Here we are again. Seahawks versus 49ers. One team enters undefeated. The other team enters with a dust-free Lombardi Trophy. Whichever team wins will leave in first place in the NFL’s toughest division and have an inside track to staying there. A loss dooms neither team, but would put Seattle in more of a pickle at 3-2 with a tough stretch ahead, than the 49ers at 4-1 with an easy stretch coming.
This preview will highlight every statistical edge one way or another. What transcends the numbers is the bitterness of this rivalry between fan bases and between locker rooms. The 49ers saw their season end in humiliating fashion in this building. It was over from the opening kickoff. The rout was so impressive, it played a role in the Khosla family deciding to sell their stake in the 49ers and become the new owners of the Seahawks.
49er players have made it no secret that this game was circled on their schedule. They will feature some players who were injured in that contest like Fred Warner and George Kittle. They also have some new faces like Mike Evans and some old/new faces in Dre Greenlaw and Deebo Samuel. Their offense is red hot, tops in the NFL. Brock Purdy is getting MVP chatter and has yet to be sacked through four games.
Seahawks fans have seen this before.
Purdy was scoring 5 TDs a game and the offense was averaging 42.3 points when they hosted the Seahawks for a chance to win the division and top seed in the NFC. They played Seattle in 2 of the next 3 games and averaged 4.5 points, without a single touchdown.
Even in the Week 1 loss to the 49ers last season, it took two really poor plays from Riq Woolen to allow the 49ers to score 17 points. Purdy threw two interceptions in that game and was under pressure at a rate that was the highest of his career. That was also not unique.
Purdy goes from a 94th percentile quarterback when playing anyone else, to the equivalent of Desmond Ridder when playing a Mike Macdonald defense. He has 6 touchdowns and 9 interceptions over his career against Macdonald. He has thrown an interception in four straight games versus Seattle. Even though he is one of the best in the game at evading pressure, he has been under duress a lot when Macdonald is on the other sideline.
Purdy loves throwing over the middle with crossing routes. It is his second-most targeted route, and he kills people with a +0.46 epa per dropback efficiency and 10.7 yards per target. Against Macdonald, that route drops to -0.60 epa per dropback and 3.3 yards per target. He also loves throwing out routes (20% of his targets). Macdonald drops those from +0.44 epa per dropback to -0.07.
All quarterbacks have comfort zones and favorite throws. Macdonald has forced Purdy away from his comfort zone and he has not had a counter to that yet.
None of that means the 49ers will come into this game intimidated. Kyle Shanahan has had a full offseason to figure out how to attack this defense. Macdonald deployed a lot of Cover 6 shells against the 49ers. San Francisco has showed considerable improvement against that coverage this season (-0.10 epa/dropback to +0.56). He also used a lot of Cover 4. Shanahan and Purdy have improved there as well (+0.05 to +0.44).
The addition of Mike Evans has been huge (literally and figuratively). Seattle has struggled at times this season with contested catches down the field. It will be interesting if the Seahawks utilize a taller corner with proven ball skills like Trevon Diggs in this game.
Samuel has been a more dynamic player than he was during his last season in San Francisco. He has given Seattle trouble in the past. Shanahan deploys him as a runner and a receiver. One of the few places the Seahawks defense has struggled is against the screen pass. They rank 30th in the NFL in that category. The 49ers are 3rd in screen efficiency.
As much as the focus will be on Purdy and Shanahan versus Macdonald and the Dark Side defense, the key to the 49ers putting up points will probably come down to Christian McCaffrey on the ground and takeaways. Seattle smothered him last season, but he has far more efficient this year. If he has is getting 4-6 yards instead of 1-3 yards, this game will look very different than the ones that ended last season.
San Francisco has done well on defense in spite of a slew of injuries, but the have not taken the ball away very well. They have only two on the season, and rank 27th in that department. Their run defense was a question mark to begin with, and has been further impacted by injuries on the defensive line.
Warner and Greenlaw remain a dynamic duo at the second level. Their ability to defend the run and cover the middle of the field is arguably the biggest difference from the games to end last season. Throw in Kenneth Walker III being elsewhere, Zach Charbonnet not yet back from injury, and Jadarian Price on IR, and there is a real question whether Seattle has the horses to exploit the 49ers run defense.
