Michael Crabtree and Patrick Willis are the most notable scratches for the 49ers in Sunday’s preseason opener against the Colts.

Picking the top five players in the NFL is a near impossible challenge. But our Brian Baldinger was up to the challenge. And true to form, no quarterback was going to take the top spot. See who Baldinger picked as his top player, and check a surprise entrant as No. 5.

The middle linebacker is the quarterback of the defense. So who is the best in the business? Well Jon Beason was in studio on Thursday for this presentation, and this thing could be mighty awkward if he is not on the list.

Did Chris Johnson keep the Titans out of the playoffs in 2009? What LenDale White says might surprise you.

Buccaneers QB coach Alex Van Pelt believes that QB Josh Freeman is making a big improvement going into his second year.

Patrick Willis was all smiles while discussing his new five-year contract extension with the 49ers, and he pledged that his three Pro Bowl seasons are “only the tip of the iceberg.”

Niners Pro Bowl LB Patrick Willis better watch out next season. Dexter McCluster is gunning for him.

Pro Bowl LB Patrick Willis told fans during a live chat on NFL.com that the 49ers have a “won’t-miss” shot at the playoffs next season.

The guys who aren’t out at the NFL’s Play 60 Community Blitz event are taking advantage of a little down time with some R&R.

About what we expected.

In the eyes of Pro Bowl LB Patrick Willis, the 3-4 San Francisco 49ers are a playoff team. He told NFL Nation as much during a live chat Tuesday on NFL.com.

Join 49ers Pro Bowl LB Patrick Willis for a live chat Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET on NFL.com.

Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck suffered an undisclosed injury, which appears to be a back or rib injury, just before halftime of today’s game against the 49ers.

Coach Mike Singletary announced Thursday that Shaun Hill will start at quarterback in the 49ers’ preseason opener but almost immediately said not to read too much into the decision.

The 49ers have a lot of uncertainty heading into their preseason opener against the Broncos on Friday. Coach Mike Singletary has yet to name a starting quarterback. First-round draft pick Michael Crabtree is nowhere to be found. And star MLB Patrick Willis has yet to return to practice after suffering a strained ankle on the first day of training camp and his status for Friday is uncertain.