NFC West

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 23: (L-R) LaRod Stephens-Howling #36, Nate Potter #76, Daryn Colledge #71, Adam Snyder #68, Bobby Massie #70 and Andre Roberts #12 of the Arizona Cardinals walk off to the line of scrimmage during the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 23, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. The Bears defeated the Cardinals 28-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

49ers’ Defense Will Need To Improve Play In Season Finale

After losing last week to the Seattle Seahawks, the San Francisco 49ers failed to lock up the NFC West. The first team goal of 2013 was to win the division, and they can still do so with a win in the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Both the offense and defense have struggled for the last game and a half, however it’s the defense that not only needs to play much better, but should also have no problem carrying San Francisco into the playoffs, with momentum at their back.

2012/12/27

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 23: Mario Manningham #82 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball in the third quarter against the Leroy Hill #56 and Jeremy Lane #20 (L) of the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 23, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Injury Bug Rearing Its Ugly Head As 49ers Close Out Season

The one thing that no team can control is injuries. This year San Francisco has been healthy for the most part, but as the season winds down their luck has changed. If they hope to finish the season strong they will need to overcome a few key injuries, which will be difficult, but far from impossible.

2012/12/26

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 23: Patrick Willis #52 San Francisco 49ers celebrates making an interception during game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 23, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)

49ers’ Patrick Willis Making Impact On And Off The Field

Patrick Willis has become the face of the San Francisco 49er franchise. He is the middle linebacker on a team know for its defensive prowess. As his teammates have stepped up their level of play, he has been able to focus more on his position, and the result is a top tier defense. Willis has also made an impact off the field where he remains involved in the community and is someone who realizes that he is in a position to help those around him.

2012/12/25

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 23: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers tries to get away from defensive end Bruce Irvin #51 of the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on December 23, 2012 in Seattle,Wa. The Seahawks won the game 42-13. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Seattle Seahawks Serve San Francisco 49ers Slice Of Humble Pie

The rematch between the two best NFC West teams was not the nail biter that it was hyped to be. The game figured to be a low scoring, physical struggle, but instead saw Seattle continue their hot streak, as the Seahawks handed San Francisco by far their worst defeat of the season.

2012/12/24

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 04: Head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at CenturyLink Field on November 4, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Playoff Livelihoods On the Line When 49ers Meet Seahawks

The match-up between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks will feature two teams in the same division that are almost identical in their formula for success. The last time they met it was a physical game that came down to the wire, and since then both teams have only gotten better. Sunday will determine if the Seahawks have caught up to the 49ers, or if they still are not quite on the level of the defending NFC West Champs.

2012/12/21

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 16: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers throws in the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 16, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Kaepernick Has No Reason To Be Worried As He Prepares For His Final Exam

Despite several successful starts under his belt, Colin Kaepernick has one more test in front of him. This week, his task does not get easier when the team will travel to Seattle to play in the unfriendly confines of Century Field. His starting job is not really in doubt, but another win will completely justify the switch from Alex Smith and give the team the right momentum heading into the season finale.

2012/12/20

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 16: Tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball after a cathc against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 16, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

49ers Will Need More From Vernon Davis To Make Super Bowl Run

Although they narrowly escaped New England with a win this past Sunday Night, it was a good sign that San Francisco was able to outscore and outlast the mighty Patriots. In the game, tight end Vernon Davis had only one catch and has not had his usual impact on the games as of late, leaving fans wondering, what’s the problem?

2012/12/19

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 16: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium on December 16, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

49ers Hold Off Patriots Late Rally, Clinch Playoff Berth

With the odds stacked against them, San Francisco went on the road and beat the New England Patriots. The 49ers started the game on fire, and although they cooled off and almost suffered a major collapse, they ultimately beat a very talented team and won a very important game.

2012/12/17

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 10: Brandon Jacobs #45 of the San Francisco 49ers gets pushed out of bounds after a twenty two yard gain by Jamarca Sanford #33 of the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter during an NFL pre-season football game at Candlestick Park on August 10, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 17-6. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers Suspend Running Back Brandon Jacobs

Brandon Jacobs was suspended by the 49ers after his continued complaints on Twitter about his lack of playing time. There are two sides to every story and there was some validity to Jacobs’ grumblings, but his decision as to how to handle the situation gave the team the perfect chance to release him, so it’s almost a surprise that they chose to only suspend him.

2012/12/13

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach Joe Philbin of the Miami Dolphins watches from the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 30, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Dolphins 24-21 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers Should Be Able To Rebound Against Miami Dolphins

After suffering just their 3rd loss of the season last week, its important for the 49ers to avoid a losing streak on Sunday. Standing in their way of getting back in the winning column will be the Miami Dolphins, who have played well in spots, but overall have not had a good season. This one does not appear to be close on paper, but the 49ers proved just last week that there are no easy victories.

2012/12/07

Listen Live!