Kyle Shanahan kept running at Denver even as the 49ers struggled to score. After piling up 98 points in their first three games, San Francisco managed ten through three quarters Sunday. They reached 4–0. Seattle is 3–1, although Mike Macdonald needed Uchenna Nwosu’s late strip-sack to survive the Chargers’ comeback from 27–6 down. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for this week’s NFL game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Seahawks vs. 49ers prediction, preview
Brock Purdy earned that win with defenders chasing him. He stepped away from free rushers, scrambled for first downs and threw his touchdown to Deebo Samuel after moving left under pressure. His sack-free season owes plenty to those feet. Ernest Jones will make him use them again; he blitzed through seven-man protection to sack Justin Herbert Sunday. I’d rather see Purdy release the ball sooner to Christian McCaffrey. But Macdonald can threaten that rush and drop Jones back, with Julian Love returning to help disguise the coverage. Purdy still has to work through those changing looks.
Shanahan has to replace Kyle Juszczyk’s blocking. The fullback will miss several weeks with a knee injury; Brayden Willis and Luke Farrell will help take over. McCaffrey labored for 52 rushing yards against Denver’s crowded front. Samuel ran outside for 22 yards on a counter and 20 on a reverse, and I’d keep asking Seattle to pursue him. Leonard Williams may return from his ankle injury to stiffen the middle. If Willis and Farrell struggle with Juszczyk’s assignments, Shanahan may need George Kittle blocking more often. I’d hate to lose his receiving work after he ran away from Denver for a 56-yard touchdown on a screen.
Sam Darnold should find throws Denver wasted. Nick Bosa probably misses this game, and Bo Nix missed intermediate receivers despite having time Sunday. Brian Fleury will move Jaxon Smith-Njigba around; Darnold can find Cooper Kupp when too many defenders follow. San Francisco now loses safety Marques Sigle to a high ankle sprain; nickel Upton Stout’s shoulder injury threatens another absence. Malik Mustapha had begun playing more. Raheem Morris needs him to tackle cleanly when Darnold finds those receivers. I expect Seattle to move the ball through them, enough to make this uncomfortable for San Francisco.
49ers vs. Seahawks pick, best bet
Darnold still has to finish longer drives. He averaged an encouraging 7.6 yards per attempt Sunday, but turnovers set up two Seattle touchdowns from the Chargers’ 23 and 20. He has thrown three interceptions in two starts. Emanuel Wilson gained 81 yards on 21 carries, yet Seattle punted twice in the final five minutes. Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw helped restrict Denver’s backs to 3.6 yards per carry. I expect them to stop Wilson near the goal line and force three field goals alongside Darnold’s two touchdowns.
Purdy should finish three-plus drives with touchdowns through McCaffrey, Kittle and Mike Evans, who caught five passes for 76 yards despite sore ribs Sunday. Jones should force a field goal on another drive. I’ll take the 2.5 at even money. Purdy’s way too hot right now.
Best bet: 49ers +2.5 (+100).
Projected score: 49ers 24, Seahawks 23.
