Seattle Seahawks: 3 Bold predictions vs. 49ers, Week 17

1. Russell Wilson carries the load

While Seattle’s running backs may surprise everyone with a terrific performance, this game will come down to how well Wilson plays. Even though the running game is special to Seattle, Wilson is the heart of the offense. The team will only go as high as he can take it.

Earlier this season, Wilson was the frontrunner to win the MVP. He’s fallen far back in the race since then, mainly because he’s no longer shouldering the team through every game. He’s also making more mistakes and then not making up for them later in games.

Just last week, Wilson put up mediocre numbers in a significant game against a divisional opponent. That’s simply unacceptable from someone with Wilson’s talent. He cannot take a back seat to the running game, and he cannot expect to rely on the running game or the defense in Week 17. This must be a season-defining game for him.

The 49ers boast the best pass defense in the NFL, allowing 165.6 passing yards per game. In Week 10, that unit held Wilson to 232 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. With Carson and Penny unavailable, Wilson needs a 300-yard performance. He cannot afford any turnovers either. Giving the ball back to San Francisco almost sunk Seattle last time. With so much on the line, Wilson needs a pristine performance.

I’m one of the people who believe Wilson is a future Hall of Fame player. I think highly of him because of how he’s answered his team’s calls for help in the past. Well, the team needs him now. This will be one heck of a regular-season finale.