So, yesterday we were treated to what was a pretty good game in the Packers versus Bears and a rather boring game in the Jets versus Steelers. As is par the course, both teams that I wanted to win laid down and lost in pretty hilarious fashion at times. The Bears were considered the lesser evil here, then the Packers, then the Jets and then the Steelers - a team who under no circumstances can win the Super Bowl. That will be devastating if they do. Seven Lombardi trophies is far too many, they already have the lead by one and the 49ers will have to make that up as soon as possible, but to be trailing by two would just be too much. I did go over to our Packers blog, Acme Packing Company, to congratulate them, and got around twenty recs for my trouble. ... Oh yeah, we're a 49ers blog; do I have any links for you? I really have no idea. Let's find out. Enjoy, folks.

I think this is the only veteran quarterback that's been mentioned whom I believe isn't terrible anymore. I don't like what McNabb, Orton or Kolb brings to the table. I don't want Alex, but if we traded for anyone, I really feel as though Carson Palmer would have something left to give. He wants out of Cincinnati, too - at least that's the buzz. (PressDemocrat.com)

Not exactly new news, but if you happened to miss it, Jim Harbaugh said he wasn't going to rule out the possibility of bringing Alex Smith back next season. (MercuryNews.com)

The Packers are opening as the Super Bowl favorites over the Steelers. Pretty interesting, I honestly expected it to be the other way around. I'm picking the Packers, either way. (NationalFootballPost.com)

Sando takes a look at the age of the NFC West rosters. Here's the offense, and then here is the defense. (ESPN.com)

And here is his latest mailbag post, generally a good read. (ESPN.com)

Yesterday on Niners Nation

Golden Nuggets: Spikes For Man Of The Year | Ninjames
Sunday Morning Bloody Mary: NFL Playoff Schedule, Time, Odds, Announcers | Fooch
Will We Be Watching The 49ers This Weekend In The NFL Playoffs Next Year? | Fooch
NFL Playoff Schedule, Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers: A Statistical Preview | Florida Danny
2011 NFL Playoff Schedule, Steelers vs. Jets: A Statistical Preview | Florida Danny
Super Bowl XLV 2011, Packers vs. Steelers: Aaron Rodgers FTW? | Fooch

Related Links from SB Nation Bay Area

Carson Palmer, San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Target?

Coming Up Today on Niners Nation (All times pacific and subject to change)

6:00 a.m. | Super Bowl post | Fooch
8:00 a.m. | Carson Palmer post | Tre9er
10:00 a.m. | Draft-related post | nocal81
12:00 n | Shrine game post | Drew K
2:00 p.m. | Recap of Sunday's games | urnext
4:00 p.m. | TBD | Ninjames

Rival Blog Buzz

Revenge of the Birds: 1-23-11: Arizona Cardinals Bird Droppings | Larry Fitzgerald going to Pro Bowl | RUMOR: Carson Palmer wants out of Cincy, could wind up with Cardinals

Field Gulls: Seahawks sign WR Ben Obamanu to 3-year extension

Turf Show Times: St. Louis Rams biggest stories of 2010 | Sunday Morning Bloody Mary: NFL Playoff Predictions |East-West Shrine Game wrap

Being a Sheep

Be sure to follow @NinersNation on Twitter as well as on Facebook. You can follow SB Nation Bay Area on Twitter @sbnbayarea and also on Facebook. My personal Twitter is @ninnyjams.

If you're new here, you can register for a free account to participate in the discussion and create your own fanposts here at Niners Nation and across our entire network of 290+ sports blogs.