San Francisco vs Seattle NFL Playoff Handicapping
While the NFL AFC Championship game is sure to provide some serious offensive flash with two of the league’s most prolific quarterbacks, the NFC Championship should provide just the opposite, as two of the NFL’s best defenses go head-to-head on Sunday in Seattle.
When: Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. EST
Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
TV: FOX
LINE: -3.5 (Seahawks), O/U 39
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San Francisco (14-4) arrive at CenturyLink Field to take on their NFC West counterparts for the third time this season in its third straight NFC Championship.
Last year’s Super Bowl losers the 49ers, will have been on the road since wild card weekend when they marched onto Lambeau Field and left with a narrow win.
The following week, the team headed to Charlotte to take on the Panthers, and dominated on both sides of the ball, holding Carolina scoreless for the entire second half of the game.
But as San Francisco look to make it three straight road playoff victories, it won’t be easy against the Seahawks, who have been the best that the NFC had to offer this season.
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Seattle’s (14-3) ball-hawking defense, proficient offense and home field advantage, make it nearly impossible for even the best NFL teams to compete.
Led by versatile quarterback Russell Wilson and running back Marshawn Lynch, whose abilities will certainly allow Wilson to have more time in the pocket to complete passes downfield or to scramble on his own, will more than likely be enough to keep a very good 49ers defense guessing on Championship Sunday
The only real question, is whether or not Niners’ quarterback Colin Kaepernick, and running back Frank Gore can counter with their own one-two punch.
Many, including Seattle coach Pete Carroll, have made it know that Kaepernick is overrated, and are more than likely preparing to focus most of their defensive attention on the Niners’ Gore, who will try and wear down the Seahawks front seven with a punishing ground attack.
That could allow Kaepernick, who is also dangerous on his feet, to go to the air on a more regular basis, where he certainly has the ability, and an arsenal of weapons at his disposal.
Matt’s Free NFL Playoff Prediction
Although this game will be played by two teams who are very similar in terms of style and talent, San Francisco will have to play flawless football against one of the game’s best defenses, in perhaps the loudest stadium, which will certainly play a huge factor in this one.
And while the Niners probably have the better all around offense, I am taking the Seahawks who have played much more impressively thus far, and will certainly take that mentality into Sunday’s show down.
Seattle 24, San Francisco 20
