The Seattle Seahawks will look to reclaim the NFC West supremacy in Week 5. The defending Super Bowl champions will host the banged-up but undefeated San Francisco 49ers for their toughest challenge of the young season.
Mike Macdonald got the best of Kyle Shanahan twice last season, including a humiliating blowout loss in the playoffs. The Seahawks are healthier, and even though they're 3-1, they should still be considered the team to beat in the division.
That said, the 49ers must have obsessively dissected their film since their heartbreaking playoff loss, and they might have multiple surprises in store for the champs. As such, Macdonald and company might have to turn to three unsung heroes to pull this one off.
These Seattle Seahawks could surprise the 49ers in Week 5
Wide receiver Tory Horton
With multiple defenders likely draped all over Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Sam Darnold will have to find alternative targets. Tory Horton is a perennial scoring threat with impressive playmaking and YAC skills, and he's already found paydirt this season with a six-yard touchdown grab.
While he hasn't been as explosive and efficient as he was in his rookie campaign before a season-ending injury, he's already shown what he's capable of when given some space. Darnold trusts him, and he might be this team's vertical threat if Rashid Shaheed continues to be a non-factor.
Running back Emanuel Wilson
With Jadarian Price out and George Holani questionable, the table is set for Emanuel Wilson to be the team's lead back again on Sunday. He's strung solid performances together, showing more wiggle and juice with more touches and confidence, and even improving in pass protection.
The 49ers hold opposing running games to under 100 rushing yards per game, so this will certainly be a challenge. That said, controlling time of possession will be crucial in keeping their explosive offense off the field, so we can expect Brian Fleury to commit to the run in this one.
Tight end AJ Barner
There was a ton of hype surrounding AJ Barner before the start of the season, but he's been pretty quiet so far. Through four games, he's up to nine receptions on 15 targets for 102 yards and no scores. He also had an ugly drop, but that could all change against the 49ers.
Raheem Morris' defense let Trey McBride put up 100 yards on them two weeks ago, and while Barner is no McBride, he's no slouch, either. Brian Fleury used to be a tight end guru in the Bay Area, and if he has something special prepared for his former boss, it most definitely involves Barner.
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