NFL media stats people have been chirping about strength of schedule this week like it is NCAA hoops bracket time and it is irritating. I think this might be polluted by fantasy stuff.

Evidently, a teams' strength of schedule (SOS) is defined by the number of wins by their scheduled opponents.

Poppycock. SOS is determined by how many "playoff teams" you have played and your record against them.

The 49'ers have played 6 games against assorted playoff bound teams and gone 3-3. This s about right for the NFL.

The Patriots have also played 6 games against real teams and have gone 4-2. This is above average.

The next cuckoo argument is A+B = C.

The 49'ers tied the Rammies and lost to the Rammies + The Patirots

beat the Rammies down = Patriots win. This formula does not work and is given light treatment in Vegas for that reason.

Here are key points beyond SOS that will play into Sunday's game.

Rookie QB. You do not want to be in Foxboro in December if you are a veteran QB. The Patriots will need to play poorly to give Kapernick a chance to win. It is not a winning approach to be hoping your "opponent plays poorly" in order to win. Belichick wants the bye and it is available to him. He will make the rookie QB win the game for the 49'ers. Doable, but a longshot. Rookie QB's do not fare well in shoot outs with Tom terrific...ever. I can't see Harbaugh trying to get into a shootout. Better off starting Smith and trying to keep the ball away from Brady. (Won't happen)

Not a lot of options for Harbaugh. Fewer still for his QB.