49ers vs. Bengals: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

The San Francisco 49ers head to Paul Brown Stadium to take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Both teams are itching to get to two wins, something neither team expected this early in the season. 

Both the 49ers and Bengals were told by pundits and analysts that 2011 was going to be an arduous journey. While the early goings have been difficult, they have also been fruitful. 

Alex Smith has won over critics with two commanding performances that have seen him deliver a measure of consistency that was lacking in previous years. 

The Bengals have ignored the fact that they lost so many weapons in the offseason. This team is putting points on the board, and don't look like they are slowing anytime soon. 

Let's take a deeper look at this Sunday clash. 

Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio 

When: Sunday, September 25th, 1:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: FOX KTVU (FOX 2)-San Francisco; FOX 19-Cincinnati; DirectTV 711 

Listen: Live audio streaming on NFL.com (minimum $9.99 payment); KNBR/BONE-San Francisco; 1530 (WCKY-AM), WEBN-FM (102.7)-Cinkcinnati; Sirius 139 (SF)149 (CIN)

Betting Line: Courtesy of Bodog.eu

Point Spread: Cincinnati Bengals -3

Over/Under: 40.5  

Key Storyline: Both teams were supposed to be stuck in the cellar for the entire season. After a 1-1 start by both squads, thoughts have begun to change on where these teams may end up. 

This is a pivotal game that will serve to sustain momentum for the victor. 

Who Might Not Play For San Francisco 49ers

 Courtesy of NFL Injury Report: Braylon Edwards Questionable (knee), Dashon Golden Inactive (knee), Michael Crabtree Inactive against Cowboys (foot)

Who Might Not Play For Cincinnati Bengals

 Courtesy of NFL Injury Report: Jordan Shipley Injured Reserve (Torn ACL) 

What They're Saying

The Washington Post reports on the youth movement that has the Bengals offense moving as of late. "Andy Dalton threw for 332 yards in the Mile High air. A.J. Green caught 10 passes for 124 yards and another body-twisting touchdown. The Cincinnati Bengals’ rookie combination is starting to click."

Cam Inman writes about the 49ers issues that allowed the Cowboys to seal victory last Sunday: "Breakdowns in the secondary sparked the Cowboys' big-play comeback. Not even a fractured rib (and reportedly a punctured lung) could stop Tony Romo from feasting on safeties Madieu Williams, Donte Whitner and Reggie Smith. The Cowboys' winning field goal was set up by a 77-yard completion to Jesse Holley, who raced untouched past cornerback Carlos Rogers and a run-focused Whitner."

San Francisco 49ers Player To Watch

 Frank Gore needs to establish production on offense. A hearty run game will keep the heat off of Alex Smith. It will also help save him from the relenting pass rush he experienced last week.   

Cincinnati Bengals Player To Watch

 Andy Dalton is the future of this team. A season that was supposed to be a dismal endeavor has been saved in large by Dalton's maturity. 

The rookie has passed for over 400 yards and three touchdowns to start the season. The Bengals will need another great game from him to get on the right side of .500.

Key Matchup

This game will be won or lost through the air. Andy Dalton will key in on A.J. Green early and often. 

It is up to the 49ers' secondary to bounce back from a Cowboys loss against a rookie that is playing beyond his years. 

On the Hot Seat: Both coaches are safe for now. Expectations were at an all-time low for the Bengals before the season. A 1-1 start gives Marvin Lewis a lot of leeway.  

Prediction

Bengals 27, 49ers 24