STRUGGLING SEAHAWKS NEED A VICTORY.
The NFC West standings make little sense. At the bottom are the two teams that have dominated the division for years, Seattle and San Francisco, both 2-4 as they head into Thursday’s game at Levi’s Stadium. What gives? In Seattle, the once fearsome defence stumbles in games. In San Francisco, the overhauling of the roster, particularly so many retirements by key players, has hurt.
Still, this is one of the league’s nastiest rivalries, even with Jim Harbaugh gone from the Bay Area.
Seahawks all-pro cornerback Richard Sherman doesn’t long to see Harbaugh or sparring partner Michael Crabtree, the wide receiver now in Oakland. “I’m not going to miss either, because I think I’m still playing,” Sherman said. “When you’re playing this game, you try not to worry about other people as much as you worry about what you can do and what your team does. So I don’t think I think about either of those guys very much.”
Jim Tomsula, Harbaugh’s replacement as Niners coach, has plenty to think about in this matchup. “They still have their fiery attitude,” Tomsula said. “It’s a really good team. There’s no mistake about that. I know the record is the record, but the Seahawks are very good.”
Seattle is a six-point choice at San Francisco. Best bet: Seahawks, 24-13
In other games:
Tampa Bay (plus 3½) at Washington: With no real strong feelings for any underdogs this week, going with a rested Tampa Bay. Upset special: Buccaneers, 20-19
New York Jets (plus 9) at New England: Jets could make their division — and entire AFC — more interesting with a win. Sorry. Patriots, 30-20
Baltimore (plus 7½) at Arizona, Monday night: At some point, the Ravens we expected might show up. Not in prime time. Cardinals, 27-17
Philadelphia (plus 3) at Carolina: A Carolina letdown wouldn’t be shocking after a huge win at Seattle. Eagles, 22-21
Atlanta (minus 4) at Tennessee: Falcons will atone for loss at New Orleans by romping in Music City. Falcons, 33-16
Buffalo (minus 4) vs. Jacksonville at London: Rex Ryan at Wembley. Jolly Old England might never be the same. Bills, 20-13
Dallas (plus 5½) at New York Giants: Matt Cassel makes enough of a difference for Cowboys to stay close. Giants, 21-17
Houston (plus 4½) at Miami: Dan Campbell gets a second straight victory as interim coach. Dolphins, 2620
Cleveland (plus 4½) at St. Louis: Browns have mastered close defeats. Here’s another. Rams, 17-16
Minnesota (minus 3) at Detroit: Yes, Detroit showed fortitude with its OT win against Chicago. Minnesota simply is better. Vikings, 2422
New Orleans (plus 5) at Indianapolis: Hey, Chuck: PUNT. Colts, 27-20
Oakland (plus 4) at San Diego: Do the Chargers have any juice left after two distressing defeats? Chargers, 28-22
No. 8 Pittsburgh at Kansas City: Uncertainty at quarterback for Pittsburgh takes this one off the board. So Steelers, 23-20 with Ben Roethlisberger. Chiefs, 23-13 with Landry Jones or Michael Vick or Terry Bradshaw.
2015 record
Against spread: week 8-5-1, season (49-37-2).
Straight up: week 10-4, season (60-31)
Best Bet: 4-2 against spread, 5-1 straight up.
Upset special: 2-4 against spread, 2-4 straight up.