San Francisco 49ers (5-4) at New York Giants (3-6)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J. – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch, Pam Oliver

*Keys to the game: RB Frank Gore and dual-threat QB Colin Kaepernick are the last tandem the Giants needed to see after getting gashed for 350 rushing yards in Seattle last week. Minus field leader Jon Beason, the front seven continually sucked toward RB Marshawn Lynch, who routinely broke tackles, while QB Russell Wilson exploited the focus by sprinting around the edge untouched numerous times. The 49ers appear to have gone back to their roots with Gore getting 23 carries last week and an even run-pass ratio overall.

The Giants’ ground game has sputtered to a 3.8-yard average per carry, but could receive a boost with RB Rashad Jennings expected to return from a Week 5 knee injury and take a big share of the load from plodding rookie Andre Williams (2.9 ypc). QB Eli Manning led an efficient offense for the first half in Seattle before the defensive issues served to scuttle the upset bid. He also has an emerging star in WR Odell Beckham who is starting to command extra attention.

*Matchup to watch – 49ers ground game vs. Giants linebackers: The Giants’ linebacking corps takes another hit with Jacquian Williams out with a concussion. Coordinator Perry Fewell will continue to go with a rotation alongside MLB Jameel McClain, with Devon Kennard, Spencer Paysinger and Mark Herzlich primed for increased snaps. Fewell is preaching sound assignment football after countless breakdowns last week.

*Player spotlight – 49ers ILB Chris Borland: With Patrick Willis out for the rest of the season, Borland will continue to play a pivotal role. He led the team with 17 tackles last week and had a crucial fumble recovery.

*Fast facts: Kaepernick has thrown a touchdown pass in 16 consecutive games, two shy of Steve Young’s franchise record. … The 49ers are 38-7-1 when Gore gets 20-plus carries. … Beckham has 15 catches for 264 yards over the past two games.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he hopes last week’s defensive meltdown in Seattle will serve as a teaching moment. The truth is, the Giants simply don’t have the personnel to cope with a similar approach from the 49ers.

*Our pick: 49ers 31-23