SB Nation Bay Area: All Posts by JP Starkeyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48817/bayrea-fave.png2013-02-05T14:26:04-08:00https://bayarea.sbnation.com/authors/jp-starkey/rss2013-02-05T14:26:04-08:002013-02-05T14:26:04-08:00Kaepernick plans offseason with teammates
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<figcaption>Ronald Martinez</figcaption>
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<p>After tasting defeat in Super Bowl XLVII, Colin Kaepernick made offseason plans with teammates -- and vowed to get the 49ers back to the Super Bowl.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl" class="sbn-auto-link">Super Bowl XLVII</a> marked the first time in franchise history that the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a> <i>lost</i> the sport's biggest game, as San Francisco's record now stands at 5-1.</p>
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<h2>Super Bowl XLVII: 49ers vs. Ravens</h2>
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<p>The loss isn't sitting well with 49ers starting quarterback <span>Colin Kaepernick</span>, who is already planning his offseason workouts with teammates. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2013/02/05/after-breakout-season-kaepernick-vows-to-take-4ers-back-to-super-bowl/">According to a Fox News report</a>, Kaepernick is planning on working out with teammates this offseason in Atlanta -- and vows to return the 49ers to the Super Bowl:</p>
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<p>Kaepernick said Tuesday that he'll be training in Atlanta within a week, and the strong-armed and fleet-footed quarterback will be bringing some of his receivers along with him. All of it is part of Kaepernick's quick evolution from backup to starter that will continue as he enters training camp as the unquestioned franchise star.</p>
<p>After losing 34-31 to the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a> in New Orleans on Sunday, Kaepernick said he'll only be able to remember his breakout season "as not being good enough."</p>
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<p>If Kaepernick's first half-season as an NFL starter is "not good enough," then the NFC West and NFL are in trouble going forward.</p>
<p>As a starter in 2012, Kaepernick completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 1,608 yards and 10 touchdowns. Kaepernick was only intercepted three times. On the ground, Kaepernick added 238 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.7 yards per carry as a starting quarterback.</p>
<p>In the playoffs, Kaepernick excelled, leading San Francisco to the Super Bowl -- and very nearly to the franchise's sixth Super Bowl title. Kaepernick completed 61.3 percent of his passes in the playoffs for 798 yards and four touchdowns, with a quarterback rating of 100.9. Kaepernick added 264 yards on the ground in just three playoff games, with three touchdowns.</p>
<p>Needless to say, Kaepernick <i>already</i> is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL. Now with extra motivation after tasting bitter Super Bowl defeat, Kaepernick could be poised for an offseason filled with growth.</p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/49ers/2013/2/5/3956060/2013-super-bowl-xlviiJP Starkey2013-02-04T07:38:39-08:002013-02-04T07:38:39-08:00Records fall in Super Bowl
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<figcaption>Ronald Martinez</figcaption>
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<p>Despite losing Super Bowl XLVII, the San Francisco 49ers played a part in setting multiple Super Bowl records.</p> <p>Despite losing to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl XLVII</a>, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> played a hand in setting <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/ravens-49ers-combine-set-tie-18-records-super-132238019--nfl.html" target="_blank">multiple Super Bowl records on Sunday night.</a></p>
<p><span>Colin Kaepernick</span> etched his name into Super Bowl history on Sunday night with his 15-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Kaepernick's touchdown run was the longest in Super Bowl history by a quarterback.</p>
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<h2>Super Bowl XLVII: 49ers vs. Ravens</h2>
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<p>San Francisco tied a Super Bowl record, by having two players with over 100 receiving yards in the game. <span>Michael Crabtree</span> had five receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown, while San Francisco tight end <span>Vernon Davis</span> caught six passes for 104 yards.</p>
<p>Fueled by <span>Jacoby Jones</span>' 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, the Ravens and 49ers combined to set the Super Bowl record for most kick return yards in Super Bowl history, with 312. <span>LaMichael James</span> added 75 yards on three returns, while <span>Ted Ginn Jr.</span> added 31 yards on one return.</p>
<p>Jones accounted for the other 206 yards, which includes his touchdown return.</p>
<p>Jones set multiple records on Sunday night. Jones' 108-yard return is the longest kick return in Super Bowl history, and his 290 combined yards also constitute a Super Bowl record.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for the 49ers, San Francisco's perfect record in Super Bowl history is gone. San Francisco dropped to 5-1 all-time in Super Bowl history with the 34-31 loss in Super Bowl XLVII.</p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/49ers/2013/2/4/3950424/2013-super-bowl-xlviiJP Starkey2013-02-02T18:11:18-08:002013-02-02T18:11:18-08:00The Kate Upton commercial
