http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000151114/article/nfcs-early-frontrunner-seahawks-49ers-falcons-duke-it-out?icampaign=ATL_newsdriver

I'm guessing most people haven't seen this or don't care what they have to say, and that's fine. It's a bit early in the year to start getting upset or caring what the media is saying but I've been hearing a lot about how the Seahawks are now the favorite in the NFC. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but these few "analysts" on NFL.com deserve to be held accountable just as anyone else who gets labeled as an "expert". Just figured I'd give my response and clear up some misconceptions people have about both teams:

The Seahawks were the best NFC team at the end of the 2012 season

Good point to start, as I can't see what this is based on. Their roster didn't change drastically throughout the season, and the 49ers advanced farther than they did in the playoffs. Seems like a weird conclusion by Rank.

Just looking on paper, it's hard to find a weakness

Their pass rush is certainly better, but they were 25th last year in rushing yards allowed per attempt. They're a 4-3 team, and I don't see how adding two edge rushers is going to help that aspect. Also, their offensive line has two beasts (Okung, Unger) but the entire group was ranked 20th by PFF, while the 49ers have far and away the best o-line in football. Seems like they still have a few minor weaknesses.

What else does Seattle need? Now they're loaded everywhere.

Once again, just ignoring reality. Unless Wagner/Wright/Hill suddenly turned into Willis/Bowman/Smith, I would say they're not "loaded" at linebacker. Neither one of their DT's are close to as good as Justin Smith. You can still call their roster loaded, but remember, this is in comparison to the 49ers.

Mentally, it's a lot to get to the NFC Championship Game and lose, then get to the Super Bowl and lose the next season. I can't see San Francisco maintaining that mental edge that's needed over the course of the offseason

Not really sure how to address this one other than letting him defeat his own point; they've faced disappointment and adversity and have overcome it. They made it to the Super Bowl with their two best pass rushers having only one healthy arm. They have on of the best coaches in the NFL that hates losing more than anything.

Seattle seems like the "sexy pick" for whatever reason, and that's fine. I just don't like so-called "experts" getting paid to give half-assed explanations for what they tell us. I'd break down both rosters, but it's too early for that. But as of now, if you broke it down to 7 groups (QB, RB, WR, O-line, D-line, LB's, Secondary), I'd give the 49ers the edge at 4 of them. Like I said, the 49ers and Seahawks are very close in terms of talent, but it seems over-reactionary and irrational to start calling the Seahawks better, or even going as far as to dismiss the 49ers.