NFC West Predictions: Seattle Seahawks Challenged by San Francisco 49ers

Mike Martz, Offensive Coordinator—Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson, Justin Smith, Dontarrious Thomas, and DeShaun Foster are all important, but they will not have as much impact as Martz.

Alex Smith started to "get it" under Norv Turner in 2006. Then, he took some steps backward with mediocre play and an injury last year. This is his make-or-break year.

If he can handle Martz's system, he could put up big numbers. If he cannot, Shaun Hill or J.T. O'Sullivan will get that coveted opportunity.

With a dynamic, all-around back in Frank Gore, a hungry deep-threat in Bryant Johnson, a freakish athlete in Vernon Davis (though Martz does not often utilize a tight end), a guy who knows the system in Isaac Bruce, a good backup running back who can catch the ball in DeShaun Foster, and an Hakim-or-Furrey-esque possession receiver in Arnaz Battle, there is no reason this offense should not succeed under Martz.

Biggest Strength: Stars in the making—Patrick Willis and Frank Gore have the ability to be considered the best players at their respective positions as early as 2008. Gore is an injury risk, yet his production is up there with LT, Brian Westbrook, and Steven Jackson when healthy.

Willis is a tackling machine. San Francisco has spent a lot of money to bring in big-name free agents in the last two years. It has also drafted well and added good pieces around these two stars.

Most Exploitable Weakness: Sacks and Interceptions—These two stats tend to get lumped together like "hustle stats" in basketball. San Francisco lacks the "hustle" to win the sack and turnover-differential battles. Mike Nolan should be a guy who can turn this around, and Justin Smith will help.

Still, 2008 looks to be a season in which the 49ers fail to create turnovers like its opponents and see the quarterback on his back far more often than the other guys.

Possible Fantasy Sleeper: Jason Hill, WR—He is not mentioned above because he is not a proven commodity. By all accounts though, Alex Smith and Mike Martz love this burner out of Washington State. He's a guy who could really break out in 2008. The simulated season gives Hill 37 catches for 643 yards and five touchdowns.

Closest Game: @ New Orleans (Week Four)—Playing a road game against a recent playoff team like New Orleans, which has a below-average defense, will be a great, early barometer for this offense and this team. The Saints also fall short in some of those hustle stats, so the 49ers have an opportunity to win the sack and interception competition and use a win to drive success into the rest of the season.

Fantasy Notables: Alex Smith (15) 2,814 yards, 21 TDs, 13 INTs; Frank Gore (16) 1,414 total yards, 12 TDs; Bryant Johnson (20) 63 receptions, 971 yards, 7 TDs; Isaac Bruce (34) 67 receptions, 974 yards, 6 TDs; Vernon Davis (14) 31 receptions, 468 yards, 4 TDs; Joe Nedney (26) 46/47 XPs, 21/25 FGs

Projected 2008 Results:

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