Seahawks (6-6) at 49ers (9-3)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
49ers by 10.5
Seahawks’ keys to victory: Seattle has to figure out a way to get its offense going. That has to start on the ground with RB Kenneth Walker III or RB Zach Charbonnet if Walker isn’t healthy. Ball control has to be the move from them to help QB Geno Smith stay upright against a ferocious 49ers pass rush. On defense, there are opportunities to get hands on the football if they can speed up 49ers QB Brock Purdy. That process will come down to well-timed blitzes and a strong performance from DL Jarran Reed and Boye Mafe.
49ers’ keys to victory: The 49ers offense still rolls through its run game. RB Christian McCaffrey might have a legitimate MVP case. When he starts getting downhill and ripping off five or six yards at a time, San Francisco is really tough. Getting in third-andshort makes life easy on Purdy and opens things up for WRs Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, who have had success against the Seahawks. Defensively, they have to continue pressuring Smith. When Smith gets sped up, it can lead to bad decisions. San Francisco has to be solid in the second level, too, with LBs Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw to take away easy throws in the intermediate area. If Smith gets in a rhythm, the Seahawks are more difficult to stop.
Matchup to watch: Seahawks LT Charles Cross vs. 49ers DE Nick Bosa. If Bosa is wreaking havoc, Seattle has almost no chance to move the ball.
Who wins? The 49ers are due for an emotional letdown after a win in Philadelphia but is talented enough to overcome a slow start.
49ers, 24-22