49ers (6-5) at Seahawks (3-8)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Lumen Field, Seattle
TV: CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: None at press time
49ers’ keys to victory: The Niners have been most successful when they ride dual-threat star WR Deebo Samuel, who was fourth in the NFL in receiving yards and a candidate to win the league’s Offensive Player of the Year award. But a groin injury could stall the Niners. San Francisco will have to establish other offensive options like RB Elijah Mitchell early and get an early lead, as QB Jimmy Garoppolo’s game is not suited to lead a significant comeback.
Seahawks’ keys to victory: For the first time in a decade, Seattle is floundering. The Seahawks’ chances of making the playoffs are already minuscule, especially after a Week 12 loss at Washington. QB Russell Wilson has kept this team competitive in the post-Legion of Boom era. If Wilson plays like he did early this year, Seattle can compete with any contender in the NFL. He threw two touchdown passes and no interceptions against Washington.
Matchup to watch: 49ers DE Nick Bosa vs. Seahawks LT Duane Brown. Brown has had a fine career and played his position at a high level for well over a decade. He’s been on a sharp decline this year, though. He lines up across from Bosa, one of the most ferocious edge rushers.
Who wins? Seattle’s formerly formidable home-field advantage is gone. The Seahawks have gone 1-4 at home this season and have been trending in the wrong direction ever since Wilson’s finger injury in Week 5. Meanwhile, the Niners have won four of their last five games.
49ers, 27-20