Golden Nuggets: Today, the 49ers earn a winning record and never look back

Good morning. Today, the San Francisco 49ers face an important matchup that could be instrumental in shaping the course of their 2013-14 campaign. They sit at 2-2, and most agree that getting a win over the Houston Texans today will give them exactly the kind of boost they need going forward.

I'm more confident in a win over the Texans than I was about a win over the Rams. Maybe it's due to the 0-1-1 record San Francisco had against their NFC West rivals last season, or perhaps it's due to the poor play of Texans quarterback Matt Schaub. Whatever the reason, I'm confident and I don't see the 49ers hitting a losing record or even .500 again this season.

They'll see 3-2 and never look back. Onto your links.

Read option thriving across the NFL, but not in SF (Barrows)

Watt a challenge: 49ers to square off with NFL's reigning defensive MVP (Branch)

Baalke explains intentions of releasing Daniels, signing experienced Skelton (Inman)

Texans blogger: "something is seriously wrong with Colin Kaepernick" (BA Sports Guy)

Injury report: Texans' Cushing will play; 49ers' Willis questionable (Branch)

Notebook: Brock likely to replace Asomugha again (Inman)

Sources: 49ers contacted Hawkins about returning (Maiocco)

Is 49ers' run defense OK? Meeting with Texans should provide answer (Branch)

Daniels Signing Wasn't Gamesmanship Move (Scout)

Name A Niner (49ers)

49ers-Texans prediction (Cohn)