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First, let's take a quick look at last game:

1.) Hillis still being out, Hardesty got his chance, and did perform better than he has the last few weeks. With a sub-100 yard performance on 33 carries, he is still leaving something to be desired. Hillis will hopefully be back this week, and hopefully the running game will improve.
2.) McCoy is still playing lower-tier football, and has shown no ability to throw the ball downfield. None.
3.) Defense was great Sunday. Definitely won us the game, along with a ball-control offense that was unable to generate points. My prediction of 12-9 Seahawks actually wasn't that far off, because I had no faith in either team's ability to score touchdowns, and neither team did!

Onto this week:

No more cake opponents this week. This is the toughest, hottest team we've played this season, and the most consistent. They handed the Lions their first loss a few weeks ago, and are fresh coming off their bye. I think we could be in trouble!

Here are three keys to victory for Sunday:

1.) Keep 49ers defense honest: The Browns are last in the league in dynamic plays of 20 yards or more. If we thought the dinking and dunking of the Brady Quinn era was bad, this is even worse. There are a lot of factors that go into this, but one thing is clear--people need to step up. We will never be able to get a consistent run game together if teams can pack the box due to our inability to throw deep. We need to get some plays downfield. Look for some early designed throws to Greg Little or Josh Cribbs.

2.) Hillis is back, maybe?: Having a hopefully healthy Hillis (nice tongue twister there!) will bolster our anemic yards per carry average the last few weeks, and he has been one who has been able to turn some screens into big plays. Hardesty and Hillis are ideally meant to compliment each other's skills, so both receiving carries could be the best case scenario.

3.) Stay the course, defense: Guess what? If we win this game, it will be due to the defense continuing to evolve. Haden will be healthier, Fujita will be back, and everyone will be more confident after shutting down the 'Hawks. However, Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, and Alex Smith might have something to say about this. If we can keep Gore in check, we have a chance. But, we have to score more than six points!

Final prognosis: This is a tricky one. Are the Niners looking past us to a couple of tougher teams in Washington and the New York Giants the following two weeks? Could be, but I don't think so! I think this one is all Niners. 27-10. Just remember, I picked 'em to lose last week and they won, so maybe I'm just trying some reverse psychology!