The San Francisco 49ers will be playing their first away game of the season on Sunday, after being blessed with two home games to start.The Bengals, on the other hand, will be playing their first home game of the season, after a win at Cleveland and a loss last week to the Broncos.
Fans in Cincinnati will be excited for this one, as they will be getting their first home glimpse of rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green in regular season play.
Dalton has been better than expected in his first two games in the NFL. He went 10 of 15 with a TD in limited time in his first NFL game, and 27 of 41 for 332 yards and two touchdowns in his second game.
He has also formed a nice bond with fellow rookie Green , who had a touchdown in Week 1 and 10 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown last week. Look out for WR Jerome Simpson, as well.
49ers' QB Alex Smith has been moderately good for San Francisco, despite Jim Harbaugh's less-eager and conservative play-calling. He will look to open his arm up a bit, playing against a less than average Bengals secondary.
Frank Gore should see his carries increase in Week 3, as the Bengals kept Peyton Hillis to a minimum in Week 1, but let Broncos' back-up tailback Willis McGahee run free last week for 101 yards.
X-Factor
If the 49ers can stop Cedric Benson, which the first two weeks of San Francisco defense front line has indicated, then they will win this game.
They need to make Dalton throw the ball and hope for a few rookie mistakes.
Predictions
Gore should see between 20 and 25 carries this week and should run for over 100 yards. Smith will continue playing a conservative game, and if he can limit mistakes and avoid turnovers, this game should be the 49ers' with no problem.
Keep in mind, former 49ers Nate Clements and Taylor Mays will be in the Bengals' secondary, and could be seeking a little vindication this week against their former team.
49ers win 24-17
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