expected to play. RILB is still questionable with a hamstring injury but could play if he feels ready. LB Larry will replace him again if Willis sits out another game.

QB Kellen Clemens will likely start for the St. Louis Rams, as QB Sam Bradford (ankle) and QB A.J. Feeley (thumb) are both doubtful. LE Chris Long is listed as questionable with an ankle injury but is expected to play. OLB Brady Poppinga (illness) and CB Josh Gordy (abdomen) are probable for the game against the 49ers.

St. Louis’ QB Kellen Clemens will get his third consecutive start of the season, as QB Sam Bradford (ankle) and QB A.J. Feeley (thumb) are doubtful to play in this game. Clemens hasn’t thrown an interception in his previous two starts but completed only 56.7% of his passes for 160 yards per game. Though this may indicate that the Rams are going to rely on the run, WR Brandon Lloyd, a former 49ers draft pick, will be the guy who has to get a passing game going. RB Steven Jackson surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the seventh consecutive time last week and remains one of the best running backs in the league. He averages 4.4 yards per carry and ran for 5 touchdowns this season. He has been voted as an alternate for the Pro Bowl. The Rams have one of the worst offensive lines in the league and Kellen Clemens may occasionally be running for his life, considering that OLB Aldon Smith is chasing the NFL sack record for rookies. St. Louis’ defensive ends are excellent pass rushers and will keep San Francisco’s offensive line constantly occupied. LE Chris Long, another Pro Bowl alternate, stands out with 13 sacks, followed by RE James Hall and Robert Quinn with 5 sacks each. MLB James Laurinaitis, St. Louis third Pro Bowl alternate, needs three solo tackles to reach 100 on the season and will try to stop San Francisco’s running backs from making big plays. CB Josh Gordy, who will likely be covering WR Brett Swain, leads the team with 3 interceptions.

Keys to Success

St. Louis defends quite well against the pass actually and ranks 5^th in the league. QB Alex Smith needs to establish a short passing game with TE Vernon Davis and RB Kendall Hunter.

Establish a running game by utilizing both RB Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter.

WR Joe Hastings could be the surprise factor, as the Rams will find it hard to prepare against him. Hastings is a good route runner and has good hands. He deserves a few looks.

Win the battle in the trenches and keep St. Louis’ defensive ends away from Alex Smith.

Aldon Smith’s chase for the record is not as important as a win. Don’t switch to a 4-3 system more often than necessary.

Stop the run. With Kellen Clemens behind center the Rams will have to run more than usual.

Prevent Brandon Lloyd from making big plays.

Special teams has to keep up the good blocking for Reggie Smith and Kendall Hunter to succeed.

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Brett Swain, TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, NT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Larry Grant, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, RCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams 24-12

The San Francisco 49ers are chasing a first-round bye in the playoffs and the Seattle Seahawks must win in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. Last week the 49ers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-3 in what could be described as a lights out performance on many levels. The Seahawks beat the Chicago Bears 38-14 last Sunday and have now won three games in a row and five of their last six games. This is the 26^th regular season meeting between the divisional rivals, with the Seahawks holding a 13-12 lead. Both sides last met in the season opener, when the 49ers won 33-17.

WR Ted Ginn Jr. did not practice all week due to an ankle injury and is listed as questionable. He is unlikely to repeat his performance from week 1, when he returned a kick-off and a punt for a touchdown. WR Kyle Williams is expected to take over Ginn Jr.’s returning duties. RILB Patrick Willis (hamstring) returned to practice as a limited participant on Thursday and remains questionable for the game. He would be a factor against Seattle’s run but may well be on a limited snap count, especially with LB Larry Grant’s great play during his absence. WR Braylon Edwards is still listed as questionable with a knee injury but, unlike last week, should be active. In fact, Ted Ginn Jr.’s injury may open up an opportunity for Edwards to start. FB Bruce Miller (knee) was a limited participant in practice and is expected to start, despite being listed as questionable.

Seattle’s emerging rookie WR Doug Baldwin did not practice on Thursday and Friday and is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. He will be a game-time decision but it would be a huge blow to Seattle’s injury-depleted receiving corps if he couldn’t play. WR Golden Tate will start if Baldwin is inactive. LG Robert Galley (pelvis), QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) and MLB David Hawthorne (knee) are all listed as probable and expected to play.    

