The Seattle Seahawks are heading into the most important game on their 2024 regular season schedule to date. Tomorrow night they play host to the San Francisco 49ers, who are the team they'll have to get past if they're going to make a deep playoff run in the NFC anytime over the next few years. Let's see who's winning the prediction war for this week.
Here's a review of who NFL experts around the web are picking for Thursday night's game.
Seahawks-49ers expert picks
Vinnie Iyer - The Sporting News: 49ers 24, Seahawks 20
"The Seahawks started 3-0 and have cooled off to 3-2. The 49ers started hot vs. the Jets but have fallen to 2-3. Someone will gain the early edge in an NFC West race that seems weaker than expected with the Rams struggling and the Cardinals limited. The key for both Geno Smith and Brock Purdy is avoiding backbreaking turnovers, as both defenses have proved to be vulnerable in key spots. The 49ers will have more rushing success with Jordan Mason to support their QB, making the difference in a hostile road environment on a short week."
Bill Bender - The Sporting News: 49ers 24, Seahawks 20
"The 49ers rank second in the NFL in yards per game (407.4), but they are 0-2 S/U on the road. San Francisco has struggled in the red zone on offense. Will a Seattle defense that has allowed 35.5 points per game in losses to the Lions and Giants the past two weeks be the cure? Seattle is 1-4 ATS this season. "
Pete Prisco - CBS Sports: 49ers 30, Seahawks 20
"This looked like a big game three weeks ago in terms of league stature, but both teams have struggled lately. It is a big game as far as the division. The Seahawks have major issue on defense right now, which I think will show up. Look for Brock Purdy to have a good day as the 49ers get back on track. "
Jeremy Cluff - Arizona Republic: 49ers 24, Seahawks 21
"What's going on with the 49ers? Their problems seem to extend far beyond just being without Christian McCaffrey. Still, San Francisco would tie for the NFC West division lead with a win in this game."
Ben Rolfe - Pro Football Network: 49ers 24, Seahawks 21
"Despite everything, the 49ers are still the better team here. The concern is that they seem incapable of hanging onto leads, blowing them against both the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals. On the road in Seattle, with a new kicker, on a short week is going to be a gauntlet. I am passing on this game, but in pick ’em contests, I would back the 49ers."
Our pick
The Seahawks don't look too hot right now and they are missing a bunch of key pieces, especially Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall on the edge. They were incredibly sloppy in all three phases last week and were only sharp on offense Week 4. Messy as the situation is, right now it's difficult to envision this team beating anybody but the Carolina Panthers.
All that being said, the 49ers look every bit as dysfunctional as Seattle right now, and even moreso. Losing to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday dropped their season record to 2-3 and the brain-drain at defensive coordinator seems to finally be catching up with them. The absence of Christian Mccaffrey isn't helping, either. When in doubt going both ways, go with the home team. Seahawks 24, 49ers 23.
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