This, that and the other thing:
• As much as 49ers fans would have liked to see their team play a rematch against the Seahawks with a trip to the Super Bowl at stake on Sunday afternoon at Candlestick Park, the Atlanta Falcons probably did them a favor by beating Seattle.
Even though they had to overcome a 20-0 deficit in the loss, the Seahawks were the better team in Sunday's NFC divisional playoff game in Atlanta.
With quarterback Colin Kaepernick leading the charge, the 49ers' offense will find playing the Falcons' defense less daunting on the road than Seattle's at home.
• What Kaepernick is trying to accomplish seems impossible.
If the second-year quarterback leads the 49ers to the Super Bowl, the Feb. 3 game in New Orleans will be only the 10th start of his career.
It took Joe Montana three seasons and 27 starts to win his first Super Bowl after the 1981 season, and it took Steve Young 10 years and 94 starts to reach the top following the 1994 season.
• While the 49ers are four-point favorites against Atlanta, five of the past 10 NFC Championship Games have been won by the visiting team – including the past two in San Francisco and Chicago.
What to watch
NFL replay, Packers at 49ers, 5 p.m., NFL Network: Just in case you didn't believe your eyes the first time you watched Kaepernick against the Packers.
Today's poll
Whom will the 49ers rely on most to beat the Falcons?
• Colin Kaepernick
• Frank Gore
• Defense
• Other
Vote above or leave your comments in the comments field; or go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Monday's results
Who will win the Super Bowl?
• 49ers: 72%
• Falcons: 4%
• Ravens: 3%
• Patriots: 21%
Total votes: 606
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• Read more articles by Victor Contreras
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