For the first time in forever, the San Francisco 49ers won the coin toss in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns. Generally, the Niners defer to the second half. Not this time. Head coach Kyle Shanahan shared why he elected to receive the opening kickoff:

“Just because of the wind factor. I wanted a chance to choose to have the wind at our back in the fourth quarter, and that was the only way to get that done.”

The winds were projected to be anywhere between 25 and 35 miles per hour on Sunday in Cleveland, Ohio. It was evident from at least one quarterback that the wind affected throws down the field. Pre-game, Shanahan didn’t know how his quarterback would thrive in the elements. The decision to receive ensured the 49ers would have the wind at their back if and when the game came down t

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