Panthers vs. 49ers 2013, Week 10: Live coverage, score updates and more

Working against the league’s second-ranked run defense was no problem for Gore, who ran for an efficient 82 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. San Francisco saw the same defensive success Carolina enjoyed, as its defense forced two turnovers and sacked Newton four times.

A defensive game didn’t offer a lot in the way of studs. Both Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick struggled and neither was a good start on Sunday.

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Update: According to the FOX broadcast Vernon Davis will not return with a concussion.

Davis was hurt when he was hit as he attempted to catch the ball in the second quarter. At first it looked like he fumbled the ball, but it was ruled that he did not have possession. Davis did not remain on the field and initially appeared uninjured, but walked to the sideline where he was examined by trainers before leaving the field.

Game Date/Time and Location: Sunday, Nov. 10, 4:05 p.m. ET at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, Calif.

TV schedule and distribution map: Fox; The506.com

Let’s take a look at both teams below, starting with the home team:

The 49ers definitely have some skewed stats when you look at the offensive side of the ball. They are among the top teams in the league, yet have the No. 32 passing offense at 189.9 yards per game on average. On the flipside, they have the No. 1 rushing attack, with 153.0 yards on the ground on average.

It’s a strength-on-strength bout between two physical, punch-you-in-the-mouth run teams with young, electric and mobile quarterbacks and elite front sevens on defense. The Niners, for their part, aren’t really surprising anyone with their dominance, but the Panthers’ recent run hasn’t really had much attention.

According to Football Outsiders’ DVOA metric, the Panthers have the third-ranked defense in the NFL, behind only Arizona and Seattle.

Which team is going to give in during their Week 10 matchup in San Francisco and will it be a high-scoring or low-scoring affair?

Despite the Panthers’ hot streak, the 49ers are still 7-point favorites at home. Both teams have the same record against the spread as they do straight up: Carolina is 5-3 against the spread and San Francisco is 6-2. Perhaps more important to note, the Panthers are 2-2 on the road against the spread, while the 49ers are 3-1 against the spread at home.

Smith stepped away from the organization in September following a single-vehicle accident in which police found marijuana and pills in his car. He checked himself into rehabilitation, and was charged with felony weapon charges in regards to the incident.

The only thing that could potentially keep him from playing is a suspension issued by the NFL, but there is no indication that is planned at this time. Based on past incidents it’s likely commissioner Roger Goodell would suspend Smith, but there is a precedent for him waiting until legal proceedings have run their course.

Still, the Panthers have one of the best defensive front-sevens in the NFL, so they are a force to be reckoned with. San Francisco’s offense is totally imbalanced, with the No. 32 passing offense and the No. 1 rushing offense, while the Panthers are No. 2 in the league at stopping the run.

Despite that, most experts are picking the 49ers to hold at home. SB Nation’s panel of six experts were unanimous in the selection of San Francisco. That panel consists of Ryan Van Bibber, Joel Thorman, Jason Chilton, Stephen White, David Fucillo and Matt Ufford.