Jerry Rice sounds reasonably confident that his former team, the San Francisco 49ers, should be able to knock off the Cleveland Browns at Levi's Stadium on Monday night. The Hall of Fame wide receiver joined 95.7 The Game on Monday morning and outlined all the reasons why he believes the 49ers are equipped to emerge with the win and go 4-0.
First, Rice notes that San Francisco is coming off of a bye week and had extra time to rest and prepare for the primetime matchup.
"They should win this game," Rice said on the "Joe, Lo and Dibs" show. "They are better than the Browns. They should win this football game."
The Browns are probably feeling pretty confident after coming off a big 40-25 win over the Baltimore Ravens during Week 4. The 49ers can make a statement on Monday night with a victory over a potentially surging Cleveland team.
"The running game, we have a better running game," Rice continued. "They're not going to be able to block that defensive line of the San Francisco 49ers, (Nick) Bosa, all of these guys. (Dee) Ford, (DeForest) Buckner, all these guys; they're not going to be able to block those players, so we have an advantage on offense, we have an advantage on defense.
"Its just going to be up to Kyle Shanahan to put it on paper. These players (are) then going to have to go out there, and they (are) just going to have to play their best football."
Rice believes the Browns will try to attack the 49ers defensive backfield. San Francisco is without starting cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, and safety Tarvarius Moore has struggled.
"I think they feel if they can do that, if they can attack those corners, attack those safeties, and let their playmakers go to work, they have a chance," Rice said.
Added Rice: "The Niners should win this football game. This is a statement night for them."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Rice below.