That could leave a heavier burden on Sam Darnold and the passing game. The good news for Seattle is the 49ers are near the bottom of the league in pressure rate and sack rate, and Nick Bosa will not be playing this week. Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are a lot to handle from a clean pocket. Tory Horton Jr. was also not available last year, and brings a lot to the table.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this chess match will be how Shanahan will handle the absence of fullback Kyle Juszczyk. The 49ers run 21 personnel (a fullback and a running back) more than any offense in the NFL. It is their bread-and-butter, and they wreak havoc when they deploy it. There are not many examples of Shanahan having to play without his fullback. The last substantial example was back in 2019, when he missed four straight games.
Generally, Shanahan has stopped using it entirely, and resorts to 12 personnel (two tight ends). The problem there is that Jake Tonges is their second tight end and he’s on injured reserve. There is a substantial drop-off to Luke Farrell.
While this would seem to be an advantage for the Seahawks, it does provide far more mystery and uncertainty for Macdonald in the game plan. There is not a lot to go on. He may lean on former 49er tight end coach, Brian Fleury, to help think through how Shanahan would handle it and how to counter it.
My quantitative power rankings have the 49ers at #1 and the Seahawks at #2. They are neck-and-neck. Do not expect another 41-6 laugher. Do not expect the Seahawks to make the same mistakes on 3rd down with penalties like they have done the past two games. Look for both teams to deliver some of the best football the NFL has to offer. Seattle is the slight favorite for a reason.
NOTE: I am trying a different format this week with my analysis largely up above and a few notes/callouts below. My hope is this feels more cohesive, and the charts are largely self-explanatory. Please let me know what you think!
Lineup Notes
Keep an eye on Leonard Williams for the Seahawks, who left the game on Sunday with an ankle injury. Initial reports are positive, but his availability and health has massive implications on this game. Ty Okada may be back for his first game of the season. We will see if he regains his starting role.
Osa Odighizuwa was one of the best additions in the NFL this offseason. Gracen Halten is a disruptive interior rusher as well. Between those two, the interior defensive line is much more athletic than it was a year ago.
Upton Stout has a question mark with an AC joint sprain. He is a spark plug and physical presence despite his size. His absence would be felt. Malik Mustapha taking over for Marques Sigle is not a big step down. It is more of a different style of player. Mustapha is a big hitter and play maker. He is not the athlete Sigle is in coverage.
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LiveSat, Oct 10 · 4 to 6 PM HB LIVE! Grant Cohn Joins Seahawks vs 49ers Preview Lowlander Brewing Come hang with Grant Cohn and me as we preview the 49ers game. Grab a beer and bring your takes. Get tickets |
Team Overview
Seahawks vs 49ers SEA vs SF · 2026 REGULAR SEASON |  vs |
| SCORING & TURNOVERS | SEAHAWKS | Advantage | 49ERS |
| POINT DIFFERENTIAL | 6th+8.0 | 1st+14.5 | |||
| TURNOVER DIFFERENTIAL | 9th+2.0 | 13th+1.0 |
| NET EPA / PLAY | 7th+0.154 | 1st+0.278 | |||
| NET SUCCESS RATE | 6th+7.7% | 3rd+9.2% | |||
| NET ESCAPE RATE | 13th+0.4% | 1st+23.6% |
| TOTAL DVOA | 6th+20.1% | 1st+54.8% | |||
| SPECIAL TEAMS DVOA | 17th+0.4% | 22nd-3.4% |
Styles Make Fights
Seahawks Offensive Style SEA vs SF · 2026 REGULAR SEASON | vs |
| TENDENCIES Rank in parentheses is how often they use it, not how well | SEAHAWKS OFFENSE | Advantage | 49ERS DEFENSE |
| EPA / PLAY | EPA / PLAY ALLOWED | ||||
| MOTION 57% of plays (16th) · 134 plays | 25th-0.079 | 5th-0.079 | |||
| PLAY ACTION 35% of dropbacks (2nd) · 44 plays | 5th+0.375 | 22nd+0.209 | |||
| SHOTGUN 66% of dropbacks (30th) · 84 plays | 15th+0.110 | 17th+0.078 | |||
| UNDER CENTER 34% of dropbacks (3rd) · 43 plays | 5th+0.356 | 13th+0.036 | |||
| SCREEN 10% of dropbacks (7th) · 13 plays | 1st+0.723 | 21st+0.028 | |||
| NO HUDDLE 2% of plays (28th) · 4 plays | 9th+0.283 | 22nd+0.291 |
| EPA / RUSH | EPA / RUSH ALLOWED | ||||
| OUTSIDE ZONE 42% of runs (5th) · 47 plays | 26th-0.260 | 23rd-0.045 | |||
| INSIDE ZONE 18% of runs (14th) · 20 plays | 30th-0.417 | 27th+0.074 | |||
| POWER 12% of runs (4th) · 14 plays | 18th-0.119 | 19th+0.041 | |||
| MAN 9% of runs (31st) · 10 plays | 10th+0.001 | 15th-0.093 |
The Seahawks offense uses play action on 35% of dropbacks (2nd most), and it has worked: 5th in EPA (+0.375). The 49ers defense ranks 22nd against it (+0.209). However, the Seahawks have decreased their use of play action every week of the season.
