Starts:
49ers defense: This is a proud unit, and a unit that was embarrassed by the Giants just 4 days ago. All of their key guys are healthy and with a hungry unit playing against a rookie QB at home, I say you always lean towards the veteran group. I see the D producing a couple turnovers and completely shutting down the Seahawks’ run game
Michael Crabtree: If there’s one thing I learned watching that Pats-Seahawks game in person, it’s that the most targeted guy on the team can absolutely get his, as Wes Welker did last week. Crabtree and Alex Smith have developed some nice chemistry, and with Crabtree seeming to be healthy and very involved with the offense, I think he leads the team in targets again.
Vernon Davis: After watching how often Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski got open this past Sunday, with Hernandez scoring a touchdown, someone as physically dominant as Davis should be able to create separation. I feel like out of all the positions on the Seahawks great defense, linebacker seems to be the weakest point. If Davis gets a lot of LB coverage on him tonight, he’s much too athletic for pretty much any LB to keep up with. Look for him to have a solid day today. And remember, Seattle’s defense is fantastic against the run, so expect more throwing the ball today.
Seattle Defense: Although I have a couple guys from the Niners offense in my start section, I think their production will be more from catches/yardage and less from scoring plays. I expect this to be a relatively low scoring game, somewhere in the high teens/low twenties. And Seattle’s defense is healthy, while Alex Smith is dealing with his finger issue on his throwing hand (still bothering him, not a huge concern, but it must be tough gripping and have complete control when your finger is swollen/painful) and Mario Manningham limited by shoulder issue (he was wearing the non-contact jersey up to Tuesday’s practice, he’s expected to play, but a game-time decision). Look for the opportunistic Seahawks D to force a couple turnovers (did you see Alex Smith against the Giants) and hold the 49ers to <25 points.
Sits:
Marshawn Lynch: I know it’s hard to bench someone of his caliber, but if the Pats D can completely stop the Seahawks’ run game, what do you think the 49ers D is going to do to it?? I’d have him relatively low on the list this week, as I personally don’t think the Seahawks will score more than 13 points in this game. His back has been pretty good the last couple weeks, so it doesn’t seem like he’s limited at all injury-wise, but this just seems to be a terrible match up for Mr. Lynch.
Frank Gore: See Lynch, Marshawn above. And replace 49ers with Seahawks. Not looking like a big day on the ground with either team today.
Russell Wilson: Rookie QB, on the road, coming of a super emotional high with a big comeback victory against the Pats, playing against one of the best defenses in the league? This has bench written all over it. Sit him
Ziad Dahdul 