Week 14: Top 5 storylines in 49ers-Browns matchup

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The 49ers have not been expected to win many games this season. On Sunday, they face the reeling Cleveland Browns, losers of seven consecutive games.

This is one the 49ers probably should win despite heading onto the road for a second week in a row and being listed as a slight underdog. Yes, we know the 49ers are mathematically still alive for a playoff spot, but we can be 100-percent confident in stating the 49ers will be home for the postseason for a second consecutive season.

So, in many ways, the final four games of this season are about laying the groundwork and charting the path for 2016 and beyond. Here are the top five storylines heading into Sunday’s game at Cleveland:

1. All eyes on the leader
Coach Jim Tomsula was the hand-picked successor to Jim Harbaugh, so the last thing the organization wants to do is make him a one-and-done head coach. Since early in the season when it was apparent the 49ers did not have the personnel ready to win immediately, the goal shifted to steady improvement. And the case can be made that the 49ers have been on the uptick. The locker room appears to be a better place than it was earlier in the season, and the team is still playing hard and many of the young players are showing progress. Right now, there is no question within the organization about Tomsula’s future. But if the 49ers falter miserably down the stretch, that could change.

[MAIOCCO: Tomsula: 'Johnny Manziel is a playmaker']

2. Manziel on the loose
This game has very little national interest or storylines other than the return of Johnny Manziel to the Browns’ starting lineup. The last time he stepped on the field he played the best game of his career, throwing for 372 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 15. But when he was caught partying during the bye week and reportedly lied to the Browns about it, he was demoted to third string. Now, Manziel is back as a starter and he aims to salvage his NFL career.

3. Gabbert’s case to remain the starter
Since Blaine Gabbert has taken over as the 49ers’ starting quarterback, he has played well. The 49ers' offense has risen more than 40 yards passing per game, and Gabbert’s average yards per attempt is one yard better than it was in the 49ers’ first eight games. More important, perhaps, is his teammates are buying what he’s selling. We know Gabbert will be back with the 49ers next season due to his reasonable $2 million salary. And the way he has played over the past four starts, it’s difficult to imagine anyone being added in the offseason – as a free agent or draft pick – who could provide an upgrade. But Gabbert has to continue to prove he is not the same guy who struggled mightily during the first three years of his NFL career while being hailed as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ savior.

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4. Time for Kilgore?
Center Daniel Kilgore had not played in more than a year before he suited up for last week’s game. But injuries forced him into action at tight end, where he was used for six snaps. This week, Kilgore figures to get back onto the field at his natural position. If Kilgore is sharp and playing near the same level as when he sustained the fractured lower leg in October 2014, he could provide an upgrade in the middle of the 49ers’ offensive line. Marcus Martin, who started the first 12 games of the season, ranks last in the NFL among the 29 centers who’ve played 50-percent or more of the snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus.

5. Prospects for a pass rush
Pass-rusher Aaron Lynch is still going through the NFL’s concussion protocol, and his availability for Sunday’s game remains in question. Lynch has been the 49ers’ best pass-rusher this season. Ahmad Brooks has struggled, and his sideline blowup last week in Chicago set off some alarms. Corey Lemonier and Eli Harold are still looking for their first sacks of the season. Tank Carradine has yet to earn his way onto the field as an outside pass-rusher. The young guys need to show something because it seems clear at this point that pass-rusher figures to be a clear target for an early draft pick. On Sunday, those assigned to corral the quarterback will have to deal with a slippery Manziel, who will make it tough on them.

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