Well the 49ers do have the second ranked rush offense in the league at almost 163yds/gm and they do avg. 5.2 yards per attempt, so it was consistent for them. Running well also helps with time of possesion. Even though the Pats ran way more plays than the 49ers (92 vs. 65), the 49ers still had a slight time of possesion advantage. Many of the 49ers scoring drives were quick as well, which contributed to the lower amount of plays.

I don't know if they were less costly as they could have added to the score and put the game away earlier. Fumble at the 5, they would most likely have scored a TD or at least a FG. The INT and the fumbled 4th and 1, both times they were around the Pats 30yd line and most likely would have scored/had a decent chance for the first down and a score after. Akers also missed a not too far away FG from about 40 yards. He was lights out last year, which is why he went to the pro bowl, but he's been inconsistent this year. (He missed makeable overtime FG's in both games against the Rams which contributed to the Tie and Loss.) Not to mention the other mishandled snaps which wasted plays/caused yardage losses and those near muffed punts... 49ers could have played a lot better.

Not related to the post, but I just got some nice stuff from my parents. I forgot to pick up a 49ers hat for myself when I was back home in California this past summer, so this fills in very nicely!

I dunno about dumping Urlacher. If you can negotiate a much lower salary (I know), I'd say he's still worth it: he's lost several steps since his youth, but he really is a "smart linebacker" that still brings a lot to the table.

The rest of it is true.

Big Bens D will be a test for Daltons pretty solid, but not so good at finishing offense, but Big Ben has struggled against average defenses as of his last 2 games. hopefully Big Ben, can pick up the peices, and get back into form, cause the Bengals D isn't a push over. So i think it best Ben be close if not 100%

the Steelers will likely win, but i'm a bigger Bengals fan.

I am assuming what you say of Urlacher is based on his actions in the last game and later statements about Smith and the fans. Booing your own fans is not proffessional at all and I think this alone should send him out of Chicago. I think Cutler once flipped off booing Denver fans. Fans do not forget these types of things quickl, after all the fans pay the NFL's salary. He should be let go. The statements defending Smith and once again insulting the fans is another reason he should go. The team would be better if they move away from ground and pound style with defense and work on a team that can score a lot quickly. It seems to be a requirement in the league for true success, now that defense in games is hardly allowed.

A few tough picks here... but the only game I'll be watching this week is Bears beating up on Cardinals live in AZ. (please for the love of God let Cards suck again)

Though that SF-SEA game is gonna be a good one. It has to be... both solid teams and a divisional rivalry. Hard to pick.. had to go with Seattle at home though.

My Texans will get the #1 seed in the AFC.

I am new to this thread, but I was just wondering why does everyone estimate the score for the CIN-PIT game but none other?

it is rols tiebreaker rules

i was just looking at the fixtures and all games start on sunday this week right,no sneaky earlier games

Even though I'm dead I'll keep voting and my choices will be even more extreme then before....