49ers (7-3) at Seahawks (6-4)
Thursday, 8:20 p.m. Field, Seattle
TV: NBC
Spread (BetMGM):
49ers by 6.5
49ers’ keys to victory: A great deal of San Francisco’s success is predicated on running the ball well with RB Christian McCaffrey. Staying ahead of schedule helps take pressure off second-year QB Brock Purdy. Avoiding third-andlong situations, where Purdy is more vulnerable and likely to turn the ball over, is critical. Defensively, they’ll need star DEs Nick Bosa and Chase Young to hammer Seattle’s offensive tackles and get to QB Geno Smith.
Seahawks’ keys to victory: Seattle’s roster has improved a lot in the past two drafts, but the biggest gulf between these teams remains at the line of scrimmage. The Seahawks have to prove they can get consistent pressure, beginning with breakout OLB Boye Mafe. Newcomer DE Leonard Williams is also making a difference by eating double teams and creating opportunities for his teammates. Seattle needs both of them and the rest of their front seven to disrupt the Niners in the backfield before the offense can get off the ground.
Matchup to watch: Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner vs. 49ers’ McCaffrey. Wagner has been one of the league’s best run defenders at any position. His ability to diagnose and snuff out run plays has been a huge factor in Seattle’s improvement against the run. The Seahawks need him to bring down McCaffrey before he gets into the open field and pulls off one of those backbreaking, explosive runs.
Who wins? The Niners might be a better team on paper, but the critical difference is at quarterback. Smith’s experience and poise could give his team an edge.
Seahawks, 23-20
Tim Weaver, Seahawks Wire
ET, Lumen