It's simple, really: If you love football -- if you love sports -- then you LOVE the Seattle Seahawks hosting the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday night.

Why?

It's the single best rivalry in the NFL today.

Yes, I understand the amazing history between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. I'm well aware of the classic battles waged by the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys. I know all about Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers -- that's a spectacular clash, fueled by smashmouth play and a whole lot of people (players and fans alike) who don't like each other. But it isn't Niners-'Hawks. Not now. In 2013, nothing gets the emotions flowing like this epic NFC West grudge match.

No other rivals truly loathe each other right now quite like San Francisco and Seattle. And pure hatred in today's NFL -- with free agency and general player movement -- is rare. Pure hatred is wonderful, needed and extremely juicy.

The Niners and Seahawks resemble each other in style and structure. They are the two best, deepest and most-complete teams in the NFL.

And to have this week's game in Seattle -- in front of the throaty "12th Man" crowd -- makes it even better.

This is The Game in professional football, and here are nine reasons why:

This personal rivalry goes back to the coaches' college days -- and it is flat-out awesome.

This will be the talk of this rivalry for years to come -- two young guns who ensure their respective teams will be in the Super Bowl race for the foreseeable future. These quarterbacks ooze leadership, talent, clutch play and likeability. And just like the teams in this rivalry, the signal-callers are similar in style. Both can throw deep, throw with pinpoint accuracy and effectively run the football. They are two of the brightest young stars in the NFL and two of my favorite players to watch.

Sherman is a great player. In fact, I think he's the best corner in the league. And if you don't believe in my assessment, just ask Sherman himself -- he'll be the first one to confirm this notion. He's loquacious, braggadocious and a whole lot of fun. He's the actor who steals the scene with his performance and personality.

In my opinion, the Seahawks and Niners boast the top two defenses in the NFL. They hit you hard -- and they let you know about it.

And they each will be tested by a strong offense on Sunday night. How cool is this?!

Both defenses are deep, talented, bone-crushing units that routinely churn out game-changing splash plays. It's not often that you call a defense "fun to watch," but that's exactly what we have here -- on both sides.

Lynch is a Bay Area product who starred at Cal, so many Niner fans rooted for him on the collegiate level.

With the rapid player movement in today's game, line cohesiveness has taken a hit. But not with the Niners. San Fran's offensive line is the best in the game. The unit does a brilliant job protecting Kaepernick and opening up holes for Frank Gore. These guys bloody you.

Silver: 49ers strike gold in Boldin

In his 32 Questions column, Michael Silver talks to Anquan Boldin following the receiver's dazzling debut with the 49ers. 

Throughout his entire career, Boldin has been the epitome of clutch. His debut effort as a Niner -- 13 catches for 208 yards and a touchdown last Sunday -- was astounding.

You know Boldin is going to do something to add his own chapter to this rivalry's book.

I know what you're thinking: It's Week 2. How is that possible?

Well, only one of these division foes can win the division. Sounds elementary, but it adds to the sense of necessity. A single win or loss can be the difference between a No. 1/No. 2 seed and playing on the road the entire postseason.

Move over Lambeau Field. See ya, Arrowhead. In today's NFL, no home-field advantage compares to the one experienced at CenturyLink Field. The place rocks at an unparalleled decibel level.

Article source: NFL; Adam Schein

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