After four straight losses, the Buffalo Bills needed to see a team like Kansas City in the worst way. Fifty-four points and a thunderous win later, the Bills have kept their post-season hopes in tact with just five games remaining. At 6-5, Buffalo resides in the cellar of the AFC East, making almost every game left on the schedule a must have.

The Bills' first test of the final stretch? Enter the  3-8 San Francisco 49ers. 

Offense:

The 49ers' offensive attack haven't been futile so far in the 2008 season. But then again, they aren't exactly lighting up the scoreboard either. It's been an extremely mediocre year for the men in red and gold. Perhaps the most shocking of their overall team statistics is the 24th ranked rushing attack. With arguably one of the premiere running backs in the league, San Francisco averages 101.9 YPG. But maybe that isn't so off-base considering the pass-happy Mike Martz is the team's offensive coordinator. The 'Niners average 212.5 YPG (15th) through the air, aiding their efforts in putting up 22.9 points per game. San Francisco, like both Kansas City and Cleveland, have not had success on keeping the football. The 49ers convert on third downs just 33.8 percent of the time.

-Quarterback:

When Mike Nolan was fired as the head coach, one of the first executive decisions made by interim skipper Mike Singletary was to insert Shaun Hill into the starting lineup as quarterback. Nothing jumps out at you about Hill. On the season he's started the last three games, and hits 60.3 percent of his passes along with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. Hill's 94.3 quarterback rating is a bit inflated after a stellar performance against the hapless St. Louis Rams. Hill is a backup in a starter's role, but has been thrust to the forefront. A lack of overwhelming talent will keep Hill the starter for the remainder of the season.

-Running Back:

Frank Gore lit the world on fire in 2006, causing many to proclaim the 49ers  as the 'next big thing in 2007.' That seems like such a long time ago doesn't it? Since then however both Gore and San Francisco have fallen off the map. The talent is still there for the fourth-year pro, but a weak offensive line has severely put a dent in to Gore's ability to get loose, as well as his rushing statistics. With 860 yards and six touchdowns this season, he's averaging 4.5 yards per carry. However, like Larry Johnson last week, Gore is an excellent back that most times requires more than one defender to bring him down. The Bills' linebackers must wrap up more effectively this week to prevent the big run plays that haunted them last week.

-Wide Receiver/Tight End:

This group has been quite the inconsistent area for San Francisco. Isaac Bruce leads the wideouts with 34 catches for 558 yards and five scores. Free agent acquisition Bryant Johnson went to a place where he could shed his reputation for being a great third receiver into a good second target. Johnson's role with the 'Niners? You guessed it, third wide receiver. Tight end Vernon Davis has been a stunning disappointment since being drafted sixth overall in 2006. San Francisco has been impressed with WR Josh Morgan this season, but he's listed as questionable. As is Arnaz Battle. If they can't go, Buffalo must be aware of Jason Hill. He's got great hands and can make some big time plays. 

-Offensive Line:

The 49ers' offensive line by far have been the weakest area on this 2008 team. San Francisco has allowed 40 sacks this season, which is second to only the Detroit Lions for most sacks allowed this season. Former Buffalo offensive tackle Jonas Jennings was placed on injured reserve two weeks ago, and he was the best San Francisco had to offer. He's replaced by Barry Sims on the right side of the line. Former first round pick Joe Staley hasn't performed up to expectations yet at the left tackle position allowing numerous pass rushers to get to the quarterback. Buffalo defensive ends Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney have a real opportunity to put a big stamp on this game against the weakest offensive line they'll see the rest of the way.

Defense:

An inability to keep opponents out of the end zone and allowing a bundle of passing yards have really haunted the 'Niners so far this season. On average they allow 28.2 points per game which is fourth worst in the NFL. As is the pass defense, giving up 243.9 yards through the air per contest. Utilizing the 3-4 scheme however, the 49ers and defensive coordinator Greg Manusky run the type of defense that have given the Bills' passing game fits this year.

