Thanksgiving Football: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers

Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) gets shoved in the face by San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) while trying to shake hands after an interception by Seahawks outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (not pictured) during the second half of the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The titanic rematch of the NFC champions takes place on Thanksgiving football as the Seattle Seahawks visit the San Francisco 49ers.  Who wins?

Subplots

Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick looking for breakouts

Defense rules the roost in the NFC West but it has been the play of the quarterbacks that has determined how far the Seahawks and 49ers can go.  When Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick play well, their teams win but neither has been able to string together a series of good games.  The search for a breakout remains ongoing.  Whichever one can find their rhythm first in this enormously important clash will determine the outcome.

Key Matchup

Stevie Johnson against Jeremy Lane

Richard Sherman and Michael Crabtree will gain all the fanfare based on their bad blood while Anquan Boldin works against Byron Maxwell.  However, one matchup that could play a deceptively important role in the outcome is how Stevie Johnson fares in his first game against Seattle as a 49er.  The team brought him in to make the offense more explosive and harder to stop.  His game against third corner Jeremy Lane will determine if that trade was the right one to make.

Fantasy Players To Watch

Carlos Hyde – RB

The San Francisco 49ers are a running team.  That is their identity.  They are at home so fans should expect them to do it often.  Frank Gore will get plenty of action but expect Carlos Hyde, with his fresh and young legs to see the field often.  He has slowly worked his way further into the lineup and has played well when given opportunities.

Doug Baldwin – WR

The Seattle Seahawks have had problems all season trying to pass the ball.  Now they have to face the #2 ranked 49ers pass defense that is allowing just 207.2 yards per game.  Seattle needs somebody to step up and Doug Baldwin has to be that guy.  He’s their leading receiver (for what that’s worth) and does the most talking on and off the field.

Pick:  SEA 14, SF 20