NFC title game raises a whole lot of questions
SANTA CLARA >> Like snow flurries magically accompanying the 49ers’ comeback in Lambeau Field, questions landed on my social-media portals for this NFC Championship week’s mailbag:
CAN WE MAKE IT SEVEN STRAIGHT AGAINST THE RAMS? (@ONLY_1COSBY)
Seven? Heck, the 49ers enjoyed a 14-game win streak against the Rams that ran from 1990-97, after the 1989 Niners won the NFC Championship Game against them, 30-3. On the flip side, the Rams owned 10- and nine-game win streaks in this series between 1970-80.
WILL THERE BE A (SUPER BOWL) REMATCH FROM ’81 WITH THE BENGALS AND 49ERS? (@SPLINTERJN)
I’ve got another rematch in mind, and that also rules out a rematch of the 1988 season’s Super Bowl in which Joe Montana, like he did in 1981, hoisted a Lombardi Trophy after beating the Bengals.
HOW MUCH WILL WE WIN BY? AND WILL IT TAKE AS LONG AS WEEK 18? (@J_J_ DOUBLEM_Y)
Last week, Cam’s Crystal Ball predicted a roadteam sweep in the divisional round. I almost had it, until the Chiefs’ walkoff magic. At least that allows for a Chiefs-49ers rematch in Super Bowl LVI on Feb. 13 in L.A.
This season is so much more fun than 2019 (or 2012), because of how these 49ers sway from woe to wow.
Sunday’s scores: 49ers 24, Rams 23 in the NFC (without overtime); Chiefs 28, Bengals 26 in the AFC.
WHAT JERSEYS ARE THEY GOING WITH THIS WEEK? (@ BIGLOU_88)
They’re letting it ride with the traditional road uniform, which has defrosted from Green Bay. Those white jerseys and gold pants have paid off with a 7-1 record. Sunday’s crowd, meanwhile, will be wearing red, lots of red. ARE THERE BUSES FROM LEVI’S TO LEFI? (@DENIS0118)
Haven’t heard of any bus caravan among the fan clubs. I did hear the “LeFi” nickname and loved it. It’s the second-most popular nickname for SoFi Stadium in my polls on Instagram and Twitter. “Levi’s South” is the clear favorite, and “The Vacation Home” ran third ahead of “Lil Levi’s.” Late entry: “S.F. Stadium,” for short.
WILL JIMMY PLAY GOOD THIS GAME? (@CHEEKYBREEKISQUAD)
Even if he plays just “good” and not “great,” his leadership since Day 1 has elevated others’ games. He came through in the clutch these past three elimination games, like a closer who walks the bases loaded then induces three outs. He’s far from full strength. Enjoy the wild ride. He sure is.
IF (AND THIS IS A BIG ‘IF’) DEMECO GETS A HEAD COACH POSITION SOMEWHERE ELSE, IS THERE A CHANCE FOR VIC FANGIO GETTING BACK TO THE BAY? (@CARLOSSIERRAOZ)
Great question, about two great defensive coaches. DeMeco Ryans is (was?) in play for the Vikings’ and the Raiders’ posts. Fangio, after three seasons leading the Broncos, would have my endorsement on his 49ers return. Their defense rocked in 2011-14. His style aligns with Shanahan’s ideals: not too risky, rush four, play physical, turn loose linebackers, and counterattack schemes.
HOW TO STOP COOPER KUPP? HE TORCHES US AND EVERYBODY. (@TRAVISCAMPBELL79)
The NFL’s triple-crown receiver (catches, yards, touchdowns) had a 70yard touchdown Sunday before making 20- and 44yard catches to tee up the Rams’ winning field goal. His route running and hands are superb, though he did fumble Sunday, too. He had 18 catches for 240 yards and a touchdown in two games against the 49ers. This time: let him catch underneath routes, keep him from the long ball, don’t commit pass interference, and be on the lookout in the red zone.
ANY WORD ON THE OFFICIATING CREW AND IF THEY HAVE ANY HISTORY WITH US? (@VERGARAANT)
Carl Cheffers is Sunday’s referee, four weeks after the 49ers thanked him for ruling that Marcell Harris’ forward progress was stopped before he fumbled away an interception return. Cheffers’ crew, however, called more penalties than any other this season. Could mean Nick Bosa finally benefits from a holding penalty, or the 49ers’ pass-interference habit resurfaces.
HOW ARE THE INJURIES LOOKING WITH DEEBO SAMUEL AND TRENT WILLIAMS? (@CALVINVLE)
Expect Samuel (leg) and Williams (ankle) to suit up Sunday, even if they’re held out of practice. Samuel vowed postgame he’d be alright, and coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday he expects to see him “on the practice field,” which could mean he practices or just works on the side. Williams’ X-ray revealed no fracture, nor does he have a dreaded, high-ankle sprain. The All-Pro left tackle missed the regular-season finale against the Rams with an elbow injury, and now he is one win away from his first Super Bowl berth.