Niners at Hawks: Two teams will get their ugly on

Even with a hobbled, no-name wide receiver corps and a quarterback whose spine is twisted like a pipe cleaner, there is no reason the Seattle Seahawks should lose at home to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Reason No. 1 – Turnovers
The 49ers committed five turnovers last week against the Arizona Cardinals. Five. Cinco. That’s a lot. Quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan threw a pick and fumbled twice. That’s not good and it won’t cut it on the road in front of arguably the loudest fans in the NFL. While the Seahawks ability to move the ball has been crippled, they still have a very good quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck and two serviceable running backs in Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett. The Hawks can still put up points and eat the clock at home.

Reason No. 2 – Mike Martz
Offensive coordinator Mike Martz is the drunken crazy uncle of the NFL. Sure, every once and a while he’ll get his shit together and things will start clicking. But invariably, the wheels come completely off, leaving a trail of empty Mad Dog 20/20 bottles and losing tickets from the track. You think he’s got a sticker on his play sheet that reads “Frank Gore is on this team” - just as a reminder? How hard is it for him to call a dive play instead of dropping O’Sullivan in the shotgun with four wide? He’s like a Red Bulled 13-year-old on a 17-hour Madden binge. And I think I love him for it.

Reason No. 3 – Seneca Wallace
Big bold prediction with nothing to back it up: second string quarterback Seneca Wallace will be a difference maker. Except for the part where the team lost its top four receivers and starting running back, Seahawks fans have been dying for this day. They want to see Wallace get some serious time at a skill position outside of quarterback. If nothing else, 72,000 fans will will him to a good game.

Fantasy Geek Stuff
Here are the guys I like in this game and a few wild-ass guesses:

• John Carlson – The Seahawks rookie tight end is going to get a number of check down passes thrown his way. Carlson had a nice game last week, catching four balls for 52 yards. If Wallace isn’t open, Hasselbeck is going to dump to the tight end or running back. Dink, dunk, Carlson.
• Frank Gore – Not a big shocker here, but I will forever think the Seahawks can’t stop the run. Last year’s Green Bay playoff game has ruined me. Plus, Gore is a good passing target for Martz’ offense.

Useless knowledge
The Hawks last faced the Niners Nov. 12 when they beat them at home 24-0. Hasselbeck was 27-40 passing with two touchdowns and an interception. Maurice Morris carried the ball 28 times for 87 yards and a touchdown. The Seattle defense tallied three sacks and held the Niners offense to 173 total yards.