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<figcaption>Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Kate Upton teams up with Usher, Willem Dafoe and the Rolling Stones to help sell you a Mercedes-Benz.</p> <p>Mercedes-Benz released its Super Bowl XLVII commercial prior to the Super Bowl -- and it's been one of the most anticipated commercials in quite some time. The commercial stars Kate Upton, Willem Dafoe, Usher and features music by the Rolling Stones, and hopefully you recognize <i>Sympathy for the Devil.</i></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl" target="_blank"> </a>Mercedes-Benz and Upton<a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uPq7jVGPs3g"> released a commercial late in January</a>, which featured Upton standing by, watching football players wash her car -- rather than her, dressed in short-shorts and a tank-top, washing the car. The commercial was supposedly a sign of things to come for Upton and Mercedes-Benz commercials, as the car company is featuring Upton in a Super Bowl commercial this year.</p>
<p>The actual Super Bowl commercial features very little of Upton, and can be seen below. Instead, we find out that if you do, in fact, purchase a Mercedes-Benz, you will not only be able to make Kate Upton your date, but you'll become the GQ Man of the Year, <i>and</i> beat Usher in a dance-off.</p>
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<p>Unfortunately, you can't purchase the Mercedes CLA until September -- so don't go making dinner plans with Kate Upton just yet.</p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/2013/2/2/3946008/2013-super-bowl-commercials-ads-kate-uptonJP Starkey2013-02-02T17:50:12-08:002013-02-02T17:50:12-08:00Guacamole recipe
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<p>Every Super Bowl party needs an excellent guacamole dip -- no exceptions.</p> <p>Super Bowl XLVII is less than 24 hours away, and <i>most</i> people likely have Super Bowl party plans solidified by now. Every Super Bowl party, and really every party in general, needs a good guacamole dip -- there really is no way around it.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl" target="_blank"> </a>If you don't have guacamole ready for tomorrow, or you're unsure how to make guacamole, we've got you covered.</p>
<p><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Guacamole/Detail.aspx" target="_blank">AllRecipes.com</a> has perhaps the most straightforward guacamole recipe available -- and it really is simple.</p>
<p>The most important thing is having all the ingredients ready on Sunday. You'll need three avocados, one lime, one teaspoon of salt, 1/2 cup of diced onion, three tablespoons of fresh cilantro, two diced plum tomatoes, one teaspoon of minced garlic and one pinch of ground cayenne pepper.</p>
<p>Now, for the directions. Luckily for you, there's only one, easy step.</p>
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<li>In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. Stir in cayenne pepper. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately.</li>
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<p>Viola! There you have it, internet readers -- an easy recipe for guacamole. With excellent, fresh guacamole, your Super Bowl party is complete. Now, go forth and enjoy the Super Bowl, as the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">49ers</a> aim to win their sixth Super Bowl in franchise history.</p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/49ers/2013/2/2/3945936/super-bowl-recipes-2013-guacamoleJP Starkey2013-02-02T17:30:40-08:002013-02-02T17:30:40-08:0049ers finish walk-through, ready for Super Bowl
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Jim Harbaugh led his San Francisco 49ers through their final walk-through of the season on Saturday, less than 24 hours away from Super Bowl XLVII.</p> <p>Jim Harbaugh led his <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> through their final walk-through of the 2012-13 season on Saturday, as the 49ers finish preparing to take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl XLVII</a>.</p>
<p>According to the <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/49ers-wrap-super-bowl-preparations-231713646--nfl.html">Associated Press,</a> the walkthrough lasted 15 minutes -- and Harbaugh was pleased with how his team finished up preparations for the biggest game of the season.</p>
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<p id="yui_3_5_1_1_1359853369727_1093">''I feel good,'' Harbaugh said. ''The preparation has been outstanding, very focused. The players care about winning. They care about this team, and that's complimentary to the players and the way their focus has been. And that's not something that's been just this week. That wasn't just created this week. That's been all season and the offseason. It speaks very highly of the players.''</p>
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<p>Per the report, Harbaugh invited 11 busloads of family members and friends to attend the walk-through at the SuperDome, and eventually allowed the guests to head onto the field to pose for photographs.</p>
<p>The walk-through caps off two weeks of preparation. As is custom, both Super Bowl participants had a bye week following the AFC and NFC Championship games. San Francisco's final practice was on Friday, and <a href="http://www.news10.net/news/article/228131/3/49ers-finish-little-early-after-efficient-practice" target="_blank">reportedly finished that practice 15 minutes early.</a></p>
