NEWSLETTER
The NFL’s Wild Card Weekend is upon us! Isn’t it crazy how Kyle Shanahan continues to win no matter who’s under center in San Francisco? With Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo lost for the season with injuries, the last pick in the NFL Draft is who the 49ers turn to.
Brock Purdy will try to become the first rookie quarterback since Russell Wilson (2012) to win his first playoff game. Geno Smith, a journeyman who seemingly found a home in Seattle, will try to ensure he doesn’t.
The 49ers previously won both regular-season meetings with the Seahawks, but everything changes in the postseason.
Game Info
Seattle Seahawks (9-8, 2nd NFC West) at San Francisco 49ers (13-4 1st NFC West)
Kickoff Time: 7:15 p.m. CT – TV: ESPN (Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters)
Site: Levis Stadium, Santa Clara, Ca.
Referee: Alex Kemp
Odds: 49ers -9.5, O/U 42 (via DraftKings Sports Book)
Seahawks Projected Starters
Offense
• QB: Geno Smith
• RB Kenneth Walker III
• WR DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Cade Johnson
• TE Colby Parkinson
• LT Charles Cross, LG Damien Lewis, C Austin Blythe, RG Gabe Jackson, RT Abraham Lucas
Defense
• LDE Shelby Harris, NT Al Woods, RDE Poona Ford
• WLB Darrell Taylor, LILB Tanner Muse; RILB Cody Barton, SLB Uchenna Nwosu
• LCB Mike Jackson, RCB Tariq Woolen
• FS Quandre Diggs, SS Ryan Neal
Specialists
• Jason Myers (kicker), Michael Dickinson (punter, holder), Carson Tinker (long snapper), DeeJay Dallas (kick and punt returns)
49ers Projected Starters
Offense
• QB Brock Purdy
• RB Christian McCaffrey
• WR Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings
• TE George Kittle
• LT Trent Williams, LG Aaron Banks, C Jake Brendel, RG Spencer Burford, RT Mike McGlinchey
Defense
• LDE Samson Ebukam, LDT Javon Kinlaw, RDT Arik Armstead, RDE Nick Bosa
• WLB Dre Greenlaw, MLB Fred Warner, SLB Azeez Al-Shaair
• LCB Chavious Ward, RCB Deommodore Lenoir
• FS Tashaun Gipson Sr., SS Talanoa Hufanga
Specialists
• Robbie Gould (kicker), Mitch Wishnowsky (punter, holder), Taybor Pepper (long snapper), Ray-Ray McCloud III (kick and punt returns)
Players to Watch
Seahawks Cornerback Tariq Woolen will have a tough matchup against either Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk today. Woolen has had a dream rookie season, finishing with a league-leading six interceptions. Furthermore, Woolen became the first rookie since 2000 to finish with 6-plus interceptions and 3-plus fumble recoveries. However, two of Woolen’s lowest graded games this season came against the 49ers.
After breaking Russell Wilson’s single-season passing record in Seattle, Geno Smith will try to push the Seahawks past the 49ers. Smith threw for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns (also a Seahawks record) and led the NFL with a 69.8 completion percentage. Smith had a knack for the big play all season, and he’ll need a few today.
Meanwhile, the 49ers must feel good about getting Deebo Samuel back last week. Samuel was eased into things with three targets and one rushing attempt last week. Still, Samuel will need to see an increased workload if the 49ers are to make a deep run. Samuel has 520 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in six career playoff games for San Francisco.
However, all eyes will be on Brock Purdy. Purdy played well in the regular season, but the playoffs are different. Can Purdy translate his Week 15 performance against the Seahawks (117 rating and two touchdowns) into postseason success on Wild Card Weekend?
