About this matchup: The key matchup is the Falcons' outside containment against 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia, who can hurt a defense with his feet. Their pass rush, particularly the pressure from outside linebackers Henri Crockett and Keith Brooking, must take away the outside. This will make Garcia have to step up in the pocket to make plays. Garcia is more dangerous when he can move outside and improvise when a defense loses containment.

Three keys for the 49ers:
1. They need to throw the ball to Jerry Rice as often as possible, just in case it is his last game as a 49er. Let's hope not.

2. Throw to Rice.

3. Throw to Rice.

Three keys for the Falcons:
1. They need to throw often to expose the 49ers cornerbacks.

2. They need to use the exciting Tim Dwight any way possible.

3. The defense must contain Garcia.