Seahawks vs 49ers Wild Card Preview (1/14/23): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

The #7 seeded Seahawks are headed to the Bay Area to take on the #2 San Francisco 49ers. This will be the third matchup between these teams after the 49ers beat the Seahawks in week 2 and week 15. We often hear that it’s hard to beat an opponent three times in one season, but the team who swept the other in the regular season is actually 14-10 against them in the playoffs. Can the Seahawks beat the odds? Let’s take a closer look.

Seattle Seahawks Vs. San Francisco 49ers Betting Odds

The 49ers are heavy (-9.5) favorites over the Seahawks (+9.5). The over/under for this matchup started at 43.5, but has since moved down to 42.5. Watch out for the current California and Bay Area storms to affect the totals of this game. The Bay has been drenched by storms and are expecting potential downpours during this game.

Seattle Seahawks Vs. San Francisco 49ers Prediction

The 49ers are riding hot into into the NFL playoffs on a league best 10 game winning streak. They also may be the most complete team and continues to improve despite sustaining two quarterback injuries. If anything, the offense continues even with the last pick of the draft, Brock Purdy, taking over at quarterback.

BR🎯CK PURDY

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 10, 2023

Not only did their offense finish top 5 this year, but their defense is #1 in scoring and yards allowed. They have Pro Bowl players at all 3 levels of the defense including S Talanoa Hufanga, LB Fred Warner, and DE Nick Bosa, who led the NFL with 18.5 sacks and looks like the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year.

The Seahawks snuck into the playoffs after beating the Rams 19-16 in OT and with the help of the Lions knocking off the Packers. The Seahawks overachieved in what was expected to be a lost year had the behind potential Comeback Player of the Year Geno Smith at QB. An excellent rookie draft class has also helped the Seahawks. The Seahawks have a top candidate for both OROY and DROY in RB Kenneth Walker III and CB Tariq Woolen. Walker has already proven himself as a top back and rushed for 1050 yards despite only starting 11 games on the season. Woolen notched 6 interceptions this season, tied for most in the league.

Offensive rookie of the year if you ask us. pic.twitter.com/akkTWIpG48

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 9, 2023

As cliche as it sounds, the Seahawks need to win in the trenches to keep up with the 49ers. In the last matchup they only sacked Brock Purdy once and hit him a total of 3 times. Purdy excelled against the Seahawks when facing limited pressure, even completing his first 11 passes, but had more difficulties passing when Seattle brought extra pressure. Seattle will need more than just OLB Uchenna Nwosu to create havoc and disrupt Purdy and the offense.

Meanwhile, the 49ers defensive line also won as the Seahawks were unable to run against the 49ers front and gave up 3 sacks. If they can’t control the line of scrimmage, the Seahawks run game will lose its impact and Purdy will have no issue distributing the ball to his superstar selection of skill position players.

I’m taking the 49ers to win and cover over the Seahawks. Barring any colossal mistakes, I don’t see how the Seahawks can pull off this upset.

Prediction: 49ers 24-13, Under hits.

Betting Trends

Under is 4-0 in Seahawks last 4 games overall.
49ers are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 vs. NFC West.

Key Injuries

Seattle Seahawks Injuries: Xavier Crawford (Q), Bruce Irvin (Q), DeeJay Dallas (Q), Noah Fant (Q), Shelby Harris (Q), Al Woods (Q), Phil Haynes (Q), Ryan Neal (Q)

San Francisco Injuries: Javon Kinlaw (Q), Kalia Davis (Q), Arik Armstead (Q), Christian McCaffrey (Q), Dre Greenlaw (Q), Aaron Banks (Q)

Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Seahawks vs 49ers below.

The 49ers Run Game vs the Seahawks Defensive Front

The 49ers pulled off one of the best midseason trades acquiring Christian McCaffrey which sparked their run game to new heights. Against the Seahawks in week 15, McCaffrey ran for 108 yards and has helped the 49ers average 138.8 rushing yards per game. Their run game will likely be their most advantageous matchup versus the Seahawks who have the 3rd worst rushing defense. The Seahawks give up an average of 150 yards on the ground and the 49ers backfield is finally healthy with both Elijah Mitchell and Deebo Samuel returning to play last weekend. Look for the 49ers to prioritize running the ball, especially if the weather is stormy and rainy.

That stiff arm was offensive.

Your NFC Offensive Player of the Month for December/January is @CMC_22 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jGc1MndP5P

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 13, 2023

Seahawks Pass Game vs 49ers Secondary

On the other side of the ball, the 49ers run game is one of the most stout units in the league, giving up a 2nd best 77.7 yards per game. With this in mind, the Seahawks best advantage will come out wide with their passing game and WR duo D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Both D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett had 1,000 yard seasons again and have been able to connect with QB Geno Smith in his first season as his starter. Smith certainly impressed taking over as the Seahawks QB, finishing 1st in completion percentage and setting a franchise record for passing yards. The 49ers defense does give up big plays in the passing game–just look at A.J. Green’s TD last week–so Smith will need to capitalize on any deep opportunities to get an edge.

.@TDLockett12 was open for business. 🫡

📺 next FOX pic.twitter.com/Rm7o2mQkSL

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 11, 2023

Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart

QB: Geno Smith
RB1: Kenneth Walker III
RB2: DeeJay Dallas
LWR: D.K. Metcalf
RWR: Tyler Lockett
SWR: Dark Young
TE1: Noah Fant

San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart

QB: Brock Purdy
RB1 Christian McCaffrey
RB2: Elijah Mitchell
LWR: Deebo Samuel
RWR: Brandon Aiyuk
SWR: Jauan Jennings
TE1: George Kittle