The Seahawks, in some ways, play a similar style to the one the 49ers execute so effectively; a run-first offense with a stout defense. QB Tarvaris is no elite quarteback, though he completes 60.7% of his passes for 208.2 yards per game. He has thrown as many touchdowns as interceptions, 12 to be exact, and has a passer rating of 79.2 on the season. Seattle lack a receiving threat but Doug Baldwin, if active, is capable of making big plays. The biggest offensive threat is RB Marshawn Lynch. He is rushing for 1,011 yards in 13 games and averages 4.1 yards per carry. He ran for 11 touchdowns this season and scored a touchdown in each of his last 10 games. Seattle’s offensive line allowed 42 sacks this season, which is one sack per 10.6 passing plays. LE Chris Clemens is by far Seattle’s best pass rusher with 11 sacks in 14 games. Any of their defensive backs is capable of intercepting passes but CB Brandon Browner is particularly aware, leading the team with 6 picks.

Keys to Success

Seattle’s dangerous secondary may force QB Alex Smith to involve the tight ends and running backs more in the passing game.

Establish a running game.

Make sure that Chris Clemens cannot interrupt Alex Smith.

I am sure the Seahawks studied video footage of San Francisco’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers thoroughly but RE Justin Smith and OLB Aldon Smith could be presented with a similar opportunity to put pressure on the opposing quarterback.

Stop Marshawn Lynch. The Seahawks will try to run a lot, more so if Doug Baldwin can’t play.

Special teams, especially without Ted Ginn Jr., has to give the Niners favorable field positions.

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Braylon Edwards, TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, NT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Patrick Willis, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, RCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks 21-16

It’s prime time football for the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers and both teams still have a lot to play for. The Niners lost at the Arizona Cardinals 21-19 last week and have to battle the New Orleans Saints for the number-two seed in the NFC playoff race. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns last Sunday and can still clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. This game features the best rushing defense (SF) in the league and the best passing defense (PIT). The 49ers lead the regular season series 10-9. The Steelers beat the 49ers 37-16 when both sides last met in 2007.

RILB Patrick Willis will likely miss a second consecutive game for the 49ers because of a hamstring injury. LB Larry Grant will start a second game in a row. LT Joe Staley is listed as questionable with a concussion but is cleared for contact. He will be a game-time decision but it is possible that he can play. Pass protection will be crucial against the Steelers and the Niners need Staley as QB Alex Smith’s bodyguard. If he can’t go Alex Boone will replace him. FB Bruce Miller (knee) and WR Braylon Edwards (knee) are listed as questionable but are expected to play. WR Ted Ginn Jr. is likely to start alongside WR Michael Crabtree.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without LB James Harrison, who is serving a one-game suspension for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Cleveland’s QB Colt McCoy last week, and C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle). LG Doug Legursky will move to center and G Trai Essex will get the start at the left guard position. QB Ben Roethlisberger is listed as questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision. Veteran QB Charlie Batch will get the start if Roethlisberger can’t play but it becomes more and more likely that Roethlisberger will be behind center. RT Marcus Gilbert (illness) and SS Troy Polamalu (hamstring) are listed as probable and are expected to play.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are no longer a run-first team with a stellar defense. 55.2% of their plays are passes, which is good for 9^th in the league in passing yards per game. Ben Roethlisberger completes 64.3% of his passes and has thrown 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for a passer rating of 95.6. His favorite targets are Mike Wallace, who accounts for 8 touchdowns this season, and Antonio Brown, who needs 75 receiving yards to break the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his young career. RB Rashard Mendenhall may not rush for 1,000 yard this season and averages 3.8 yard per carry but he is a powerful runner and can gain yardage through the middle. Pittsburgh’s offensive line allows 2.8 sacks per game and struggles in pass protection. OLB LaMarr Woodley leads the Steelers with 9 sacks and is the biggest pass rushing threat, especially with James Harrison (8 sacks) suspended. Pittsburgh’s defensive backs don’t intercept many passes but they do not allow many yards after the catch. CB William Gay and CB Ike Taylor lead the team with 2 interceptions apiece. SS Troy Polamalu is an integral part of Pittsburgh’s blitzing game.

Keys to Success

Pittsburgh’s pass rush may be less dangerous without James Harrison but Alex Smith still needs to get rid of the ball fast. Use slants and screens and involve the running backs in the passing offense.

The Steelers will focus on defending the run. Let Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter share the carries to wear the defense down.

Pittsburgh defends well against tight ends. It makes sense to use multiple wide receiver sets.

Line up tight ends on the right side for pass protection.

Win the battle in the trenches.

RE Justin Smith and OLB Aldon Smith have to put pressure on Ben Roethlisberger.

Do not let the Steelers establish a running game.

Stop Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown from making big plays.

Control the clock and keep Pittsburgh’s offense on the sidelines.             

