This week is a big game for the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers will head to Seattle to face the Seahawks, the third game on Thanksgiving day. The 49ers are one win ahead of Seattle, standing at a 7-3 record, while Seattle is 6-4. This is a big NFC West matchup, and here is what to watch for.
San Francisco 49ers Offense Back on Track
The 49ers slowed down in the second half of their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but they are looking much more like the team everyone expected them to be. The injuries on the offensive line are tough but could be improving by this week’s game. Spencer Burford is not expected to play, but there is a chance that Aaron Banks will return this week. The most difficult part of this week’s game is that it is on a Thursday. This quick turnaround could be rough on the body.
Last weekend the offense was on fire. Brandon Aiyuk and Brock Purdy had great games, and that connection could be huge this week. The Seahawks have pretty solid defensive backs, but Aiyuk’s route-running ability will be huge. That 76-yard touchdown was significant, and as long as the offense does not get too ahead of themselves, they will be in a great position this week with the momentum that they have.
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (23) – Terrell Lloyd/San Francisco 49ers
No Hufanga Means Next Man Up
Safety Talanoa Hufanga is officially out for the season after tearing his ACL against Tampa Bay. It is definitely a tough blow to the team, but the season has to go on. With Hufanga out, it is time for the rookie, Ji’Ayir Brown to step up. This is his chance to show everyone why the 49ers traded up a bit in the draft to select him. Brown did get beat by the receiver last week which was pretty scary for 49ers fans, but after that, he stepped up big time.
On a fourth down play, Baker Mayfield attempted a pass, and just when Mike Evans was about to grab it, Brown knocked it out of his hands. The next time the Bucs got the ball, once Mayfield took a shot into the endzone. It was a third down play, but time was running and the Bucs had to score if they wanted a chance to win. Brown stepped up big time here, intercepting Mayfield’s pass, essentially sealing the game for the 49ers. Losing Hufanga is tough, but at least Brown can get his chance.
San Francisco 49ers S Talanoa Hufanga – Austin Gina/San Francisco 49ers
Loud Atmosphere
Playing in Seattle is a tough atmosphere. It is naturally a loud stadium but in an NFC West matchup, there will be extra energy. The good news is that last season, Purdy actually did play a Thursday Night Football game there. The 49ers won that game, 21-13, clinching the NFC West. It may not be an easy game, but this team has enough experience playing there.
The last time the 49ers faced the Seahawks on Thanksgiving
The last time that these two teams faced each other on Thanksgiving was back in 2014. The Seahawks won the game, held at Levi’s Stadium. The most notable part of this game was after its conclusion. The Seahawks had their turkey legs right on the 49ers logo. These are completely different teams, but that does not mean that 49ers fans would not love to see the 49ers get revenge.
San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick running from Bobby Wagner and Bruce Irvin on Thanksgiving 2014 – Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
The 49ers are currently 2-2-1 on Thanksgiving. A win for the 49ers will be big in general, as this would be the third win against the West, as well as boosting their lead above Seattle by two wins. It will also be big for the team to get their first Thanksgiving win since 1972. This will be a must-watch game, and both teams will be determined to get the win.