Seattle being the best offense in the league at screen plays is new territory for Seahawks fans. The 49ers have struggled to defend them, which is hard to imagine with Warner and Greenlaw out there.
49ers Offensive Style SEA vs SF · 2026 REGULAR SEASON | vs |
| TENDENCIES Rank in parentheses is how often they use it, not how well | 49ERS OFFENSE | Advantage | SEAHAWKS DEFENSE |
| EPA / PLAY | EPA / PLAY ALLOWED | ||||
| MOTION 80% of plays (2nd) · 178 plays | 1st+0.281 | 2nd-0.153 | |||
| PLAY ACTION 24% of dropbacks (17th) · 29 plays | 7th+0.349 | 8th-0.049 | |||
| SHOTGUN 66% of dropbacks (31st) · 80 plays | 1st+0.509 | 7th-0.060 | |||
| UNDER CENTER 34% of dropbacks (2nd) · 42 plays | 1st+0.675 | 5th-0.149 | |||
| SCREEN 10% of dropbacks (9th) · 12 plays | 3rd+0.454 | 30th+0.278 | |||
| NO HUDDLE 0% of plays (31st) · 1 play | 13th+0.153 | 1st-1.092 |
| EPA / RUSH | EPA / RUSH ALLOWED | ||||
| OUTSIDE ZONE 36% of runs (8th) · 41 plays | 15th-0.183 | 8th-0.249 | |||
| INSIDE ZONE 19% of runs (13th) · 22 plays | 15th-0.039 | 13th-0.151 | |||
| MAN 15% of runs (24th) · 17 plays | 6th+0.118 | 7th-0.295 | |||
| POWER 6% of runs (14th) · 7 plays | 6th+0.330 | 17th-0.002 |
The 49ers offense uses screens on 10% of dropbacks (9th most), and they have worked: 3rd in EPA (+0.454). The Seahawks defense ranks 30th against them (+0.278). This could be a key aspect of this game.
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Seahawks Offense vs 49ers Defense
Overview
Seahawks Offense SEA vs SF · 2026 REGULAR SEASON | vs |
| OVERVIEW DVOA from FTN; the rest from nflverse plays | SEAHAWKS OFFENSE | Advantage | 49ERS DEFENSE |
| POINTS PER GAME | 10th26.2 | 3rd16.0 | |||
| EPA / PLAY | 13th+0.018 | 16th+0.013 | |||
| SUCCESS RATE | 13th44.4% | 22nd45.3% | |||
| EXPLOSIVE PLAY RATE | 10th10.3% | 1st3.5% | |||
| ESCAPE RATE | 23rd37.7% | 9th37.4% | |||
| TURNOVERS | 18th5 | 27th2 | |||
| DVOA | 16th-3.0% | 5th-13.5% |
| PASSING vs PASS DEFENSE | 5th+39.9% | 7th-5.5% | |||
| RUSHING vs RUN DEFENSE | 30th-28.6% | 7th-22.8% |
| EPA / PLAY | EPA / PLAY ALLOWED | ||||
| 11 PERSONNEL 38% of snaps (30th) · 89 snaps · 72% pass | 26th-0.117 | 15th+0.008 | |||
| 12 PERSONNEL 28% of snaps (11th) · 66 snaps · 59% pass | 10th+0.113 | 19th+0.047 | |||
| 21 PERSONNEL 19% of snaps (4th) · 45 snaps · 31% pass | 7th+0.105 | 12th-0.167 | |||
| 22 PERSONNEL 9% of snaps (4th) · 20 snaps · 20% pass | 6th+0.295 | 9th-0.164 |
Passing game
Seahawks Passing Game SEA vs SF · 2026 REGULAR SEASON | vs |
| PASSING | SEAHAWKS OFFENSE | Advantage | 49ERS DEFENSE |
| EPA / DROPBACK | 10th+0.193 | 18th+0.068 | |||
| DROPBACK SUCCESS RATE | 5th51.2% | 8th42.9% | |||
| EXPLOSIVE PASS RATE | 5th10.5% | 3rd4.0% | |||
