Niners Nation
It’s finally gameday, as the San Francisco 49ers are taking on the Seattle Seahawks in the final week of the regular season, with the winner clinching both the No. 1 seed in the NFC and the division title.
There’s a ton at stake in this heavyweight primetime matchup, with both teams looking far different from when the 49ers beat the Seahawks 17-13 back in Week 1. Despite the 49ers being at home, the Seahawks are 2.5-point favorites.
It’s going to be a tough game for the 49ers. Seattle’s defense is playing at an extremely high level, while San Francisco’s defense has allowed 89 points in its last three games. But, there certainly is a path to victory, so let’s break down the keys for a 49ers win over Seattle in Week 18.
49ers offensive line versus the Seahawks defensive line
This is the matchup of the game to me. The 49ers’ offensive line has been underrated this season and has really helped the run game get going over the last few weeks of the season.
But they face an elite Seattle front that has guys all across the line. Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy have been one of the best defensive tackle duos in the NFL. DeMarcus Lawrence and Uchenna Nwosu have been solid as well on the edges.
The 49ers need to get some traction up front to have at least somewhat of a sustainable run game with Christian McCaffrey. That task gets even more challenging if Trent Williams can’t go, which seems to be the case.
If the 49ers’ offensive line can put up somewhat of a fight, the 49ers’ offense has a shot to continue their high level of play. But, if there are struggles both blocking the run and in pass protection, there may be too much on Brock Purdy’s plate to create something out of nothing.
Purdy magic
Brock Purdy has been stellar over the last few games. He was a bit shaky initially in his return from injury with a few bad plays against both the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers, but has been a top quarterback since, leading the 49ers to six straight wins.
In his last three games, Purdy has 13 touchdowns, throwing at least 295 yards in each game, while the offense has combined for 127 points.
Now, he faces arguably his toughest challenge of the year. Not only does Seattle have a great front, but their secondary has been great all year long with a good cornerback duo of Devon Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen.
This same defense forced Purdy into two interceptions in the season opener, and the 49ers can’t afford those with how their defense is currently looking.
Purdy has a tall task ahead of him, especially if Trent Williams doesn’t play. He’ll need to make sound decisions, deal with a strong pass rush, and lead San Francisco’s explosive offense against one of the best play-callers in the NFL with Mike MacDonald.
While the offensive line vs. defensive line...
