San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks
Having defeated the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, and then prevailed in another difficult road trip in Carolina, the 49ers are in need of one more inspirational performance to reach the Super Bowl.
There is no love lost between these two rivals, and it promises to be a thrilling as well as fiery atmosphere in Seattle as the NFC title is on the line.
“I think we’re the two teams that everybody was looking at from the beginning,” San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick said. “It’s going to be a knockdown, drag-out game.
“We’re ready to go.”
While they have split their last four meetings, the Seahawks have looked dominant at home as they have forced seven turnovers and outscored their divisional rivals by 71-16 in the last two games at a raucous CenturyLink Field.
Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman has played up the importance of their 12th man support, while 49ers safety Donte Whitner insists that it won’t bother his team as they know exactly what they’re there to do.
Coach Jim Harbaugh has now led the 49ers to a third straight NFC championship game, and will be looking for an immediate return to the Super Bowl after last year’s disappointment. However, the tension will also be felt on the benches as he has history with opposite number Pete Carroll.
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Anquan Boldin and Frank Gore will all likely play pivotal roles for the visitors, who must also be able to cope with the power and pace of the hosts.
Marshawn Lynch, fresh from playing his role in another small earthquake last weekend, and Russell Wilson will be looking to extend their good form against San Francisco, which has seen the later throw for five TDs and two interceptions in the last two home games.
Sumeet Paul: It would be silly to ignore the dominance that Seattle enjoy at home, particularly against San Fran this season, and as a result they are rightfully favourites to advance. However, the 49ers have proven in the post-season they can pick it up and deliver on the road, and they could do it one more time here.
Much will depend on how their defense matches up against their opponents, while Kaepernick must produce and the officials will have a big say in how much the Seahawks get away with. Nevertheless, I’m backing the 49ers to shock their bitter rivals and take Harbaugh back to the Super Bowl.
Scott Hazlewood: Seattle have won their past six playoff home games thanks to their insane crowd support, as much as their good play. However, the 49ers and Colin Kaepernick are 4-1 this post-season including 3-0 away from home and he will look to the likes of Crabtree, Davis and Bolden as his main targets. My tip, 49ers by 6.
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