| COMPLETION % | 6th65.3% | 20th62.7% | |||
| INTERCEPTION RATE | 22nd2.4% | 28th0.7% |
| PASS DVOA vs PASS DEFENSE DVOA | 5th+39.9% | 7th-5.5% |
| PRESSURE RATE | 16th28.3% | 24th25.8% | |||
| TIME TO PRESSURE | 1st3.01s | 16th2.60s | |||
| SACK RATE | 12th4.7% | 26th3.9% |
| EPA WHEN PRESSURED | 17th-0.341 | 13th-0.362 | |||
| EPA FROM A CLEAN POCKET | 3rd+0.657 | 15th+0.300 | |||
| QUICK PRESSURES (≤2.5s) | 13th44.1% | 27th40.0% |
| EPA / DROPBACK | EPA / DROPBACK ALLOWED | ||||
| 11 PERSONNEL 38% of snaps (30th) · 64 dropbacks | 26th-0.159 | 14th+0.012 | |||
| 12 PERSONNEL 28% of snaps (11th) · 39 dropbacks | 4th+0.416 | 17th+0.107 | |||
| 21 PERSONNEL 19% of snaps (4th) · 14 dropbacks | 1st+0.623 | 12th-0.144 |
| EPA / DROPBACK | EPA / DROPBACK ALLOWED | ||||
| BASE 36% of their snaps (10th) · 37 dropbacks | 3rd+0.448 | 12th+0.108 | |||
| NICKEL 57% of their snaps (18th) · 101 dropbacks | 18th+0.039 | 24th+0.102 | |||
| DIME 7% of their snaps (15th) · 15 dropbacks | 14th+0.234 | 6th-0.310 |
The Seahawks offense ranks 1st in time to pressure (3.01s). The 49ers defense ranks 24th at creating pressure (25.8%) and 27th in quick pressures (40.0%).
From a clean pocket the Seahawks offense ranks 3rd (+0.657). Under pressure it falls to 17th (-0.341).
Receiving game
Cooper Kupp ranks 10th in DVOA among WR3s (+30.6%). The 49ers defense ranks 31st against WR3s (+44.5%).
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LiveSat, Oct 10 · 4 to 6 PM HB LIVE! Grant Cohn Joins Seahawks vs 49ers Preview Lowlander Brewing Come hang with Grant Cohn and me as we preview the 49ers game. Grab a beer and bring your takes. Get tickets |
Run game
Seahawks Run Game SEA vs SF · 2026 REGULAR SEASON | vs |
| RUNNING | SEAHAWKS OFFENSE | Advantage | 49ERS DEFENSE |
| EPA / RUSH | 27th-0.147 | 16th-0.056 | |||
| RUSH SUCCESS RATE | 23rd38.2% | 31st49.1% | |||
| EXPLOSIVE RUN RATE | 16th10.0% | 1st2.8% |
| RUSH DVOA vs RUSH DEFENSE DVOA | 30th-28.6% | 7th-22.8% |
| POWER SUCCESS | 32nd18.2% | 24th73.3% | |||
| STUFFED RATE | 30th23.3% | 21st14.9% |
| EPA / RUSH | EPA / RUSH ALLOWED | ||||
| 11 PERSONNEL 38% of snaps (30th) · 26 rushes | 9th+0.054 | 13th-0.014 | |||
| 12 PERSONNEL 28% of snaps (11th) · 28 rushes | 27th-0.250 | 21st-0.001 | |||
| 21 PERSONNEL 19% of snaps (4th) · 31 rushes | 12th-0.129 | 12th-0.173 |
| EPA / RUSH | EPA / RUSH ALLOWED | ||||
| BASE 36% of their snaps (10th) · 56 rushes | 22nd-0.171 | 14th-0.113 | |||
| NICKEL 57% of their snaps (18th) · 46 rushes | 10th+0.052 | 22nd+0.062 | |||
| DIME 7% of their snaps (15th) · 2 rushes | 25th-0.913 | 6th-0.050 |
The Seahawks offense ranks 30th in rush DVOA (-28.6%). The 49ers defense ranks 7th in run defense DVOA (-22.8%).
