49ers at Redskins
THE STORY: Given the current state of the NFC West, the San Francisco 49ers could have the division locked up with just one more victory. The once-proud 49ers have gone eight seasons without reaching the playoffs but seem assured of a trip back with first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh instilling an expectation of winning. San Francisco has taken five straight games and has already won three times in the Eastern Time zone with victories at Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Detroit. The 49ers will be looking to make it four when they visit the struggling Washington Redskins on Sunday. The Redskins got off to a promising start but have since dropped three in a row to fall into last place in the NFC East.
TV: FOX, 1 p.m. ET. LINE: 49ers -3.5, O/U 37.5
ABOUT THE 49ERS (6-1): San Francisco is winning by dominating teams in the trenches, ranking sixth in the league in rushing offense and first in rushing defense. Frank Gore has gone for at least 125 yards and a touchdown in each of the last four games. The 49ers have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 29 straight games – the longest active streak in the NFL. San Francisco leads the NFL in scoring defense, surrendering just 15.3 points on average, and will be looking to win six straight for the first time in 14 years.
ABOUT THE REDSKINS (3-4): Washington has struggled since losing two top offensive linemen – left guard Kory Lichtensteiger and left tackle Trent Williams – in a Week 6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. John Beck, who took over at quarterback for an ineffective Rex Grossman two weeks ago, has been sacked 14 times in two-plus games. The running game has been ailing as well, with Ryan Torain managing a total of 29 yards on 20 carries over the last three contests.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Gore ran for 134 yards last week, passing Roger Craig to move into second place on the franchise’s all-time rushing list.
2. The 49ers are the first team since the 1920 Buffalo Americans to rush for a TD and not allow a rushing TD in each of their first seven games.
3. Redskins tight end Fred Davis has at least six catches and 80 yards in three straight games.