49ers vs. Seahawks preview: Richard Sherman returns to Seattle in Week 13

49ers key players and X-factors

Richard Sherman

Sunday is Sherman’s day to shine, so expect the veteran cornerback to bring a little extra against Seattle. Sherman needs to come to play in Week 13, because the Seahawks will likely target the former leader of the “Legion of Boom” — and Sherman would like nothing more than to intercept a key pass against Wilson and his former squad.

Nick Mullens

49ers quarterback Nick Mullens needs to play with the poise and confidence he displayed against the Oakland Raiders in order for the 49ers to leave Seattle with a victory this weekend. If Mullens performs as he did in Tampa Bay, not only will San Francisco lose the game on Sunday, Mullens could lose his job to fellow quarterback C.J. Beathard. In order for Mullens and the Niners to have a chance against the Seahawks, they will need improved play from the team’s offensive line.

Matt Breida

The 49ers’ offensive line will also need to continue to open holes for running back Matt Breida, who was the team’s lone bright spot during last week’s contest. Niner Noise’s Peter Panacy listed Breida as a key X-factor for Sunday’s game, since the second-year running back is coming off two consecutive 100-yard rushing performances, and the Seahawks are 2-4 this season when they’ve allowed over 100 yards on the ground.

Robert Saleh

Saleh needs a strong rebound game against the Seahawks after the 49ers’ defensive coordinator had no answer for Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston in Week 12. Winston enjoyed either a clean pocket or an easy exit path on nearly each of his dropbacks, as the turnover-prone quarterback picked San Francisco’s secondary apart throughout the game. Wilson is one of the NFL’s top scrambling quarterbacks, so Saleh needs to game plan pressure and to spy the shifty scrambling QB when he vacates the pocket.