The home stretch of the 2022/23 NFL regular season kicks off this week, with a massive NFC West clash that will see the San Francisco 49ers (9-4) looking to wrap up the division, as they head to Seattle to take on the Seahawks (7-6). A loss for the Seahawks would be a devastating blow, and against a Brock Purdy-led 49ers, at home, in prime time, the Seahawks must be up for this one.
An unfortunate injury for Cardinals QB Kyler Murray ended up helping us, as we went 2-0 on Monday Night Football, with the Patriots taking care of business 27-13. We move to 23-20-1 (+5.49u) for primetime season bets.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks Preview & Betting Tips
CenturyLink Field, Friday 12:15pm AEDT
Last Week
The 49ers were forced to start their QB3 Brock Purdy against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers, and the rookie 7th round pick did a commendable job. He got a little lucky on a few calls, with a terrible pass that led to a pick being called back for a penalty, however in general he held his own and looked competent. In the absence of Elijah Mitchell and the injury to Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey dominated, rushing for 119 yards and a touchdown, whilst also catching 2 receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown. With no Samuel this week, look for Run CMC to again be used heavily.
The Seahawks were mauled by the Carolina Panthers at home last week, giving up 223 yards on the ground, as the Panthers ran the ball 46 times for an average of 4.8 yards per carry. That is concerning, given this week they take on one of the more versatile rushing attacks in the NFL, so the Seahawks need to step up. Geno Smith had possibly his worst game of the season, throwing 2 interceptions in the Seahawks 30-24 loss.
Injury Report
San Francisco 49ers
Deebo Samuel (WR) – OUT
Trey Lance / Jimmy Garoppolo – OUT
Emmanuel Moseley / Jason Verrett / Travarius Moore / Samuel Womack (DB) – OUT
Javon Kinlaw / Hassan Ridgeway / Maurice Hurst (DT) – OUT
Elijah Mitchell (RB) – OUT
Seattle Seahawks
Alton Robinson / Tyreke Smith (LB) – OUT
Isaiah Dunn (CB) – OUT
Deejay Dallas (RB) – QUESTIONABLE
Match Preview
It appears Brock Purdy will play; however, he’s carrying an oblique injury into this clash, which could affect his mobility and throwing motion. After the Jimmy Garoppolo injury last week, the 49ers opened slight 1-point favourites on the look ahead for this game. After Purdy’s impressive debut, added to the Seahawks loss to the Panthers, this number moved hard towards the 49ers at open, with the number re-opening at 3.5.
The number is now between 3 and 3 ½, and whilst there are still relatively cheap Seahawks +3.5 out there, I’ve got to take them. Whilst I understand the love for Brock Purdy after his impressive showing last week against the Buccaneers, this week is different. To start with, it’s a short week, meaning Purdy has less time to prepare for the Seahawks. Next, this is prime time. Purdy has the eyes of the Nation on him on Thursday Night, in a big Divisional game, which will surely jack up the nerves on the young quarterback. Finally, he’s playing on the road in Seattle. Seattle has one of the biggest home field advantages in the league, and Purdy is going to have to deal with one of, if not the loudest fan bases in the NFL. I see a big chance at a Purdy multi-interception performance this week.
I do like this bet, with my main concern being how the Seahawks have played the past month. But this is as close to a must-win as you can get, and I trust Pete Carroll and the Seahawks to keep this close.
Seattle Seahawks (+3.5)
$1.90 (2 Units)