Defensive Line:

This trio of lineman is headed up by free agent acquisition Justin Smith. Smith is in on a lot of stops, amounting 54 tackles, but hasn't regained form of getting to the quarterback early and often. Between Smith, starting defensive end Ray McDonald and defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin, the defensive line has accounted for just four sacks in eleven games this season. The 49ers like to bring pressure from LOLB Parys Haralson, making Brad Butler against a more than capable Justin Smith a pivotal matchup that the Bills must win to succeed on Sunday.

Linebackers:

There's no question the linebackers, defense and team are led by second year linebacker Patrick Willis. He's second in the league in tackles with 97, teamed with one sack and an interception as well. Willis sniffs out running plays immediately, helping the 49ers to a respectable average against the run (103.8 YPG). A familiar face to Buffalo has also been detrimental to stopping the run. When it looked like Takeo Spikes might have been down and out, he's brought down the ball carrier 69 times this season. Spikes also leads the team with three interceptions. The most disappointing of this group is ROLB Manny Lawson. The former college defensive end has all the speed and moves to get to the quarterback, but the 'hybrid' player merely has three sacks on the year.  If the 49ers drop eight defenders in to coverage, Buffalo runners Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson will have a slight advantage of getting through the line before Willis or Spikes meets them at the point. They must take advantage for the Bills to take pressure off QB Trent Edwards.

Secondary:

Welcome back Nate Clements. The former Bill was thoroughly embarrassed last Sunday by Dallas wideout Terrell Owens, allowing him to rack up 213 yards receiving and a 75-yard touchdown. Buffalo must take shots down the field early to test Clements' confidence in himself. If Lee Evans can get in to Clements' head by making a couple big plays, it could be a long day for the secondary. Safety Michael Lewis is a great safety that the Bills must beware of. The 49ers don't shy from sending Lewis on a blitz or two.

Special Teams:

San Francisco will be without all-everything return man Allen Rossum because of an ankle injury. In his place, Nate Clements will likely take over the punt return duties and backup runner Michael Robinson on the kick-offs. Kicker Joe Nedney has been a bright spot for the 49ers, hitting 21-of-24 field goal attempts. Punter Andy Lee has an impressive average of 47.2 yards per kick, but has only trapped opponents inside the twenty-yard line seven times.

Injuries:

San Francisco- OUT: CB Dashon Goldson, CB Allen Rossum. QUESTIONABLE: WR Arnaz Battle, WR Josh Morgan, CB Walt Harris

Buffalo- OUT: Jabari Greer, Teddy Lehman, John McCargo, Robert Royal, Aaron Schobel. DOUBTFUL: Donte Whitner. QUESTIONABLE: Copeland Bryan, Keith Ellison, Derek Schouman

History:

The Buffalo Bills are 5-4 all-time against the 49ers. In their last meeting, the Bills scored a 41-7 victory in 2004. Lee Evans led the way in that one bringing in eight receptions for 92 yards and two scores. San Francisco's last series win came in 2001, annihilating  Buffalo 35-0.

Pivotal Matchups:

RG Brad Butler vs. LE Justin Smith

WR Lee Evans vs. CB Nate Clements

LE Chris Kelsay vs. RT Barry Sims

Final Thoughts:

The 49ers three wins came against three of the league's worst in Seattle, Detroit and St. Louis. But don't let that fool you. Buffalo cannot afford to look past this one in preparation for the Miami Dolphins a week from Sunday. Interim coach Mike Singletary and his questionable motivational tactics have this team playing much harder than they ever did for the vacated Mike Nolan. The Bills must establish a rushing attack that forces the 49ers away from dropping eight defenders into coverage and merely rushing three to aid the passing game. If they slip in to the same habits as the Cleveland debacle, this game has the potential to get away.

E-mail: JoeB@wgr550.com