by Chuck Sommers
Wednesday, Sep 29, 2021
Game time: 4:05 p.m. ET, Oct. 3, 2021
Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Where to watch: FOX
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: 49ers -3; O/U 51.5; 49ers -155, Seahawks +135
BetMGM: 49ers -2.5; O/U 51.5; 49ers -149, Seahawks +125
Caesars: 49ers -2.5; O/U 52; 49ers -150, Seahawks +130
Season record
Seahawks: 2-1
49ers: 2-1
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Seahawks - 49ers preview and analysis
Recent form
Seahawks: lost 30-17 at Vikings in Week 3
49ers: lost 30-28 vs. Packers in Week 3
If the Seattle Seahawks didn't lay such an egg in Minnesota, would they be the underdogs in this matchup?
Or maybe it's the San Francisco 49ers are that good and we're on course for what should be a really fun NFC West matchup between the rivals at Levi's Stadium on Sunday?
The 49ers nearly did everything right in their comeback attempt against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. The only thing that stopped them was Aaron Rodgers doing what he does best: go full-on God mode in a game-winning drive.
San Francisco's bid for a 3-0 start was thwarted, but Jimmy Garoppolo had another solid outing with 257 yards and two touchdowns, but did throw an interception that pretty much got fans riled up for Trey Lance even more.
But the 49ers have looked good. The defense, now healthy, looks like the fearsome unit that pushed San Fran back to the Super Bowl a couple of seasons ago. It helps to have a healthy Nick Bosa back. He and Arizona Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones are the only two NFC players with at least three sacks and five or more tackles for loss this season.
But we know the 49ers like to bring it against Seattle. San Francisco only lost by three points in the season finale, despite dropping coach Kyle Shanahan's record against the Seahawks to 2-6 all-time.
San Francisco has won three of the last four meetings, but don't be surprised if an angry Seahawks team comes to town. The Seahawks are coming off a 13-point loss to the Minnesota Vikings in a game that seemed inevitable for a Minnesota win after how the first two weeks looked.
Russell Wilson did everything but put more points on the board. Wilson threw for 298 yards and a touchdown to continue his league-best 133.6 passer rating this season.
The Legion of Boom isn't as intimidating as it once was but there's still some star power on that side of the ball. Bobby Wagner had 11 tackles to increase his league lead to 44, while Jamal Adams tied a career-high with 12 tackles. But they still gave up 323 yards and three touchdowns to Kirk Cousins, so who's really winning here?
Prediction
This rivalry can still be one of the best in the NFL when both teams are on point, and the fact San Francisco has been good despite injuries the last two years is a testament to how well they play the Seahawks. This feels like a resurgent year for the 49ers and they should get to 3-1 with an outright win. 49ers by 6
Betting trends
Seattle is 7-3 against the spread as an underdog in its last 10.
The 49ers are 5-8 ATS as a home favorite and 8-6 straight up.
Players to watch
Seahawks: Running back Chris Carson is looking for his third straight game with a rushing touchdown. He had 80 yards and a score last week in Minnesota.
49ers: George Kittle is back to being one of the top tight ends in football. San Francisco’s top threat is one of three tight ends in the NFC (Rob Gronkowski and T.J. Hockenson) with at least 15 receptions this season.
Statistical leaders
Seahawks:
Passing: Russell Wilson -- 895 yards, 7 TD, 0 INT
Rushing: Chris Carson -- 202 yards, 3 TD
Receiving: Tyler Lockett -- 309 yards, 3 TD
Defense: Darrell Taylor -- 2 sacks
49ers:
Passing: Jimmy Garoppolo -- 760 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Elijah Mitchell -- 146 yards, 1 TD
Receiving: Deebo Samuel -- 334 yards, 1 TD
Defense: Nick Bosa -- 3 sacks
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Chuck Sommers
About the Author:
Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.
