Not sure how many folks in here watch the UFC or combat sports but I think this will feel like a championship fight. Usually when a champion is defending their belt they start the fight very poised and calm and the contender comes out a bit more aggressive cause they have nothing to lose. As the fight goes on the champ gets a feel for the range, the pace, the tactical approach, and the stamina of his opponent and by round 3 of a 5 round fight it's game on and full attack. There are exceptions but it's common.
I think this game "may" look like that.
Based on Mike Mac's interviews they like to get a "feel" for the game. They don't put all their eggs in one strategical basket and that's one thing I love about the coaching. They focus on their OWN game from a fundamental standpoint and then start collecting data once the game starts. How are they being attacked? How are they are being defended? What changes has the coaching staff made since week 18 and how does the new personnel affect the strategy?
I think the 1st quarter is a bit slow and the Hawks may not have a big lead but they will be studying. SF has absolutely nothing to lose so they may come out swinging and they may land a few punches. The Hawks, however, will stay calm, take in the data, and go to work. They KNOW they need to limit mistakes and turnovers and I think it may result in a bit of a slow start. The worst thing the better fighter can do is fight emotionally and get caught slipping by a hungry opponent.
I think it's something like 13-10 at half either way and a 27-17 final score in favor of the Hawks. I think the Hawks wear them down and as the Niners start feeling like week 18 wasn't a fluke they will have trouble keeping up in my opinion. The emotion and fight in them will fade as the war rages on. Short rest and all the travel will absolutely take a toll on them in the 2nd half. It's just being human.
If the Hawks play mistake free or close to it they win. Hawks have the better team and are healthier and more rested plain and simple.