Seahawks vs 49ers: NFL Playoffs Preview & Prediction

Holders of first place in the general classification of the National Association, the Seahawks (14-3) will welcome the 49^ers of San Francisco (13-5) Saturday night in a second-round game of the National Football League playoffs.

This will be a second meeting in three weeks between the National Association West division rivals, and their third meeting in playoff games.

The Seahawks earned their section title and a direct bye into the second round of the playoffs following a convincing 13-3 victory over Brock Purdy and the 49^ersin San Francisco, January 3.

For the 49^ersit was their lowest offensive output since a 23-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s debut in 2017.

Purdy estimates that the 49^ers will have to adjust against the best defensive unit in the National Football League.

“We played them two weeks ago, so we’re looking back at the other game plan and keeping that in mind,” Purdy said.

“We’re picking up where we left off and obviously making some changes where necessary. But yeah, I feel like we just faced them. »

Seahawks tackle Leonard Williams admits it will be difficult to slow down the 49 attack^ers10^e in the NFL in points scored, despite the Seahawks’ recent victory at their expense.

“They clearly demonstrated that they have a good attack. But at the same time, I have confidence in our team,” Williams analyzed.

The Seahawks finished the season with seven straight wins, setting a team record with 14 wins. However, one of their defeats was inflicted on them by the 49^ersin Seattle, during the opening week of the season.

Elsewhere, the Seahawks offense experienced new problems Thursday when quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a left oblique muscle injury in practice. He represents an uncertain case, but Darnold expressed confidence in his participation in the match.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald doesn’t expect to see many changes in the 49^ersgiven that they have only played once since their last meeting.

“We really go by how we felt during the game, what we did well, maybe what we think they could do,” Macdonald said.

Another short week for the 49^ers

The 49^ers played their final two games of the regular season on one less day of rest than usual, including the Week 18 loss to the Seahawks. They find themselves in the same situation this week against well-rested opponents after playing their first round duel on Sunday.

Coach Kyle Shanahan pleaded unsuccessfully for this week’s game to be played on Sunday, leading the team to limit practices and change meeting times to allow players to rest as much as possible.

“We can’t control this stuff,” linebacker Eric Kendricks said.

“At the end of the day, we are taking part in a meaningful match. We want to participate in meaningful matches. These matches are very important. We know what’s at stake, so we better prepare for it. »

The Seahawks prepared for Pearsall

Sidelined since December 28 due to a knee injury, pass catcher Ricky Pearsall, of the 49^ersresumed training this week, but on a limited basis.

Pearsall’s return would provide a valuable boost to the 49s^ersespecially after star tight end George Kittle tore his right Achilles tendon in the 49’s 23-19 victory^ers against the Eagles last Sunday in Philadelphia.

Macdonald and the Seahawks expect to see Pearsall in the lineup.

“They have a lot of talented receivers, but he’s definitely one of them,” Macdonald said.

He complements the rest of the team very well with his skills and the way they use him. »