<p>All in all, Harbaugh cut down on practice time by nearly 40 minutes this week, giving his players extra rest as the 49ers get ready to take on the very physical Ravens.</p>
<p>Whether or not Harbaugh's strategy pays off remains to be seen, but this is the 19th game for the 49ers this season, and many of Harbaugh's star players, such as <span>Justin Smith</span>, <span>Ahmad Brooks</span> and <span>Aldon Smith</span>, are nursing various injuries.</p>
<p>Giving his injured players a bit more rest this week could pay dividends, as the most important 60 minutes of football for the 49ers in nearly 20 years is now less than a day away.</p>
<p>At the least, Harbaugh knows his team is focused, and after Saturday's walk-through, the 49ers are now ready to take on the Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII.</p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/49ers/2013/2/2/3945836/super-bowl-2013-xlviiJP Starkey2013-02-02T10:57:38-08:002013-02-02T10:57:38-08:00Super Bowl XLVII nears
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<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Super Bowl XLVII is just one day away, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. PT on Sunday, Feb. 3.</p> <p>San Francisco 49errs fans have waited nearly 20 years to watch their favorite team participate in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> -- but they won't have to wait much longer. Super Bowl XLVII between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> is set to kickoff on Sunday, Feb. 3, at 3:30 p.m. PT. </p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">Televised coverage of the Super Bowl can be found on CBS this year -- and fans looking for a pre-game show will be pleased to know that CBS' pregame show begins at 11 a.m. PT, and lasts all the way up until kickoff. CBS will also air football-related programming beginning at 8 a.m. PT, with a program titled <i>Road to the Super Bowl</i> set to air at 8 a.m., before <i>New Orleans: Let the Good Times Roll,</i> airs at 9 a.m., looking at the rich history of the Super Bowl in New Orleans.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">CBS' official pregame show will begin at 11 a.m. PT, and will last up until kickoff.</p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/49ers/2013/2/2/3944676/super-bowl-2013-kickoff-time-49ers-ravensJP Starkey2013-01-29T16:51:04-08:002013-01-29T16:51:04-08:00Moss: 'I'm the greatest receiver to play'
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<p>San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss declared himself the best wide receiver of all time on Tuesday -- even better than 49ers legend Jerry Rice.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> wide receiver <span>Randy Moss</span> certainly didn't leave his ego in Tennessee, New England, Oakland or Minnesota.</p>
<p>Speaking at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl XLVII's</a> media day,<a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/randy-moss-proclaims-himself-greatest-receiver-time-171543456--nfl.html"> Moss declared himself the best wide receiver of all time</a> -- even better than 49ers legend, Jerry Rice.</p>
<p>To be fair, Moss was directly asked if he believes he's the greatest wide receiver of all time. Moss replied, saying, "Now that I'm older, I do think I'm the greatest receiver to ever do it."</p>
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<i>For more on the Super Bowl, check out <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com" target="_blank">Niners Nation</a> and <a href="http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com" target="_blank">Baltimore Beatdown</a></i>
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<p>Moss said that he didn't totally emphasize numbers. If he did, then certainly he'd take a back seat to Rice in the greatest wide receiver of all time discussion:</p>
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<p>"I don't think numbers stand. Because you can talk about this and this, I think I've had ... this year has been a down year for me statistically. The year before I retired was a down year, and Oakland was a down year. I don't really live on numbers I really live on impact and what you're able to do on that field.</p>
<p id="yui_3_5_1_1_1359505890283_948">"So I really do think I'm the greatest receiver to ever play this game."</p>
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<p>Moss caught just 28 passes on 51 targets for 434 yards and three touchdowns in 2012 -- constituting one of the worst statistical seasons of Moss' career.</p>
<p>Off-the-field issues have marred Moss' public perception, but the fact remains that Moss has put together one of the most accomplished careers in NFL history. Moss' best season famously came in 2007, when he broke Rice's 20-year old single-season touchdown reception record. In 2007, Moss caught 98 passes from <span>Tom Brady</span>, for 1,493 yards and 23 touchdowns.</p>
<p>Moss' career raced off to a fast start in 1998, when he caught 17 touchdown passes as a rookie. So far in his career, Moss has 982 receptions, and has accumulated 15,292 yards while hauling in 156 touchdowns, with the majority of Moss' damage being done with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>.</p>
<p>In his 21-year career, Rice accumulated 1,549 receptions for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns. Barring a late-career resurgence, Moss won't touch Rice's numbers.</p>
