49ers vs. Seahawks: Fantasy Impact for Week 2 NFC West Matchup

The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks contest in Week 2 has major implications in both the NFC West and your fantasy leagues. With so many impact players taking part in the action, knowing who to start and who to sit from this one will go a long way.

Both teams boast strong defenses, and this should result in a competitive contest through the end. Starting either defense is an option for owners, though the potential for each offense to break out in the game makes them risky plays.

Each team has impact players at skill positions, and it'll ultimately be those positions that decide your fate in the second week of the fantasy season. Even the most casual fantasy owner knows that a down week from even one skill position could result in a loss.

The 49ers-Seahawks game figures to be one of the best of the week, and all eyes will be on the top players to see who answers the call and who falls flat. For your fantasy team, it's worth analyzing the potential studs and duds before the action takes place.

Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson

Quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson have become fantasy favorites for owners in 2013, but neither signal caller is a safe play in Week 2. There are certainly worse options than the second-year starters, but don't expect monster weeks like they produced in Week 1.

Kaepernick threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers last week, easily making him one of the top performers at the position. A repeat performance is highly unlikely, as Seattle's secondary (and defense in general) ranks amongst the best units in the NFL.

Expect the secondary to disrupt the timing Kaepernick has with his receivers by integrating double-teams on Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis in the red zone. Also watch for Seattle to monitor Frank Gore in the flat to negate big yardage on check downs.

Kaepernick won't be perfect against Seattle and might even turn the ball over once or twice. Expect 250 total yards from him with a touchdown and an interception.

Wilson also played well in Week 1, amassing 300 yards against the Carolina Panthers defense. He only posted one passing touchdown, but the fact that he led his team to victory should keep head coach Pete Carroll happy. Fantasy owners, on the other hand, want just a bit more production.

He did toss four touchdowns against the 49ers in 2012, though he was intercepted twice and totaled just 293 passing yards. On the ground, he gained just 39 yards.

Both quarterbacks face similar matchups this week, as the NFC West rivals both have balanced defenses. With that being the case, Wilson should fare similarly to Kaepernick this week. Never known for his big passing numbers, Wilson should total 200 yards or so and a touchdown this week. He won't throw a pick, but his passing percentage should be near 50 percent.

Unless you have nobody better immediately available, sitting Kaepernick and Wilson is the smart play.

Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch was a must-start option in 2012 and a must-start option in Week 1, but an unspectacular 52 total yards and no touchdowns left many owners wishing they took a chance on another running back.

His matchup in Week 2 is not a great one given San Francisco's stout run defense, but Lynch may actually have a decent game this week in terms of fantasy production. With Wilson likely struggling to rack up yards through the air, Lynch will be relied upon to move the chains and keep the offense on the field.

As a safety option out of the backfield in both the running and passing game, Lynch is a must-start again in Week 2. It sounds strange to say that a running back can be a must-start against the Niners defense, but Lynch will be effective.

The Seahawks will have trouble getting into the end zone through the air. The Niners secondary will look to play tight coverage and bat balls up in the air to force turnovers. The safest option to score in the red zone against this defense is to try and punch it in on the ground, so look for Lynch to get plenty of carries in "and-goal" situations.

Lynch might not eclipse over 100 yards from scrimmage in this one, but he should at least come close. He's a near lock for at least one score, and I wouldn't be surprised if he scores multiple touchdowns in the red zone.

Start Lynch in Week 2 and reap the benefits of having a top-tier running back.

Anquan Boldin

Anquan Boldin was a force to be reckoned with in Week 1, totaling 208 receiving yards on 13 catches. He and Kaepernick also hooked up in the end zone, and the chemistry between the young quarterback and veteran receiver already seems pretty strong.

Boldin will likely have to go up against cornerback Richard Sherman this week, so owners expecting another monster week will be disappointed in the results. Sherman is a lockdown corner that covers top receivers, and Boldin seems to be the top target for Kaepernick.

Given Seattle's stout defense, Kaepernick will have no choice but to force the ball down field if he wants to get Boldin the ball. This will result in one of those interceptions I predicted a bit earlier. This will also result in a ton of errant passes and tipped balls.

If you can live with less than 80 yards receiving and no more than five catches, then throw Boldin into the lineup as a third receiver. Don't count on him for more, and certainly don't go into the game with him as your top option.

He likely won't find the end zone this week either, further hurting his fantasy impact. As soon as San Francisco find the red zone, Sherman will be given help by either Kam Chancellor or Earl Thomas at safety. Great coverage from Sherman and hard hits from the safety position will make it difficult for Boldin to come down with anything in the end zone.

Five catches, 65 yards and no sores is what I predict from Boldin this week, making him a difficult play for owners relying on big-time production.