Week 3: 49ers-Colts matchup analysis
Indianapolis Colts (1-1) at San Francisco 49ers (1-1)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, at Candlestick Park, San Francisco - TV: CBS
*TV announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
*Keys to the game: Jim Harbaugh could find plenty of fault almost across the board during the 29-3 Week 2 loss in Seattle, but insisted it wasn't with QB Colin Kaepernick. The offensive line was overwhelmed, RB Frank Gore left Seattle with a 2.0-yard average per carry through two games and San Francisco found out what physical corners can do to their receiving corps. The 49ers' offense should get healthy against the Colts, who are allowing 249 passing yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry. For Indianapolis, the focus needs to be on putting together four strong quarters of football. The Colts have scored 31 of their 41 points during the first half this season. RB Trent Richardson is in the fold although Ahmad Bradshaw is ahead in his knowledge of the offense, and QB Andrew Luck needs to improve on his decision-making and accuracy under pressure - he had one interception last week and three more passes that were nearly picked off - because San Francisco has the ability to produce constant heat.
*Matchup to watch - Colts LG Hugh Thornton vs. 49ers DL Jason Smith: The rookie guard draws a daunting matchup in his first start replacing injured Donald Thomas. Thornton was practicing primarily on the right side, but has experience on the left - just not against someone the caliber of Smith, who is difficult to commit double-teams toward considering the game-changing impact OLB Aldon Smith has a pass rusher next to him.
*Player spotlight - 49ers NT Glenn Dorsey: Dorsey left LSU with a trophy room full of awards and was the No. 5 overall pick by K.C. in 2008. He faded into obscurity over the past five seasons and few noticed when he landed with the 49ers this offseason. Now he's thrust into a critical role helping keep ILB Patrick Willis clean following Ian Williams' broken ankle.
*Fast facts: Colts WR Reggie Wayne has caught at least three passes in an NFL-record 66 consecutive games. ... Kaepernick is 5-0 with a 114.3 passer rating at home.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
There seems to be a storyline a week with Jim Harbaugh. This week it's facing his former protégé, Andrew Luck. More important for the 49ers, they have a bitter taste in their mouth following their debacle in Seattle and QB Colin Kaepernick is in store for a monster game.
*Our pick: 49ers 34-19
