Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Colin Kaepernick(7) celebrates a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Where: Century Link Field in Seattle, Washington
When: 6:30 PM ET, January 19, 2014
Watch: FOX
Live Stream: Fox Sports
FanSided Sites: Niner Noise and 12thMan Rising
The San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks are about to battle in Seattle for the NFC Championship. Winner will be heading to New York for the Super Bowl and they will also have bragging rights over the other team for next season. These two teams battle it out every season and it is one of the best rivalries in football.
Both teams are built very similarly. Both rely on their tough defenses to force turnovers. They both have good running games that can carry the offense. They both have young quarterbacks that can make big plays running the football. They both are at the top of the food chain in the NFC.
Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers offense have been playing well in the playoffs. They have already knocked out a couple of teams on their route to Seattle and now they face a familiar foe. Michael Crabtree‘s return has been a big boost to the team and Anquan Boldin is playing well in the playoffs.
Russell Wilson has not had the same type of success on offense of late. Percy Harvin won’t be there to help the team. Wilson will need to rely on Marshawn Lynch on the ground and he will have to make things happen in the passing game.
This is going to be a battle for the ages. Expect a lot of hard hitting and a lot of smack talking between the two teams.
Prediction:
Jan 11, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes the football against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Both teams have tough defenses and it will be tough for either team to move the football down the field. Whoever is able to protect the football the best will win the game.
With the 12th man in Seattle, this will be the 49ers biggest test on the road and Colin Kaepernick has not won in Seattle yet. It is going to be a tight game with the Seahawks pulling out with the victory. The crowd will definitely come into play in the game. Marshawn Lynch will be able to run the football and make some huge plays in the running game. Wilson will take care of the football and find a way to walk away with a win.
Seahawks 23 – 49ers 17