NFC Championship Game: 5 Bold Predictions

Jan 11, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka (4) kicks a field goal out of the hold by punter Jon Ryan (9) against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Special teams will be more important than ever

If this game is as close as I believe it will be, the special teams will be more important than ever. So two players to watch out for are kickers Phil Dawson of the 49ers and Steven Hauschka of the Seahawks.

Also with the special teams, another player to keep an eye on is Jon Ryan, the punter of the Seahawks. Last week in six punts he averaged 36.7 yards, kicking the ball inside the 20-yard line just once.

Field position will be key in the game.