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The Seattle Seahawks will take on the San Francisco 49ers to open divisional play for both teams. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Seahawks-49ers prediction and pick.
This is a crucial game for both of these teams. Seattle has dropped two contests in a row, falling to last place in the NFC West in the process. Another loss here would deal a huge blow to their hopes of winning the division outright. It would drop them to 1-3 in a division where there will be at least one undefeated team and one 3-1 team. The Niners will try and right the ship after getting torn apart by Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers last week in their first loss of the year. Games between these two teams always seem to be incredibly competitive and incredibly meaningful, and this one should be more of the same.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the odds for Sunday's matchup.
NFL Odds: Seahawks-49ers Odds
Seattle Seahawks +2.5 (-101)
San Francisco 49ers -2.5 (-119)
Over 52 points (-110)
Under 52 points (-110)
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Why The Seahawks Could Cover The Spread
Seattle will rely on their offense to win this game, as has been the case for the last couple of years. Quarterback Russell Wilson is one of the best in the NFL, and the receiver duo of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett is nearly unguardable.
Starting running back Chris Carson has topped six yards per carry in two of the three previous contests. This offense is firing on all cylinders to open the year, and they have a prime matchup this week. San Francisco gave up 33 points to the Detroit Lions and 30 to the Packers. The Seahawks should be able to put up 30 points in this one with ease.
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Seattle's defense hasn't been good this year, but their track record against Jimmy Garoppolo inspires some confidence. The Niners' quarterback has struggled throughout his career against the Seahawks, posting only 285 yards passing with no additional stats in his last start against Seattle. In another game against Seattle that took place in San Francisco, Jimmy G only managed to throw for 248 yards and had a completion percentage of just over 50%. If Garoppolo plays this poorly in this game, a Seahawks win becomes pretty likely.
Why The 49ers Could Cover The Spread
While everyone expected the Niners to be competitive this season, few expected them to be this good. A game against Green Bay that ended in a heartbreaking loss for San Francisco was still a great showing despite the loss. They've shown that they can win games in a variety of ways. The defense will be the key in this game, and there's reason to believe that this unit can slow down Seattle's elite offense.
One element of the Seahawks' offense that isn't up to par is the offensive line. It seems like this unit is a problem every year, and it hasn't changed this season. Over three contests, Seattle's front has allowed nine sacks and 19 quarterback hits. Those are both below-average numbers that the Niners should be able to take advantage of. San Francisco is one of the best teams in the league at pressuring the quarterback, and that ability should shine through here.
On paper, it doesn't seem like this San Francisco team is loaded offensively, but they are.
Deebo Samuel has been playing like an elite receiver, and tight end George Kittle is still one of the best in the league despite his lack of stats so far this year. Seattle has been abysmal on defense lately, allowing 63 points over their last two contests. This is a great matchup for San Francisco's offense.
Final Seahawks-49ers Prediction & Pick
Games between these two always seem to be some of the most exciting and unpredictable contests in the NFL. For that reason, both teams are too volatile to pick a side on the spread. Instead, the over is the best call here. Both teams have proven themselves to be great offenses, and neither defense has inspired much confidence this season.
FINAL PICK: Over 52 points (-110)