49ers Offense vs Seahawks Defense
Overview
Seahawks Defense SEA vs SF · 2026 REGULAR SEASON | vs |
| OVERVIEW DVOA from FTN; the rest from nflverse plays | 49ERS OFFENSE | Advantage | SEAHAWKS DEFENSE |
| POINTS PER GAME | 2nd30.5 | 5th18.2 | |||
| EPA / PLAY | 1st+0.291 | 2nd-0.137 | |||
| SUCCESS RATE | 1st54.5% | 2nd36.7% | |||
| EXPLOSIVE PLAY RATE | 3rd14.0% | 3rd5.7% | |||
| ESCAPE RATE | 1st61.0% | 8th37.3% | |||
| TURNOVERS | 1st1 | 3rd7 | |||
| DVOA | 1st+44.6% | 1st-22.6% |
| PASSING vs PASS DEFENSE | 1st+89.4% | 4th-11.0% | |||
| RUSHING vs RUN DEFENSE | 9th+2.6% | 1st-37.5% |
| EPA / PLAY | EPA / PLAY ALLOWED | ||||
| 21 PERSONNEL 42% of snaps (1st) · 93 snaps · 45% pass | 5th+0.171 | 21st+0.004 | |||
| 11 PERSONNEL 32% of snaps (31st) · 71 snaps · 72% pass | 1st+0.354 | 7th-0.121 | |||
| 12 PERSONNEL 15% of snaps (27th) · 34 snaps · 53% pass | 2nd+0.401 | 1st-0.323 | |||
| 22 PERSONNEL 6% of snaps (7th) · 13 snaps · 46% pass | 7th+0.246 | 5th-0.397 |
Pass DVOA: the 49ers offense 1st (+89.4%) against the Seahawks defense 4th (-11.0%). Rush DVOA: the 49ers offense 9th (+2.6%) against the Seahawks defense 1st (-37.5%).
The 49ers offense has turned it over once (1st). The Seahawks defense has 7 takeaways (3rd).
The 49ers offense lines up in 21 personnel on 42% of snaps (1st most) and ranks 5th from it (+0.171). The Seahawks defense ranks 21st against it (+0.004). That will all look different without the 49ers fullback.
Pass game
Seahawks Pass Defense SEA vs SF · 2026 REGULAR SEASON | vs |
| PASSING | 49ERS OFFENSE | Advantage | SEAHAWKS DEFENSE |
| EPA / DROPBACK | 1st+0.566 | 4th-0.078 | |||
| DROPBACK SUCCESS RATE | 1st62.3% | 6th40.9% | |||
| EXPLOSIVE PASS RATE | 4th11.6% | 1st3.7% | |||
| COMPLETION % | 1st70.5% | 9th57.8% | |||
| INTERCEPTION RATE | 6th0.9% | 1st4.4% |
| PASS DVOA vs PASS DEFENSE DVOA | 1st+89.4% | 4th-11.0% |
| PRESSURE RATE | 2nd20.3% | 4th36.9% | |||
| TIME TO PRESSURE | 24th2.49s | 8th2.47s | |||
| SACK RATE | 1st0.0% | 10th7.4% |
| EPA WHEN PRESSURED | 1st+0.311 | 15th-0.314 | |||
| EPA FROM A CLEAN POCKET | 1st+0.690 | 3rd+0.105 | |||
| QUICK PRESSURES (≤2.5s) | 3rd37.5% | 2nd56.9% |
| EPA / DROPBACK | EPA / DROPBACK ALLOWED | ||||
| 21 PERSONNEL 42% of snaps (1st) · 42 dropbacks | 5th+0.294 | 23rd+0.500 | |||
| 11 PERSONNEL 32% of snaps (31st) · 51 dropbacks | 1st+0.558 | 9th-0.094 | |||
| 12 PERSONNEL 15% of snaps (27th) · 18 dropbacks | 1st+0.854 | 5th-0.160 |
| EPA / DROPBACK | EPA / DROPBACK ALLOWED | ||||
| BASE 16% of their snaps (29th) · 6 dropbacks | 1st+0.802 | 23rd+0.332 | |||
| NICKEL 68% of their snaps (10th) · 110 dropbacks | 1st+0.410 | 4th-0.145 | |||
| DIME 15% of their snaps (8th) · 32 dropbacks | 8th+0.368 | 13th+0.048 |
The Seahawks defense ranks 4th at creating pressure (36.9%). The 49ers offense ranks 2nd in pressure rate allowed (20.3%) and has not given up a sack (0.0%, 1st).
