Seahawks vs. 49ers: 3 X-factors on defense for Week 18

The Seattle Seahawks will play the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday to determine the NFC West champion. The Week 18 winner will also claim the No. 1 seed in the conference, which includes a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout the postseason leading up to Super Bowl LX. The Seahawks need Mike Macdonald's elite defense to rise to Saturday's occasion.

We've identified three potential X-factors for the Seahawks' defense against the 49ers in Week 18.

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Leonard Williams, DT

The Seahawks need their stars to be stars. Leonard Williams is capable of wrecking the 49ers' offensive game plan. Dominating the interior offensive line and keeping Christian McCaffrey from locating easy rushing lanes up the middle would make life difficult on Kyle Shanahan.

Julian Love, S

Safety Julian Love has been returning to form since rejoining the lineup from injury. Love recorded an interception he returned for 26 yards against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. Brock Purdy has been excellent lately, so the Seahawks' defensive backfield will have a tough time trying to force him into a mistake.

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DeMarcus Lawrence, EDGE

Getting pressure on Purdy in the pocket is crucial. Veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence has been so good for the Seahawks lately with 3.0 sacks in his latest four appearances. Lawrence is a savvy, experienced defender who has played in big games like Saturday's throughout his illustrious career.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks vs. 49ers: 3 X-factors on defense for Week 18