49ers today

<p><b>THE LINE: </b>Dolphins by 6½</p><p><b>THE SERIES: </b>Tied 5-5, with the 49ers winning five of the past six meetings, including their 38-16 victory in Super Bowl XIX at Stanford Stadium.</p><p><b>LAST MEETING: </b>The 49ers fumbled five times in the fourth quarter, leading to 17 points for the Dolphins in their 24-17 victory at Candlestick Park on Nov. 28, 2004.</p><p><b>INJURY REPORT</p><p>49ers: </b>WR Arnaz Battle (foot) is out; RB Frank Gore (ankle) is questionable; PR Allen Rossum (ankle), CB Nate Clements (thumb), S Dashon Goldson (knee) and C Eric Heitmann (abdomen) are probable.</p><p><b>Dolphins: </b>CB Jason Allen (hand) is probable.</p><p><b>WHAT’S AT STAKE</b></p><p>The Dolphins are in a three-way tie with the Jets and Patriots for first place in the AFC East with three games remaining. The 49ers are seeking their second three-game win streak in six seasons.</p><p><b>SPOTTING TRENDS</p><p>49ERS (5-8): </b>The 49ers do not figure to have the services of running back Frank Gore, who sustained a left ankle sprain early in the second half of last week’s game against the Jets. DeShaun Foster, who signed a one-year, $1.9 million contract in the offseason, is likely to see his most significant action with the club. Will the 49ers be stubborn in establishing the run game or will coach Mike Singletary give offensive coordinator Mike Martz the green light to allow quarterback Shaun Hill to throw the ball around the field? Defensively, the 49ers seem to have found a groove under the play-calling of coordinator Greg Manusky, who has a lot more autonomy without defensive-minded head coach Mike Nolan looking over his shoulder.</p><p><b>DOLPHINS (8-5): </b>Who saw this coming? The Dolphins were the worst team in the league last season with a 1-15 record. It was easy to assume they’d be only slightly improved this year. But the Dolphins acted quickly to sign quarterback Chad Pennington after the Jets were kind enough to release him. Pennington has brought stability to the Dolphins’ quarterback picture. While starting every game, Pennington has thrown just six interceptions and lost no fumbles. The Dolphins do an exceptional job of taking care of the football. The team’s running game has been exceptional, as Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams have combined for more than 1,300 yards rushing. The Dolphins’ top receiver, Greg Camarillo, is out for the season, but youngsters Ted Ginn and Devone Bess have stepped up.</p><h3>QUOTE TO NOTE</h3> <p>We have a pretty good understanding of all the personnel of the teams in our division. When you’re watching them against the Jets and you’re watching them against Buffalo, and you see what they did to both teams, it makes you think an awful lot of their effort as of late.”</p><p>— Dolphins coach Tony Sparano on watching the 49ers’ two victories against AFC East teams Buffalo and the N.Y. Jets</p><p><b>THE 49ERS WILL WIN IF . . . </b>DeShaun Foster rushes for 100 yards with no fumbles.</p><p><b>THE DOLPHINS WILL WIN IF . . . </b>They avoid turnovers and the “Wildcat” is unleashed.</p><p><b>KEY MATCHUPS </b>TE Vernon Davis vs. LB Joey Porter Davis will be key as a blocker. He’ll likely motion to Porter’s side on occasion to go head-up against the NFL’s sack leader.</p><p>S Mark Roman vs. WR Ted Ginn The 49ers have done a good job since the Terrell Owens game of keeping the play in front of them. Ginn has the speed to get deep.</p><p>NT Aubrayo Franklin vs. C Samson Satele Franklin has been playing well, as he’s been asked to use his quickness. But he’ll be two-gapping against the “Wildcat.” --</p>