I do think the Niners with a 1st place schedule will come back to earth just a bit. Smith is still a wildcard. The 49'ers defense though should hold them in enough games.
Seattle just has to win some of those close games that they lost year and keep the heat on SF. They were within a TD or less in the 4th quarter in most of their losses last year, but then ran out of gas. With upgrades at QB and WR that side of things should be better. Lynch is still the key, and now with a big contract, there's always the Shaun Alexander syndrome to be aware of, and he has to be as good as last year, or else.
On the defense, hopefully there will be more of a pass rush from the line, and the LB's are able to stop the run. I think the Seahawks secondary will no longer be able to fly under the radar as they did last year and teams will prepare for them.
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