Seahawks (9-8) at 49ers (13-4)
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif. TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: 49ers by 10
Seahawks’ keys to victory: Seattle has to figure out how to keep QB Geno Smith upright. The offense has scored 13 against San Francisco in two games this season. That starts with getting the run game going behind star rookie RB Kenneth Walker III. If Smith gets time in the pocket, WRs Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf can have success against a shaky secondary. Seattle’s defense has struggled to take away the middle of the field. But if it can eliminate some of the short throws the 49ers have thrived on, it will force San Francisco to get more vertical in the passing game, where S Quandre Diggs and CB Tariq Woolen can take advantage of any mistakes.
49ers’ keys to victory: It starts on the defensive side. LBs Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw are a big reason the Seahawks have struggled to throw against the 49ers. If Greenlaw can’t play, LB Azeez Al-Shaair will need to have a huge game. Their play in the second level allows DLs Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead to tee off. On offense the 49ers will have to make life easy for QB Brock Purdy in his first playoff game. Expect a heavy dose of RB Christian McCaffrey early and some shots to TE George Kittle, who has seven TD catches in five games where Purdy starts.
Matchup to watch: Seahawks’ Lockett vs. 49ers CB Deommodore Lenoir. Lenoir has been struggling lately. Seattle will surely key on him in hopes of getting a game-swinging big play.
Who wins? Beating a team three times in a season is hard, but the 49ers offense should be able to score even if their defense falters.
49ers, 24-20