Following a major victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the San Francisco 49ers are headed home to face the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers and Seahawks faced each other just two weeks ago, on Thanksgiving. The 49ers dominated that game, 31-13. The two will face off again this week, this time, with the 49ers having a chance to officially clinch playoffs. In the NFC West, the 49ers have a 9-3 record, while the Seahawks sit in third with a 6-6 record. Here is what to watch for.
San Francisco 49ers Offense on a Role
The 49ers’ offense had themselves a game against the Eagles last weekend. They had two rough drives, but after that, it was smooth sailing. Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings all had touchdowns, with Deebo having three. George Kittle also had a big game, always getting into a position to move the ball downfield. Brock Purdy‘s ability to run out of the pocket and make a big play was key last week as well. All of this can continue to lead this team to wins.
San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel (9) – Terrell Lloyd/San Francisco 49ers
49ers Dominant Defense
The 49ers defense has been dominant this season. They limited the Eagles to just 19 points last weekend. This was crucial to helping the offense’s slow start. While the 49ers had their slow two drives, the defense was able to force the Eagles into settling for field goals.
The defense did not get any turnovers last weekend, and that could be something to watch for this week against the Seahawks. The last time these two teams faced, just two weeks ago, the 49ers defense did not allow a touchdown. With the two teams banged up, who knows what will happen this weekend? It will not be the exact same game as last time, but expect them to keep their momentum going.
San Francisco 49ers DT Arik Armstead pressuring Eagles QB Jalen Hurts – Kym Fortino/San Francisco 49ers
A Tad Banged Up Team
The 49ers are a tad banged up after a physical game against the Eagles. Arik Armstead has officially been ruled out of Sunday’s game. Also ruled out are Ross Dwelley and Ray-Ray McCloud. Also on the injury report, Darrell Luter, Spencer Burford, and Elijah Mitchell are all doubtful for Sunday.
As for the Seattle Seahawks, they also have some key injuries. Jordyn Brooks, Tre Brown, Zach Charbonnet, D’Wayne Eskridge, DT Jarran Reed, Kenneth Walker, and even Geno Smith are all questionable. Clearly, both the 49ers and Seahawks are dealing with some injuries. The most notable player for the Seahawks to watch for is Smith, as he is their starting quarterback.
San Francisco 49ers Playoff Implications
This weekend the 49ers can officially clinch the playoffs. It cannot be just done by themselves though. There are three ways that the Niners can clinch playoffs this weekend. Of course, the 49ers will need to win, but they also will need one of these three scenarios. In addition to winning this weekend, they will either need a Greenbay Packers loss, a Minnesota Vikings loss, or a Greenbay tie AND a Minnesota tie. The main goal this weekend is just to win, but one of these teams losing will be an added bonus.
San Francisco 49ers LB Fred Warner (54), Nick Bosa (97), and Clelin Ferrell (94) – Terrell Lloyd/San Francisco 49ers
The Seattle Seahawks cannot clinch playoffs this weekend, but they are still in the hunt. They will be truly fighting out on the field there in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. This is because now the Los Angeles Rams are also 6-6. This weekend’s game could end up being much closer than last time, and it should be a good one.
