49ers Know How to Set Up Opponents

Times NFL writer Sam Farmer poses--and answers--the league’s burning questions.

Question: Why can’t you count out the 49ers?

Answer: They’re 5-0 when trailing at halftime.

Q: What happened to the Arrowhead advantage?

A: The Chiefs are 0-4 at home for the first time since 1976, and their offense has yet to score in the first quarter at home.

Q: Why is Jon Gruden going gray?

A: The Raiders, who play at the New York Giants on Sunday, have played 21 consecutive road games decided by 10 points or fewer, a league record.

Q: Best evidence this is an upside-down season?

A: The Redskins, who could have gone 0-16, might finish with a better record than the defending Super Bowl champion Ravens.

Q: But didn’t the Ravens have the same 6-4 record at this point last season?

A: Yes, although the prospects don’t look nearly as bright. “We’re not playing with the same passion,” tight end Shannon Sharpe said. “We don’t have the same purpose that we had in practice and in meetings last year.

Forget HBO. These are the real hard knocks.