<p>Though Moss doesn't believe statistics tell the story, they're certainly what can be tangibly relied on. Perhaps if Moss tried harder in Oakland, or didn't essentially force his way out of New England in 2010 with a Hall of Fame quarterback, the story would be different.</p>
<p>It's no surprise that Moss believes he's the best of all time, and he can certainly make the case that he was more physically gifted than Rice was. Still, the discussion for best wide receiver of all time ultimately begins and ends with Rice -- and there's certainly no shame in being the second-best receiver of all time, which is exactly what Moss is.</p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/49ers/2013/1/29/3930524/super-bowl-xlvii-2013-randy-mossJP Starkey2013-01-28T15:01:34-08:002013-01-28T15:01:34-08:0049ers health could key victory
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<p>While much has been said about Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Baltimore's defense, little has been said about Baltimore's health relative to San Francisco's -- and that could be a factor in Super Bowl XLVII.</p> <p>Unlike the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>, who have been ravaged by injuries throughout the year, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> have been healthy, relatively speaking -- and that health could be a factor in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl XLVII</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/71654/49ers-hoping-health-remains-on-their-side" target="_blank">ESPN's Mike Sando</a> pointed out that the Baltimore Ravens have had only two defenders start in each of Baltimore's games this season -- safety <span>Ed Reed</span> and cornerback <span>Cary Williams</span>. Every other member of Baltimore's starting group for Super Bowl XLVII has missed <i>some</i> amount of time this season -- most notably, <span>Ray Lewis</span>, who suffered a torn triceps muscle during Baltimore's win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>.</p>
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<p>By comparison, Sando points out that San Francisco has had nine members of its defensive unit start each and every game for the 49ers this season.</p>
<p><span>Justin Smith</span> suffered San Francisco's most notable injury on defense, when he tore his left triceps during San Francisco's thrilling win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> on <i>Sunday Night Football.</i> Originally feared to be lost for the duration of the season, Smith returned to the field during San Francisco's Divisional round win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>, and believes that his triceps tendon has <a href="http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2013/01/armed-and-ready-justin-smith-reports-progress-ribbing-from-teammates.html" target="_blank">improved since he returned to action</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2013/01/armed-and-ready-justin-smith-reports-progress-ribbing-from-teammates.html" target="_blank"></a>Still, injuries could very well .dictate part of the story in Super Bowl XLVII. Though Baltimore's defense has played well in recent weeks, limiting <span>Tom Brady</span> and <span>Peyton Manning</span> en route to victories over the Patriots and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>, Baltimore's defense is still an aging one -- and one that hasn't played together on the field for an extended period of time.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/1/28/3923634/super-bowl-2013-colin-kaepernicks-speed-vs-ravens-defense" target="_blank">Dylan DeSimone wrote about</a> <span>Colin Kaepernick's</span> speed and how it could give Baltimore's aging defense trouble over at<a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/1/28/3923634/super-bowl-2013-colin-kaepernicks-speed-vs-ravens-defense" target="_blank"> Niners Nation</a> -- and it's certainly possible that the banged up Baltimore defense will prove to be incapable in containing the dynamic Kaepernick.</p>
<p>In addition to the statistical edge, San Francisco's defense has the health edge -- and in the Super Bowl where one or two plays could make or break the game, that's a nice advantage to have.</p>
<p>Much has been written about and spoken of Baltimore's defense over the past weeks, as the Ravens managed to shut down Manning and Brady. Further, Baltimore's defensive leader, Ray Lewis, announced that he will retire following the end of the season, and it also seems that Ed Reed will likely test the free agent market.</p>
<p>With all the attention focused on Lewis, Reed and Baltimore's defense, little has been said for San Francisco's quietly consistent and dominating defense. If it shows up on Super Bowl Sunday, then the Niners will likely be the ones hoisting the Lombardi Trohpy at the end of the night.</p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/49ers/2013/1/28/3926140/super-bowl-xlvii-2013JP Starkey2013-01-26T10:51:30-08:002013-01-26T10:51:30-08:00Kaepernick could make betting history
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<p>San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick could be the most bet-on player in Super Bowl history, when the 49ers take on the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl XLVII</a> is just a little more than a week away, as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> will take the field for the last time this season, to determine this year's NFL champion.</p>
