So, what if he sees his own death and is then forced to make a descision to pick up the stick and kill Jake. Thus fulfilling the YED's plans. Delightfully evil and so far the only possibility I have managed to come up with (not involving healing abilities or miracles).

That's something I've been thinking about for the last few days too. I think it's the option that makes the most sense - the YED would want to be pushing him to kill, to be his soldier since Sam is his favourite, so it makes sense, I think. The only way for Sam to live is to kill Jake.

I'm wondering if that's true whether we'll see a bit more of the 'vision' with Dean going completely off the rails - more incentive for Sam to do it.