San Francisco @ Tennessee preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 8, 2009 ) Tennessee 34, San Francisco 27

Two teams heading in different directions meet Sunday when the San Francisco 49ers visit the Tennessee Titans. The 49ers will be going for their fourth win in a row, while the Titans will be trying to prevent a third consecutive loss. That slide coincides with an injury to starting quarterback Jake Locker, who returned to practice this week on a limited basis for the first time since spraining his knee and hip against the New York Jets on Sept. 29.

However, Titans coach Mike Munchak said the team is still preparing as if Ryan Fitzpatrick will be under center against San Francisco. "It's a long way from (what Locker did in practice) to playing in a Sunday game," Munchak said Wednesday. There is no mystery as to who will be directing the 49ers' offense: Colin Kapernick has thrown five touchdowns and one interception over the three-game winning streak.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: 49ers -4; O/U: 40.

ABOUT THE 49ERS (4-2): Kaepernick threw a total of four interceptions and no TDs in losses to Seattle and Indianapolis but has broken loose as San Francisco has outscored its opponents 101-34 over the past three games. In particular, he has clicked with tight end Vernon Davis, who had a career-high 180 yards receiving and two TDs last week in a 32-20 win over Arizona. The running game has also stepped up, accounting for 181.7 yards per game during the streak.

ABOUT THE TITANS (3-3): Tennessee did not turn the ball over during a 3-1 start but gave the ball away a combined five times in losses to Kansas City and Seattle. Fitzpatrick has been the main culprit, throwing four interceptions and just one TD in his two starts. Running back Chris Johnson hasn't done much to alleviate the pressure, rushing for just 50 yards total over the two games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Tennessee has been outscored 156-47 during a four-game losing streak against NFC teams.

2. 49ers RB Frank Gore has two 100-yard rushing games over the past three games, giving him 34 for his career.

3. Both teams have 13 takeaways, tied for fourth in the NFL.

PREDICTION: 49ers 21, Titans 17