by The Dude » Sat Jan 18, 2014 2:48 am
Strangely, I think both games come down to running attacks.
NE struggles vs the run and moreno chewed them up last time. NE's passing game is borked with all the injuries so they will want to run. Both sides are heavily injured on defense. I personally think Denver wins this one but it could go either way. I think moreno is the key for Denver. Possibly special teams, as well.
Gore vs Lynch should also decide the NFC game. Seattle's receivers f**k blow (harvin is out) and Wilson has been very mediocre passing against decent to good defenses. My one concern with him is his ability to run, of course. Aldon and Bruce have to contain but also bring pressure. The niners have had some mediocre games vs good RBs too, so that worries me. Seattle's pass D is amazing so even though I think a healthy Crabtree and VD should help versus Seattle, I don't think Kaep is good enough to pick them apart. Oline will have to keep him upright and I doubt Kaep's legs will burn Seattle much. It's going to be Gore on 1st and 2nd down (and some hunter) creating short fields that will allow their offense to score. I don't see kaep winning this with his arm.
AFC is 2 good offenses vs banged up bad defenses and NFC are two Jekyll-Hyde throwers vs great defenses. So obvious the AFC game will be low while the NFL one is a shootout!
If SF can beat GB, Car, and Sea all on the road, damn that would be impressive. I'm nervous. Seattle's been the better team all year, their HFA is ridiculous, and they hate the niners. Would be nice if the niners got some luck sprinkled in this weekend!