SANTA CLARA -- Only two teams in NFL history have posted a 6-0 record in prime-time games: the 2007 New England Patriots and 2007 Dallas Cowboys. The 49ers can match that feat Sunday night.

Beating the host Seattle Seahawks also would boost the 49ers' bid for a first-round bye, a prize the Patriots and Cowboys also enjoyed in 2007.

"We have a playoff berth, but we want the division (title) and also a first-round bye," linebacker Patrick Willis said. "It's a big game in more ways than one."

The 49ers (10-3-1) will win the NFC West with a victory, which could also clinch them a first-round bye if the Green Bay Packers lose or tie to the Tennessee Titans. Sunday night's win at New England clinched at least a wild-card berth for the 49ers.

"Last year it was really big to have those playoff games at home, to come as close as we did," Willis added. "We have amazing fans. Anytime you play at home, it's comfortable. It's something we want."

The 49ers' are a franchise-record 5-0 in prime-time, matching their win total from the past eight seasons combined in which they went 5-9 under the lights. The 49ers' previous best prime-time mark was 4-0, under second-year coaches George Seifert in 1990 and Steve Mariucci in '98.

Several players have reminisced how playing at night reminds them of their high school days. Running back Anthony Dixon said: "Back in those high school days, most of us, we were unstoppable. I love that feeling.

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    Defensive tackle Justin Smith did not practice for a second straight day Thursday because of an elbow injury. He wasn't observing the start of practice as he did Wednesday. Ricky Jean Francois will be called upon if Smith can't start for the first time in his past 186 regular-season games.

    "He can play both the banging game, and he's got a little bit of athleticism, too, so he's a well-rounded player," defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said of Jean Francois. "He's the one guy on our front that can play all three spots."

    The severity of Smith's elbow injury remains a mystery, and it's unknown if surgery is required.

  • Four 49ers led their positions in online fan voting for the NFC Pro Bowl roster: Smith, Willis, kicker David Akers and guard Mike Iupati, who's vying for his first such honor. "I'm thankful, but I'm never satisfied," Iupati said. "It's steady improvement. Next year I'll be better."

  • The 49ers' Jim Harbaugh could join only two other coaches to post back-to-back division titles after inheriting a team with a losing record. The others are Chuck Knox (Los Angeles Rams, 1973-74) and Ted Marchibroda (Baltimore Colts, 1975-76).

  • The 49ers have the best third-and-short defense in the league. Opponents have converted on 20 of 56 chances on third-and-3 or shorter, including 3 of 19 on third-and-2.

  • Of Andy Lee's 60 punts, 34 have pinned opponents inside their own 20-yard line.

  • Still wearing no-contact jerseys in practice because of shoulder injuries were linebackers Ahmad Brooks and Aldon Smith, wide receiver Mario Manningham, cornerback Tarell Brown and fullback Bruce Miller.

  • Clark Haggans (shoulder) missed practice for a second straight day while fellow linebacker Tavares Gooden (ribs) was limited.