After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, the San Francisco 49ers enter Seattle for their Week 1 tilt with the Seahawks carrying a shoulder-chip the size of the Space Needle.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks aim to capitalize on home-field advantage and build on last season's success.
Can HC Kyle Shanahan's 49ers bounce back from their disappointing 2024 campaign with a vintage road performance? Or will HC Mike Macdonald's Seahawks flex their muscles early and send a message to the entire NFC West?
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49ers vs. Seahawks Prediction, Preview for 9/7/25
Two NFC West divisional rivals face off in a matchup that will set the tone for their 2025 seasons. The 49ers hope to regain their form and secure a playoff berth, while the Seahawks shoot for a fresh start with their shiny new offseason acquisitions.
San Francisco will look to return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2019-2020.
San Francisco 49ers Preview
The 49ers were decimated by injuries in 2024, which helped keep them out of the playoffs for the first time in four years. It seems like this season, they can’t shake the injury bug — WR Brandon Aiyuk was placed on the PUP list and isn’t expected back until Week 6, and, as happens far too often, RB Christian McCaffrey appears on the injury report, limited in practice with a calf issue.
San Francisco still has their core players — TE George Kittle, QB Brock Purdy, WR Jauan Jennings, and emerging WR Ricky Pearsall — which should help offset a potential McCaffrey absence.
Their season could come down to health. If Aiyuk returns to full strength and McCaffrey stays on the field, the 49ers have the talent to make a deep playoff run.
Seattle Seahawks Preview
The Seahawks did a complete overhaul of their offense in the offseason, letting QB Geno Smith walk in free agency and trading away star WR DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Seattle added QB Sam Darnold and WR Cooper Kupp in hopes of retooling their attack.
Darnold had a career year in 2024, passing for 4,319 yards and 35 TDs, leading the Vikings to a 14-win season and a playoff berth. That was the first time Darnold saw the postseason in his NFL career.
Although Kupp is on the wrong edge of his prime, he remains a reliable option, finishing 2024 with 67 receptions for 710 yards and 6 TDs.
49ers vs. Seahawks Picks for NFL DFS & PrizePicks
Here are three 49ers vs. Seahawks player picks for Sunday’s matchup for PrizePicks real money NFL game, including WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall.
PrizePicks makes it easy — all you have to do is pick More or Less on these projections.
Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Projection vs. 49ers: 5 Receptions
With former Seahawks WRs D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett out of the picture, Smith-Njigba should be the focal point of the passing offense.
In 2024, he averaged 5.8 receptions per game and finished the season with 100 receptions.
In two games against San Francisco, Smith-Njigba had 15 receptions for 163 yards.
Darnold has a recent history of peppering his WR1 — Minnesota WR Justin Jefferson finished 2024 with 103 receptions on 154 targets in his lone season with Slingin' Sammy.
49ers TE George Kittle Projection vs. Seahawks: 64.5 Receiving Yards
With multiple offensive starters nursing injuries, Kittle’s role as Purdy’s safety blanket should be in full effect
In 38 games with Purdy under center, Kittle has compiled 2,561 receiving yards and 23 TDs on 231 targets.
49ers WR Ricky Pearsall Projection vs. Seahawks: 3.5 Receptions
Pearsall’s NFL debut was delayed due to an offseason incident, but once activated, he proved to be a reliable target
In 11 games during his 2024 rookie campaign, Pearsall hauled in 31 receptions for 400 yards and 3 TDs on 46 targets. He closed out the season on a high note, posting 18 receptions, 247 yards, and 2 TDs on 22 targets in his final three games.
His breakout performance came against Detroit with 8 receptions, 141 yards, and 1 TD.
Make 49ers vs. Seahawks Picks on PrizePicks
Will the 49ers regain control of the NFC West with a dominant performance against their division rivals? Or will the Seahawks show that times have changed and there's a new dawg in town?
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