From a clean pocket the 49ers offense ranks 1st (+0.690). Under pressure it still ranks 1st (+0.311). The Seahawks defense ranks 15th once it gets pressure (-0.314).
Receiving game
Mike Evans ranks 5th in DVOA among WR1s (+26.9%). The Seahawks defense ranks 21st against WR1s (+13.3%).
Christian McCaffrey ranks 11th in DVOA among RBs (+19.7%). The Seahawks defense ranks 23rd against RBs (+27.6%).
Running game
Seahawks Run Defense SEA vs SF · 2026 REGULAR SEASON | vs |
| RUNNING | 49ERS OFFENSE | Advantage | SEAHAWKS DEFENSE |
| EPA / RUSH | 7th+0.048 | 5th-0.145 | |||
| RUSH SUCCESS RATE | 3rd49.1% | 1st32.7% | |||
| EXPLOSIVE RUN RATE | 2nd16.4% | 7th8.2% |
| RUSH DVOA vs RUSH DEFENSE DVOA | 9th+2.6% | 1st-37.5% |
| POWER SUCCESS | 16th66.7% | 13th60.0% | |||
| STUFFED RATE | 5th12.9% | 3rd23.1% |
| EPA / RUSH | EPA / RUSH ALLOWED | ||||
| 21 PERSONNEL 42% of snaps (1st) · 57 rushes | 6th+0.140 | 11th-0.194 | |||
| 11 PERSONNEL 32% of snaps (31st) · 23 rushes | 17th+0.016 | 9th-0.071 | |||
| 12 PERSONNEL 15% of snaps (27th) · 17 rushes | 10th+0.009 | 2nd-0.381 |
| EPA / RUSH | EPA / RUSH ALLOWED | ||||
| BASE 16% of their snaps (29th) · 33 rushes | 11th-0.048 | 1st-0.405 | |||
| NICKEL 68% of their snaps (10th) · 67 rushes | 3rd+0.145 | 8th-0.111 | |||
| DIME 15% of their snaps (8th) · 8 rushes | 6th+0.641 | 10th+0.318 |
The Seahawks defense ranks 1st in run defense DVOA (-37.5%). The 49ers offense ranks 9th in rush DVOA (+2.6%).
Special Teams
Seahawks Special Teams SEA vs SF · 2026 REGULAR SEASON | vs |
| OVERALL Estimated points above average | SEAHAWKS | Advantage | 49ERS |
| SPECIAL TEAMS DVOA | 17th+0.4% | 22nd-3.4% | |||
| FIELD GOALS & XP | 12th0.8 | 30th-4.2 |
| KICKOFFS vs 49ERS KICK RETURN | 27th-2.0 | 28th-2.4 | |||
| PUNTING vs 49ERS PUNT RETURN | 1st5.8 | 30th-2.8 |
| KICK RETURN vs 49ERS KICKOFFS | 30th-4.1 | 5th3.9 | |||
| PUNT RETURN vs 49ERS PUNTING | 13th0.0 | 11th1.3 |
The Seahawks rank 12th in field goals & XP (0.8). The 49ers rank 30th (-4.2).
The Seahawks rank 1st in punting (5.8). The 49ers rank 30th in punt return (-2.8).
Key to a 49ers win
McCaffrey is the straw that stirs the drink. If he can be productive, the 49ers will have a good shot in this one. They will also need to take away a weakened Seahawks run game.
Key to a Seahawks win
Keep the pressure on Purdy. As good as he is scrambling around, he will give Seattle chances to take the ball away. Darnold needs to be his best self. The 49ers do not give up explosive plays. He and Smith-Njigba will need to find a way to change that. If he can put up 25+ points, the Seahawks have a great chance to win another one against the 49ers.