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Ted Ginn Jr., TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, NT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Larry Grant, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, RCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

San Francisco 49ers v Pittsburgh Steelers 19-17

The San Francisco 49ers visit the Arizona Cardinals for their second game against the division rival this season. The Niners clinched the NFC West last week after beating the St. Louis Rams 26-0 and the Cardinals pulled off a 19-13 win in overtime against the Dallas Cowboys. The 49ers won the last five regular season meetings between the two sides and lead the series 24-16. Both teams last met three weeks ago when the Niners won 23-7. The Cardinals have won their next two games since.

The 49ers listed RILB Patrick Willis (hamstring), CB Carlos Rogers (knee), CB Tarell Brown (ankle) and WR Braylon Edwards (knee) as questionable for this game but they are all expected to suit up, with the exception of Willis.

The Arizona Cardinals could be without S Kerry Rhodes (foot), TE Todd Heap (hamstring) and OLB Joey Porter (knee), who are all listed as questionable. RB Beanie Wells (knee, hamstring) and P Dave Zastudil (biceps) are listed as probable.

Unlike three weeks ago, the 49ers have to be prepared for QB Kevin Kolb this time. Kolb missed the previous encounter with a toe injury and John Skelton compiled a 10.5 passer rating as his replacement. Kolb had a good game against the Dallas Cowboys, passing for 1 touchdown and a QB rating of 109.9. Arizona’s struggling running game saw Beanie Wells rush for 228 yards against the St. Louis Rams two weeks ago. Their offensive line allowed 8 sacks in the last 2 games and is still one of the worst in the league. DE Calais Campbell (6) and OLB Sam Acho (5) lead the team in sacks. ILB Daryl Washington, CB Patrick Peterson and CB Richard Marshall each have 2 interceptions this season.

Keys to Success

Arizona’s passing defense looked improved the past two weeks but it should still give QB Alex Smith an opportunity to lead a successful passing offense.

Establish a running game by utilizing RB Kendall Hunter as well.

Overpower the opposing offensive line. This game is a good opportunity to show some blitzing schemes.

With a far from healthy secondary WR Larry Fitzgerald may require extra attention.

Win the special teams phase of the game. 

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Ted Ginn Jr., TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, NT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Larry Grant, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, RCB Chris Culliver.

Prediction

San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals 23-16

The San Francisco 49ers can clinch the NFC West today with a win over their division rival, the St. Louis Rams. The Niners are coming off a 16-6 loss at the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving Day. The St. Louis Rams suffered a home loss three days later when they were defeated by the Arizona Cardinals 23-20. This is the 123^rd time both teams meet in a regular season game, with the Rams holding a 61-59-2 edge over San Francisco. RB Frank Gore needs 22 rushing yards to pass Hall of Famer Joe Perry as the franchise rushing leader.

WR Braylon Edwards (knee) is listed as questionable and will likely be replaced by Ted Ginn Jr. in the starting lineup. FB Bruce Miller, who missed last week’s game with a concussion, has been cleared to play and is expected to start.

The St. Louis Rams activated QB Tom Brandstater yesterday, which may indicate that QB Sam Bradford is going to miss the game with an ankle injury. A.J. Feeley would be the starter if Bradford couldn’t go. The Rams could also be without DE Chris Long (ankle), who leads the team with 10 sacks. He wants to play but did not practice on Thursday and Friday. DT Justin Bannan and S Darian Stewart are also listed as questionable.

The St. Louis Rams are a team that would love to run a lot but trailing often forces them to pass instead. Sam Bradford and A.J. Feeley have a very mediocre season. Both quarterbacks complete just over 54% of their passes for passer ratings of well below 80. Steven Jackson rushes for 81.3 yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry. Former 49ers WR Brandon Lloyd and Danario Alexander are their best receivers. Lloyd leads the Rams in receptions, yardage and touchdowns despite missing five games this season. The offensive line hasn’t started many games together and has to do a better job at protecting their quarterback. DE James Hall will be the main pass rusher to watch if Chris Long is inactive. MLB James Laurinaitis will be Frank Gore’s biggest obstacle in terms of gaining rushing yards. St. Louis' pass defense ranks 8^th in the league and their secondary consists of very solid defensive backs.

Keys to Success

Establish a running game against the league’s worst run defense.

Dare to pass. The receivers might not be able to get many YACs but should be able to make the catches.

Put pressure on the opposing offensive line and get to the quarterback.

Stop Steven Jackson and Brandon Lloyd.        

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, HB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Ted Ginn Jr., TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, NT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Patrick Willis, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, RCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

San Francisco 49ers v St. Louis Rams 24-13