A look at today's 49ers game vs. Seattle; including, game information, matchup to watch, three keys to the game and injury report.
49ERS GAME AT A GLANCE
Opponent: at Seattle Seahawks
Time: 5:20 p.m.
Line: Pick
Records: 49ers 10-3-1, Seahawks 9-5
TV/radio: Ch. 3 (Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth), 680, 1320
MATCHUP TO WATCH
49ers receiver Michael Crabtree vs. Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman
Crabtree had a key third-down catch in the first game between these teams, but like all 49ers receivers he mostly was held in check (four catches, 31 yards) by Seattle's stifling secondary. In fact, coach Jim Harbaugh thought it was too stifling. He complained about defensive holding by the Seahawks' cornerbacks after the game and sent a letter to the league offices. Crabtree has emerged as the most physical 49ers receiver and one of the most rugged in the league. His matchup against Sherman, who is big for a cornerback at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, is a microcosm of today's game.
THREE KEYS TO GAME
Seattle's crowd induces more false-start penalties than any other. Avoiding those mistakes will be critical for a 49ers team that will have a difficult-enough time picking up yards without having to make up for penalties.
The play isn't over until the whistle sounds. That rule rings especially true vs. Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, whose combination of scrambling ability and a big arm makes him dangerous even when a play breaks down.
The 49ers desperately need David Akers to get his groove back in what promises to be a tight game. More misses signal that the 14-year kicker can't be relied upon in the playoffs.
INJURY REPORT
49ERS
Questionable: DT Will Tukuafu (concussion), DT Justin Smith (elbow), WR Mario Manningham (shoulder), LB Clark Haggans (shoulder), LB Tavares Gooden (ribs).
Probable: LB NaVorro Bowman (shoulder), G Alex Boone (knee), G Mike Iupati (shoulder), LB Patrick Willis (shoulder), LB Aldon Smith (shoulder), S Dashon Goldson (foot), LB Ahmad Brooks (shoulder), RB Bruce Miller (shoulder), CB Carlos Rogers (knee), K David Akers (pelvis), RB Frank Gore (wrist), CB Tarell Brown (shoulder).
SEAHAWKS
Questionable: WR Sidney Rice (knee), CB Walter Thurmond (hamstring), CB Marcus Trufant (hamstring), S Jeron Johnson (groin).
Probable: RB Marshawn Lynch (back), CB Richard Sherman (not injury related), RB Robert Turbin (illness), RB Leon Washington (illness), DT Alan Branch (ankle)
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