The picks are in.
At least those of Colin Kaepernick and Joe Montana.
The 49ers quarterbacks of present and past said in interviews this week that they believe peer Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos have the opportunity to best the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday's Super Bowl.
San Francisco's signal-callers had different reasons for their thinking, however.
"Playmakers Denver has on offense are better than some of the guys in (Seattle's) nickel defense. Opportunity for a lot of big plays," Kaepernick, who matched up with Manning in the preseason opener last year, told the New York Post. "If the Broncos can get (the Seahawks) nickel defense out there, they'll have some great matchups."
Meanwhile, Montana, a winner of four NFL championships, said he was hesitant to pick against a "friend" in Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, whom he and his wife collaborate with philanthropically.
No. 16's football smarts tell him to lean toward No. 18.
"I still think Peyton is going to win," Montana told 95.7 The Game. "Unfortunately for Marshawn and Seattle, I think it's going to be Peyton."
For more storylines surrounding the team, check out this edition of Morning Tailgate links, presented by State Farm.
**Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee*** *wrote about NaVorro Bowman's "DPOY" candidacy.
**Bill Williamson of ESPN.com*** *considered the importance of re-signing Donte Whitner.
**Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com*** *outlined the 49ers rival's salary-cap situation.
**Taylor Price of 49ers.com** quoted from Kaepernick's media tour.
**Eric Branch of SFGate.com*** *wondered what Alex Smith has to do with Kaepernick's contract.
* *
CLIP OF THE DAY:
* *
TWEET ABOUT IT:
Reporter @VernonDavis85 tosses a question to @nflcommish. pic.twitter.com/cgER2g5Rvf — San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 31, 2014
