The Seattle Seahawks got the best of the San Francisco 49ers twice last season, including a big playoff win. So, after ending their season, Kyle Shanahan's team must've had this game circled on their calendar for months.
This matchup will determine the top dog in the NFC West until further notice and give both teams another potential playoff preview. These squads know each other pretty well, and divisional games are always a bit of a toss-up.
The Seahawks should love their chances against anyone, including the undefeated 49ers. That said, they will be a tough opponent to get through, and the team's success — or lack thereof — will most likely be decided by these four questions.
Questions that will determine the Seattle Seahawks' success vs. the 49ers
Can JSN dominate the 49ers again?
Once again, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been the most dominant pass catcher in the game this season. The 49ers know a thing or two about that, as he torched them for 15 catches for 208 yards in the regular season. He had a quiet playoff game, but he scored a touchdown, and it was a blowout.
While there's no denying that he can put up big numbers against any defense, the 49ers will definitely have something special planned for him. Their entire defensive game plan will most likely start and finish with stopping JSN.
Will the defense bend and break?
The Seahawks' defense has been elite at forcing three-and-outs and getting the offense off the field. They give up a 28.6 percent successful third-down conversion rate, the third-best in the game. The 49ers, however, are the best team at staying on the field in those situations.
Kyle Shanahan's offense has converted on a whopping 57.5 percent of its third-down attempts. Something will have to give here, and while the Seahawks' defense is the best in business, this will be their toughest challenge to date.
Can they establish the run?
The Seahawks will be without Jadarian Price for this game, and George Holani is currently questionable. They're also without starting right guard Anthony Bradford, and that has obviously taken a toll on their running game.
Emanuel Wilson is coming off the best game of his young Seahawks career, and he should handle the bulk of the backfield touches in this one. Will that be enough to keep the chains in motion against a defense that's giving up 99.8 rushing yards per game, the ninth-fewest in football?
What did Brian Fleury prepare for his old boss?
Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Fleury spent years with the 49ers. He knows how Shanahan operates, thinks, and game-plans; he may have learned most of his tricks from him. So, what to make of that intel? He should also have some pointers on how to beat him.
Granted, Raheem Morris is now calling the shots on defense, and he wasn't there during Fleury's tenure, but still. Maybe Fleury can surprise his former mentor by taking a page out of his book and throwing some curveballs at him.
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