49ers-Seahawks preview: What you need to know for Week 14 rematch
The 49ers (9-3) can clinch at least a share of the NFC West if they beat the Seahawks (6-6) while the Rams (6-6) lose at the Ravens (9-3)
SANTA CLARA – The 49ers’ birdwatching tour resumes this week with the familiar sight of Seahawks.
Yes, the 49ers just scoped out these NFC West rivals on Thanksgiving Night and won 31-13 in Seattle. That division rivalry offers enough motivation to avoid a letdown after Sunday’s 42-19 titanic triumph over the host Philadelphia Eagles.
After this Sunday’s visit by the Seahawks (6-6), the 49ers (9-3) face two more feathered friends – Dec. 17 at the Arizona Cardinals, Dec. 25 against the Baltimore Ravens — before a stretch run as empty nesters, so to speak.
The 49ers are on a four-game win streak, and none was bigger than walloping the NFC-leading Eagles to pull within one game in the race for the No. 1 playoff seed.
On the flip side, the Seahawks are on a three-game losing streak, with each of their past two losses coming on Thursday nights, the last being a 41-35 defeat at the Dallas Cowboys (9-3).
TOP STORYLINES
NEWFOUND ACCLAIM: Well look who’s the Super Bowl favorite: the 49ers. And look who is suddenly leading the NFL MVP race: Brock Purdy. Whatever respect was lost amid October’s three-game losing streak, the 49ers are now the hot team, with five weeks until the postseason.
GREENLAW AND ORDER: The NFL is reviewing Sunday’s sideline incident that got 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw ejected and the Eagles’ security chief booted. Greenlaw did not speak with reporters after the game. A fine seems likely, but if a suspension is levied, the 49ers should erupt with their own left jabs at the NFL office.
PENALTY LEADERS: The Seahawks have drawn an NFL-high 111 penalties for 808 yards, and they’ve yet to have a game this season where their opponents have more penalty yardage. Penalties weren’t a major issue last meeting – the Seahawks had five for 39 yards, the 49ers just three for 20 yards. Keep the Seahawks’ penalty habits in mind if they get frustrated, or if they try baiting Greenlaw into more trouble.
WARD VS. METCALF: Cornerback Charvarius Ward leads the NFL with 19 passes defensed, and that included a few from his Thanksgiving assignment to travel with D.K. Metcalf around Lumen Field. Metcalf caught 3-of-9 targets for 32 yards. He rebounded with three touchdown catches and 134 yards at Dallas, and Metcalf fared well in his last visit to Levi’s Stadium (10 catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns in the Seahawks’ 41-23 wild-card playoff loss).
SACKING SMITH: The 49ers sacked Geno Smith six times in Seattle, and that defensive pressure continues to unleash a rotation of potential sack artists. Arik Armstead forged through a foot issue for 33 snaps (of 72) in Philly, so don’t be surprised if the 49ers rest him. Nick Bosa is idling on eight sacks but still leads the NFL with 30 quarterback hits.
LAST MEETING
The 49ers will focus this week not on how great they played two weeks ago but on their third-quarter lapses that turned a 24-3 halftime lead into a 24-13 margin. Purdy threw his first career pick-six in that third quarter, his only turnover during this four-game win streak. Purdy’s 28-yard touchdown “dot” to Brandon Aiyuk in the fourth quarter secured a 31-13 win. Christian McCaffrey ran for 114 yards and a pair of second-quarter touchdowns.
SERIES HISTORY
The 49ers were 1-6 at Levi’s Stadium against the Seahawks before winning twice last season: 27-7 on Sept. 18, and 41-23 in the wild-card game. Seattle leads the overall series 30-21.
PLAYOFF PICTURE
The 49ers (9-3) can secure at least a share of the NFC West title if they win, coupled with a loss by the Rams (6-6) at the Ravens (9-3). The 49ers beat the Rams in Week 2, and they meet again in Week 17 at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks (6-6) have lost twice to the Rams so they need a win in this game to bolster their tiebreaker chances.
HEALTH CENTER
The 49ers with health concerns are:
Defensive tackle Arik Armstead (foot, knee); status is to be determined
Right guard Spencer Burford (knee): status is to be determined
Tight end Ross Dwelley (high ankle sprain): out multiple weeks
Cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. (hamstring); likely out this week
Return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud (rib); status is to be determined.
The Seahawks on their latest injury reports:
Running back Zach Charbonnet (knee)
Running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique)
Linebacker Jordyn Brooks (ankle)
Defensive lineman Leonard Williams (ankle)
Tight end Will Dissly (hip)
Wide receiver Dee Eskridge (rib)
Wid receiver Dareke Young (abdomen)
Guard Phil Haynes (toe)
