Behind Enemy Lines: 49ers-Seahawks preview with Seahawks Wire

The 49ers’ biggest regular-season game since 2013 will go down Sunday in Seattle – a place they haven’t won since the 2011 season.

Seattle’s place in the 49ers’ history throughout the 2010s is well-documented. They’ve been a thorn in San Francisco’s side for a better part of the decade, but going into Week 17 of the final game of the 2010s, Seattle looks as beatable as they’ve looked since 2011.

To get a gauge on where the 49ers’ biggest rival is at going into the final week, we got in touch with Seahawks Wire managing editor Liz Mathews. She answered a few questions for us heading into Sunday’s showdown:

Niners Wire: What kind of workload do you foresee for Marshawn Lynch on Sunday?

Liz Mathews: Coach Pete Carroll said Lynch would definitely “contribute,” however it’s rookie Travis Homer who has the most command of the playbook at this time. Both Lynch and Robert Turbin will work out all week but there is nothing either can do to greatly improve game-day conditioning levels by then. Expect a three-way share of the duties, with the hot back getting the majority of the load. For the fans, the excitement will just be getting to see Lynch take the field.

NW: How big of a loss is left tackle Duane Brown?

LM: If last week was any indication, left tackle Duane Brown is absolutely imperative in keeping quarterback Russell Wilson standing. Wilson was pressured all day by the Cardinals and the rest of the line was clearly unable to protect in Brown’s absence. Lynch and the rest of the running backs won’t be able to be effective either if the offensive front doesn’t find a way to step up on Sunday.

NW: We know all about Russell Wilson and Jadeveon Clowney, but who’s the other most important player for the Seahawks on each side of the ball?

LM: With the run game a question mark, Russell Wilson is going to have to turn to his receiving corps to get the job done Week 17. Tyler Lockett is finally healthy and has the chance to make the most impact for the offense if he and Wilson can find a way to connect. Linebacker Bobby Wagner, the leader of the defense, will have to rally the troops in light of all the injuries. Seattle may have to turn to a backup or two if not all the starters are cleared to play by gameday. Wagner is key to steering the young players in the right direction.