Last week Rant Sports published a list of bold predictions concerning the NFC Championship. Below is my take on just how accurate they will be. Anquan Boldin has less than 5 catches Agreed. Although Boldin leads the San Francisco receiving core with 85 receptions and over 1100 yards this season, targeting him will be dangerous with the Legion of Boom seeking yet another interception. In their Week 14 matchup, the 49ers didn’t target Richard Sherman until 9:44 remaining in the first half. However, even if Boldin doesn’t tally five catches, he will most likely be able to draw a first down thanks to handsy, pass interference-prone coverage. Niners fans have no need to fret. Expect QB Colin Kaepernick to utilize other options, like Michael Crabtree, the “greatest catcher of all time” (at least, according to Jim Harbaugh). Seahawks will get at least 4 sacks Nope. Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril might be gunning for Kaepernick, but like Russell Wilson, the Bay Area QB knows how to evade sacks and use his legs to get a first down. His offensive line also helps. They have only given up 39 sacks this season. As long as Bobby Wagner doesn’t pounce, Kaepernick will be just fine. There will be at least 5 personal foul penalties Yes, and then some. Remember the huge hit that Cam Chancellor unloaded on Vernon Davis in the December 2012 game at CenturyLink? With an appearance at the Super Bowl on the line, there will be no shortage of this fierce intensity. Aside from pass interference, anticipate a fair amount unsportsmanlike conduct called on both sides of the ball. 49ers will rush for over 125 yards Yes. San Francisco was ranked third in rushing yards this season, a testament to the tenacity of Frank Gore and the scrambling abilities of Kaepernick. Seattle’s defense, primarily known for its impermeable pass coverage, struggled to stop the rush in the most recent meeting between the NFC West rivals, giving up 110 yards to Gore alone. Marshawn Lynch will rush for less than 75 yards Disagree. During the regular season, the Beast averaged just over 75 yards per game. Last week, the Saints gave up 140 yards to Lynch. With the passing game struggling to ignite, both Lynch and Turbin will see a high volume of carries. 49ers will get a Defensive or Special Teams Touchdown Not at all. It wasn’t too long ago that the Seahawks special teams unit was commended for allowing the fewest punt return yards, and I highly doubt now is the time when they want to forfeit that title. I don’t see a pick-6 happening either. Steven Hauschka will miss a field goal attempt When Hauschka steps onto the field, it sounds like Seattle fans are booing. Really, they are bellowing “HAUSCH,” paying respect to the kicker who has made 33 of 35 FGA this season. The 49ers’ red zone defense has improved dramatically since Week 2, so expect the Hawks to rely heavily on Hauschka’s foot. I believe he will rise to the occasion. Percy Harvin will actually make it through the whole game I can’t blame Rant Sports for believing Harvin would actually play more than a few downs. The whole world wants to see just how much more threatening he makes the Seattle offense. But alas, concussion protocol will keep him out of the NFC Championship entirely. However, he would most likely be cleared for the Super Bowl… Pete Carroll will do something stupid Define stupid… Coach Carroll may not be quite as “expressive” as Jim Harbaugh is on the sidelines, but he plays just as smart. While he is sometimes unlucky in challenges (recall the “interception” that hit the turf and bounced into the arms of Cardinals defense), Carroll will pay special attention to game management. After all, this one is expected to come down to a field goal. 49ers will win As the Northwest Sports Optimist, do I even have an option to say anything other than no? In the robotic, press conference-concluding words of Russell Wilson, go Hawks.