<p>Needless to say, the Super Bowl is one of the most bet-on sporting events in the world, with prop bets available involving the halftime show and even the length of the national anthem.</p>
<p>There are plenty of prop bets for actual football, too.<a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8881186/super-bowl-xlvii-colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-most-bet-player" target="_blank"> According to Darren Rovell</a>, 49ers quarterback <span>Colin Kaepernick</span> could become the most bet-on player in Super Bowl history.</p>
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<b>For more on the Super Bowl, head over to <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com" target="_blank">Niners Nation</a> and <a href="http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com" target="_blank">Baltimore Beatdown</a></b>
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<p>Part of Kaepernick's betting allure certainly comes from his fairly unique skill set. Kaepernick possesses the rare ability to change a game with both his legs and his arm. In San Francisco's Divisional round win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>, Kaepernick completed 17-of-31 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns, and also added 181 rushing yards on just 16 attempts -- including two rushing touchdowns.</p>
<p>Per Rovell, prop bets on Kaepernick include betting on whether or not Kaepernick will have both 300 yards passing and 100 yards rushing. In a bit of a goofier bet, bettors can bet on who will have more pass attempts: Kaepernick against the Ravens in the Super Bowl, or LeBron James against the Toronto Raptors.</p>
<p>Of course, you can also place a bet on Kaepernick to win the Super Bowl MVP award. Currently, Kaepernick has 8/5 odds to win the MVP -- highest of any player.</p>
<p>Bettors can also simply bet on team-based props, including the margin of victory for each team. Though it's not a direct bet on Kaepernick, his play certainly affects the outcome of the margin of victory, regardless of who wins Super Bowl XLVII.</p>
<p>San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh certainly didn't need further validation that he made the right decision in starting Kaepernick over Alex Smith, but it's clear that Kaepernick has taken the football world -- and betting world -- by storm so far in the last three months.</p>
<p>Fans and bettors curious about some of the prop bets available can head over to <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/nfl/nfl-odds-super-bowl-props-roundup" target="_blank">OddsShark</a>, where there is a compiled list of various prop bets available.</p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/49ers/2013/1/26/3918744/super-bowl-2013-xlviiJP Starkey2013-01-07T16:49:16-08:002013-01-07T16:49:16-08:00NFL Playoff schedule
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<p>Two of the NFL's most storied franchises will meet on Saturday night, in the NFL's Divisional playoffs, as the San Francisco 49ers are set to play host to the Green Bay Packers.</p> <p>Two of the NFL's most storied franchises will meet on Saturday night, in the NFL's Divisional playoffs, as the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a> are set to play host to the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> (5 p.m. PT, FOX).</p>
<p>As the No. 2 seed in the NFC, the 49ers received a bye week in the Wild Card round, and did not know their opponent until the Packers defeated the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vikings</a> on Saturday night. If San Francisco advances past Green Bay, the Niners will either host the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seahawks</a> in the NFC title game, or head to Atlanta to take on the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a>. If the Packers advance, they, too, would either host the Seahawks or travel to Atlanta for the NFC title game.</p>
<p><span>Peyton Manning</span> and the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a> will get the NFL's Divisional round underway, when they host <span>Ray Lewis</span> and the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a> on Saturday (1 p.m. PT, CBS). If the Broncos win, they will host either New England or Houston in the AFC title game. If the Ravens pull off the upset, they'll head either to Foxboro for a rematch of last year's title game, or to Houston.</p>
<p>Sunday's action begins with the Seahawks and the Falcons (10 a.m. PT, FOX), as <span>Russell Wilson</span> and the Seahawks try to keep their fairy-tale season alive. If Matt Ryan and the top-seeded Falcons advance, they'll host the winner of the Green Bay-San Francisco game in the NFC title game. If the Seahawks pull off the upset, they'll head either to San Francisco or Green Bay, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.</p>
<p><span>Tom Brady</span> and the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> will try to advance to the AFC title game for a second consecutive year, when they host the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Texans</a> (1:30 p.m. PT, CBS). If the Patriots win, they'll either head to Denver or host Baltimore in the AFC title game. If Gary Kubiak's Texans pull off the upset, they'll either host Baltimore or head to Denver for a chance to head to the franchise's first-ever Super Bowl appearance.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/49ers/2013/1/7/3848678/2013-nfl-playoffs-schedule-bracket-divisional-roundJP Starkey