Sunday, January 19th 2014 (6:30 PM ET) 

CenturyLink Field, Seattle WA

Station: FOX

Announcers: Announcers: Troy Aikman, Joe Buck and Pam Oliver (sideline). 

Point Spread: Seahawks (-3) 

Over/Under: (38.5) 

Expected Game-Time Weather: Mostly cloud, 48 degrees and wind at 4MPH from the north. 

We already know what the vaunted Seahawks' defense has done against San Francisco in the last two meetings at CenturyLink. They forced seven turnovers and allowed a total of 19 points in those two games. If there is a repeat performance in the NFC Championship game, Seattle will be moving on to its second Super Bowl. 

It is, however, important to note how well Colin Kaepernick has played as of late, in the playoffs and on the road. The third-year quarterback has tallied 20 touchdowns compared to four interceptions since Week 4 and possesses a 18/2 TD/INT ratio in his last nine road starts, winning eight of those games. Overall, Kaepernick is 3-0 on the road in his playoff career with four touchdowns and just one interceptions. If Kaepernick is able to keep this recent trend going, the 49ers will be in good shape. 

For their part, the Seahawks allowed the second-fewest points at home during the regular season...right behind the Carolina Panthers. Opposing quarterbacks have thrown just eight touchdowns with 13 interceptions for a quarterback rating under 70 at CenturyLink this year. 

It goes without say that the strenth of these two teams are on defense. San Franciso ranks in the top-10 of nearly every single major statistical category on defense. The interesting dynamic here is that it has yielded an average of just 14.6 points per game in its last nine road outings since giving up 29 to these Seahawks in Week 2. 

Russell Wilson has been downright scary at home in his short career, going for 33 total touchdowns and just seven interceptions at The Link. Interstingly enough, Wilson has thrown just two touchdowns in his last three home games. If that trend continues, we could be looking at an upset on Sunday. 

Key Matchups

Russell Okung and Michael Bowie vs Justin Smith and Aldon Smith: Okung was hampered with a toe injury for the majority of the regular season, and his pass protection took a hit. If Okung is anywhere near 100 percent in this game, he could limit the production we see from the Smith Brothers, who have been downright dominating since Aldon was drafted back in 2011. If not, Wilson could find himself under pressure for the majority of the game, which would cause issues with timing in the passing game. 

Red Bryant and Michael Bennett vs Anthony Davis: Bennett has been one of the top 4-3 pass rushers in the entire NFL this season. Teaming up with more of a run-stuffing specialist in Bryant, these two have been downright dominating on the left side of Seattle's line. For his part, Davis has improved a great deal in pass protection since struggling a great deal as a rookie back in 2010. While Joe Staley should be able to hold down the fort on the other side of the line, this matchup definitely favors the home team. 

K.J. Wright and Earl Thomas vs Vernon Davis: Davis has been one of the most productive postseason tight ends in the history of the NFL. One more touchdown reception and he will break the all-time playoff record at that position. With all that said, Davis hasn't faced the likes of Thomas in the playoffs. The former first-round pick is the best all-around safety in the NFL and possesses ridiculous reach in the back end of the defense. Strength against strength here.  

Richard Sherman vs Anquan Boldin: I am going to assume that Seattle will line Sherman up against Boldin. If so, we are going to have the pleasure of seeing two high-octate and physical football players line up against one another on a consistent basis. Sherman got the best of Boldin back in Week 2, holding him to one catch. It must, however, be noted that Michael Crabtree wasn't on the field in that one. Boldin responded with a six-catch performance when Crabtree was on the field back in Week 14. 

Marshawn Lynch vs 49ers Front Seven: San Francisco hasn't yielded a 100-yard rusher since Lynch did it agianst them 22 games ago, back in Week 16 of the 2012 season. Overall, Lynch is averaging nearly 100 rushing yards in his last five outings against the 49ers. Expect Vic Fangio and Co. to zone in on Lynch and force Wilson to beat them through the air. A solid performance from Beast Mode in this one will go a long way in determining the outcome of the game. 

Statistical Leaders

San Francisco 49ers

Colin Kaepernick: 58.4 completion, 3,197 passing yards, 524 rushing yards, 25 total touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 91.6 rating. 

Frank Gore: 1,128 rushing yards and nine touchdowns

Anquan Boldin: 85 receptions, 1,179 yards and seven touchdowns

Michael Crabtree: 19 receptions, 284 yards and one touchdown (five games). 

Vernon Davis: 52 receptions, 850 yards and 13 touchdowns 

Seattle Seahawks 

Russell Wilson: 63.1 completion, 3,357 passing yards, 539 rushing yards, 27 total touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 101.2 rating. 

Marshawn Lynch: 1,257 rushing yards, 4.2 average, 36 receptions, 316 yards and 14 total touchdowns

Golden Tate: 64 receptions, 898 yards and five touchdowns

Doug Baldwin: 50 receptions, 778 yards and five touchdowns

Zach Miller and Luke Willson: 53 receptions, 659 yards and six touchdowns