Golden Nuggets: The Noisy Northern Neighbors

The game all Niner fans circled on their schedule takes place at Levi's Stadium on a primetime game on Thanksgiving. We have been waiting for this game ever since Richard Sherman tipped a pass from reaching Michael Crabtree's hands in the NFC Championship Game.

Both teams need this win to stay in the playoff race. A loss could severely hurt their playoff lives. This game will be a tough, hard fought game by teams that are built almost exactly alike. Both teams are led by athletically gifted QBs, tough running RBs, and stout defenses. There are good battles all over the place. The biggest ones I believe are how the Niners defense deals with Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson running and if the Niners receivers can show up against the Seattle secondary.

The middle of the Niners defense is missing from the game in Seattle. Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman are both out. Questions will be asked of Michael Wilhoite and Chris Borland to contain Lynch and Wilson. They will need to stop Lynch immediately. They cannot let him gain those yards after contact that he thrives on. As far as Wilson, they need to make him a pocket passer. Wilson is a very effective runner that is able to keep drives alive for his team.

The Niners will need their receivers to show up on Thursday. Making key 3rd down catches, creating space for yards after the catch, and red zone targets will be very important. Do we finally see Stevie Johnson play consistently? This is the reason we signed him, correct? This would be a good game for Crabtree to prove what kind of receiver he is. And that tight end that may still have nightmares about Kam Chancellor. Will he show up against Seattle? It's been awhile since he has. Boldin is the only consistent receiver the Niners currently have, but he will need one of his buddies to help him.

Here's hoping to be thankful for a Niners win on Thanksgiving.

49ers Links

Film Don't Lie (Gutierrez)

It isn't likely he shows up for this game, is it? | The End Of Vernon? (Gin)

There is no way he doesn't play. He has to play | The Cowboy On The Injury List (Maiocco)

Here's hoping that this game gives the team a true home field advantage | Niners Have Advantage At Home (Williams)

Thanksgiving Preview (ESPN)

They both will play | Justin Smith, Gore On Injury Report (Barrows)

They need to give Stevie more snaps. Every time he plays, he does well. Our other receivers haven't played well | Stevie Looks For New Streak (Maiocco)

Niners Work Out Returner (Maiocco)

Offensive Talk (49ers Video)

Boldin Bros. Unite (Emerick)

Snapshot: Kap (Gutierrez)

Smith/Lynch versus this offensive line could be a big advantage for the Niners. Especially considering Aldon is fresh | Pass Rush Against Seattle's Line (Branch)

Week 12 Remix (49ers Video)

Still hoping he'll be back | Harbaugh Back Next Season? (Inman)

Top 10 Matchup (McTigue)

Sherman, Crabtree "Great" (Maiocco)

Thanksgiving Trailer (49ers Video)

The biggest battle for the Niners defense. Marshawn is a tough guy to bring down | Niners Defense Vs. Seattle's Rush Offense (Corkran)

Chancellor: Respect For Gore, Hyde (49ers Radio)

Both Teams Wary Of Running QBs (Barrows)

Roman Impressed With Kap (Corkran)

No. 9 Ranking (Gutierrez)

Greg Roman: Kap Playing Better Than Ever (Maiocco)

Niners Practice At Levi's Stadium (Maiocco)

Perrish Cox Focused On Niner's Super Bowl Run (Inman)

Team To Be Over Cap Next Season (Lynch)

It better be especially for the offense. They can't be any worse really | Roman: Best Football Ahead (49ers Video)

NFC West Report (Pentis)

Practice Report (Inman)

Punter Of The Week (Gutierrez)

Wilson: "Barry" Good (Branch)

Both teams still have aspirations of a division championship | Carroll: Wants To Be Division Champions (Maiocco)

This will be a good battle. How will Fangio contain Wilson's improvisation? | Fangio On Wilson (49ers Video)

Carroll On Kap's Evolution (49ers Radio)

Thanksgiving Infographic (Sun)

Vernon needs his swagger, fire, and hands back. He's been invisible against Seattle ever since Chancellor's hit | Davis Needs To Regain Swagger (Barrows)

Justin Smith To Be Fine For Thursday (Maiocco)

A Tradition For Chris Borland (Price)

Injury Report (49ers Staff)