Every team in the NFC West has a winning record, and the last-place San Francisco 49ers (4-3, 3-0 away) are just two games back of the first-place Seattle Seahawks (5-1, 3-0 home). The 49ers get a chance to move within a game of the Seahawks with a win Sunday afternoon in Seattle.
Kickoff for the battle between division foes is at 4:25 p.m. EST inside CenturyLink Field. Seattle is a 3-point favorite with a betting total of 53.5.
What to Know – San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco made the cross-country trek to take on Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots last Sunday, forcing three interceptions in the 33-6 route. That was the 2nd straight win for the 49ers who are finding a way to fight through injuries.
In five games this season, Jimmy Garoppolo has completed 83-of-124 passes for 1,012 yards, with seven touchdowns and four interceptions. Garoppolo tossed a pair of interceptions and no touchdowns against the Patriots.
Jeff Wilson Jr. rushed for three scores in Sunday’s win, but he won’t be suiting up against the Seahawks as he battles an ankle injury. That leaves the 49ers with just Jerrick McKinnon (44 rushes, 210 yards, three touchdowns) and JaMychal Hasty (20 attempts, 103 yards) to handle the rushing workload.
The 49ers are expected to be without one of their key offensive weapons as Deebo Samuel is unklikely to suit up for this game. Look for George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk’s roles to expand in Samuel’s absence against one of the league’s worst defenses.
Much was made about the losses to the 49ers defense in the offseason, but the unit is one of just six teams holding opponents to under 20 points (19.4), and rank fifth in yards allowed per game (309.6).
What to Know – Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks suffered a rare loss on the road last weekend, falling to the Cardinals in overtime, 37-34. Seattle wants to win at home on Sunday, because they go back on the road the next two weeks.
Russell Wilson continues his march towards the MVP award after throwing for 388 yards and three touchdowns last Sunday night. Wilson’s 388 yards was his highest passing mark of the season, and the 31-year old has completed 156-for-219 passes for 1,890 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions so far this year.
Who is going to take snaps at running back on Sunday for the Seahawks? Head coach Pete Carroll mentioned that Chris Carson, Carlos Hyde, and Travis Homer are all game-time decisions. There’s actually a good chance all three are out, meaning Seattle turns to rookie DeeJay Dallas to handle the duties.
No running backs, no problem. Seattle is blessed with a pair of wide receivers that have surpassed 500 yards receiving already this season. Tyler Lockett exploded last week with 15 catches for 200 yards and three scores. Lockett (45 receptions, 542 yards, seven touchdowns) and DK Metcalf (24 catches, 519 yards, five touchdowns) give Wilson the league’s top wideout duo.
Seattle’s defense ranks at the bottom of the league in yards allowed (479.2,) and in the bottom half in points given up per game (28.7). To make matters worse, the Seahawks defense is expected to be missing key parts of their secondary.
The Pick is In
Seattle is 8-2 against the 49ers in their last ten contests, including a 6-4 mark against the spread. This game showcases two of the league’s better offenses, so expect points to be scored. The tilt should be close throughout, with the Seahawks pulling away late for the victory.
The Pick: Seattle -3
