The San Francisco 49ers have been a great bounce back team under Jim Harbaugh. They haven’t had to do it very frequently either, going 17-5 in the regular season. According to Will Brinson, the 49ers have given up a combined 11 points, total, in four games coming off a regular season loss.

That’s impressive. It becomes only slightly less impressive when we realize the two shutouts were against Mark Sanchez and the Jets three weeks ago, and the St. Louis Rams when A.J. Feeley was throwing passes. Still, the other two games, 3 points allowed to Pittsburgh, and a 13-8 road win at Cincinnati last year, mean the 49ers have been stout when coming off a loss.

I would expect nothing less tonight than an inspired defensive effort from both teams. This should be your traditional NFC West slugfest. You scoff? What’s your deal? You don’t remember that for a brief time with the Dome Patrol and the stout 49ers defense of the late 80′s and early 90′s we had some of these? Well, these are two of the best 6 defenses in the league. Both quarterbacks will be trying to minimize damage, and the team that can actually make some contribution on the ground will have an edge. San Francisco uncharacteristically gave up some yards and touchdown to Ahmad Bradshaw, while Seattle continued to frustrate opponents when they beat New England.

The line: San Francisco by 9

The pick: 49ers -9

[photo via US Presswire]