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Despite San Francisco's impressive 12-3 record, the 49ers' offense leads the league in only one category — protecting the football.

San Francisco hasn't committed a turnover in its last four games and leads the league in fewest giveaways with 10. If the 49ers don't commit a turnover in Sunday's season finale at St. Louis, they will tie the NFL record for fewest turnovers in a season, set last year by New England.

The 49ers also lead the league with 36 takeaways, making their plus-26 turnover differential the NFL's best. San Francisco ranks just 26th in the league in total offense, but that unit has contributed to the team's successful formula by limiting mistakes and holding onto the ball.

The 49ers had a minus-1 turnover differential last season, when they committed 23 turnovers. The team's skill players on offense are essentially the same as last year, but the big change has come in the methodology of first-year coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff that has transformed San Francisco into a contender after eight seasons without a winning record or playoff berth.

"There are other things that go into it other than, 'Hey, guys, let's just take care of the ball today,'" Harbaugh said Friday after his team's final practice of the regular season. "There is scheme, there's philosophy that goes in there. It's the pride that the players have in protecting the football, understanding situational football."

Harbaugh said the 49ers have emphasized that scheme since the team's first practice in July, and it certainly has showed in the results. San Francisco has not committed a turnover in its past 18 quarters since quarterback Alex Smith threw an end-zone interception in the final seconds before halftime of a Thanksgiving Day loss at Baltimore.

Smith has been the catalyst behind San Francisco's low turnover rate. The seventh-year pro from Utah has thrown 415 passes this season but only five have been intercepted, the fewest of any starting quarterback in the league.

Around the league

Dolphins • Running back Reggie Bush, a 1,000-yard rusher this year for the first time in his six-year career, will miss Sunday's season finale against the Jets with a knee injury he suffered last week against New England.

Raiders • Receiver Jacoby Ford made it through a third straight practice without any setbacks and expects to play in Oakland's regular-season finale against San Diego. Ford hasn't played since injuring his left foot during Oakland's win in San Diego on Nov. 10.

Packers • Green Bay will be without three key players on offense against Detroit. Running back James Starks (knee/ankle), receiver/kick returner Randall Cobb (groin) and receiver Greg Jennings (knee), who has missed the last two games, won't play in the regular-season finale. Coach Mike McCarthy would not say Friday whether quarterback Aaron Rodgers will sit out.

Patriots • Tom Brady is listed as "probable" on New England's injury report for its regular-season finale against Buffalo. An injury to his left, non-throwing shoulder limited Brady's participation in practice Friday for a second straight day after he sat out practice on Wednesday. Week 17 schedule

Sunday

Chicago at Minnesota, 11 a.m.

Carolina at New Orleans, 11 a.m.

Detroit at Green Bay, 11 a.m.

San Francisco at St. Louis, 11 a.m., Ch. 13

Tennessee at Houston, 11 a.m.

Buffalo at New England, 11 a.m.

N.Y. Jets at Miami, 11 a.m., Ch. 2

Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 11 a.m.

Washington at Philadelphia, 11 a.m.

San Diego at Oakland, 2:15 p.m.

Kansas City at Denver, 2:15 p.m., Ch. 2

Seattle at Arizona, 2:15 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta, 2:15 p.m., Ch. 13

Baltimore at Cincinnati, 2:15 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Cleveland, 2:15 p.m.

Dallas at N.Y. Giants, 6:30 p.m., Ch. 5