STORY LINE: After the final snap, the real game begins. The 49ers are expected to begin work immediately on a contract extension for interim head coach Mike Singletary. Monday marks the first day NFL rules allow Singletary to sign a new deal. This will probably be the final 49ers game for offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Singletary was noncommittal about Martz's future this week, saying "Everything else will take care of itself, and it'll happen soon enough." Not exactly a ringing endorsement. Before that drama unfolds, there is still one last game to play. And though both teams are eliminated, there is still plenty at stake. Shaun Hill has one last chance to entrench himself as the starter for 2009. In his 11-game career, he has 17 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a passer rating of 90.4. Is it good enough? A bountiful harvest of high-profile quarterbacks will be on the market this offseason, either through trade or free agency. The list of passers that could be available includes Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb, New England's Matt Cassel and Cleveland's Derek Anderson. Also in the spotlight today is running back Frank Gore, whose sprained left ankle is expected to be healed enough to go for a milestone. Gore needs 22 rushing yards to become the first 49ers back to reach 1,000 in three consecutive seasons. Even the broadcast booth offers some final-day intrigue today. Joe Starkey, the radio voice of the 49ers since 1989, will deliver his last play-by-play. Starkey, 67, is retiring but will continue to do Cal games.

WHAT'S WORTH WATCHING

49ers WR Josh Morgan: The 49ers will go another season without a 1,000-yard receiver, but the rookie provides hope for '09. Morgan has caught Shaun Hill's two longest TDs this season, 48 yards and 31 yards.

Redskins TE Chris Cooley: He has catches in 71 consecutive games, dating to 2004. Cooley's 77 catches trail only Tony Gonzalez (91) among NFL tight ends. He also has an NFL career-high 792 yards.

Daniel Brown, MediaNews staff