49ers vs Seahawks Preview: What to watch for on Thursday Night Football

The 49ers suffered another devastating loss in Week 5, now looking to get back on track on a short week against the Seahawks.

The San Francisco 49ers travel to the Pacific Northwest Week 6 for a showdown with the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football. The two NFC West rivals have heated battles over the years, as Seattle leads the all-time series 30-22. SF has been the victors of the matchup the past few seasons however, unbeaten in five contests/

The 49ers and Seahawks last met Week 14 of last season, with the niners winning, 28-16.

Now heading back to Lumien Field under the bright lights of primetime, how will this installment play out? Here’s two keys to watch for on this short-week slobber-knocker.

For TNF:
— #49ers TE George Kittle (ribs) and LB Fred Warner (ankle) were full participants and will play.
— The team promoted TE Brayden Willis to the 53-man and put S Talanoa Hufanga on IR.
— #Seahawks ruled out DT Byron Murphy II and CB Riq Woolen, while there is optimism…

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 9, 2024

Run the Football

A simple, staple philosophy of Kyle Shanahan, and yet, he’s neglected it to an extent.

The 49ers have attempted less than 25 rushing plays on four occassions this season. Week 1 saw 36 handoffs. SF has averaged a hair over 23 attempts per game. Week 5 was a prime example, only utilizing the run game on 22 downs.

In the two games the 49ers have won this season, they’ve ran the rock more than 25 times. Despite the scorching heat and a double-digit lead, Shanahan went away from the run game.

That can’t happen in Seattle.

Already out first-round defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, the Seahawks’ 20th-ranked run defense is reeling to say the least. That unit just allowed 175 yards on the ground to the New York Giants in Week 5.

Translation: Jordan Mason should do well in this matchup.

The third-year tailback for the 49ers has been fantastic, second in the NFL in rushing yards (536) in 2024. Despite RB Christian McCaffrey being still sidelined, Mason has found his home as SF’s RB1.

And yet, the run game got abandoned in past weeks.

This is simple: If the 49ers control the line of scrimmage, they will probably win this game. That starts with the offensive line, and ends with Mason finding lanes.

SF elevated four tight ends in advance of Thursday’s contest. Running the football seems very likely with Mason at the point of attack.

Jordan Mason 30 touches 150 yards 2 TDs incoming https://t.co/Ig2okQahq2

— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 9, 2024

Win & Retake Hold of the Division

As crazy as this may sound after another soul-crushing collapse, the 49ers still have a chance to be atop the NFC West on Friday.

Seattle’s loss to NYG left it only a game ahead of San Francisco. In a very tight division, getting a stronghold over the rankings is always paramount to success. And after starting 0-2 in divisonal play this year, losing a third consecutive isn’t really an option.

“It’s not a must-win because technically your season is over if it’s a must-win, but it definitely feels like it we’re treating it that way.” – Bosa

#49ers Nick Bosa says the team is treating this game against Seattle like a must win game

🎥: @KNBR

pic.twitter.com/MqnkzlqY7L

— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) October 8, 2024

Going 2-4 to start is one thing, having a negative NFC West record could tank any playoff hopes this season. Which is why the 49ers are treating this such dire need.

The 49ers need to have it; Who, as always, are looking for to the Lumen Field Litmus Test of the NFC West.

“George Kittle’s got that bounce in the step because he loves playing in Seattle. And Fred Warner’s got that fierce ‘I’m going to kill people’ look in his eyes because they’ve lost three of the last four. So they look good,” San Jose Mercury News’ Cam Inman said on 95.7 The Game.

Should the superstars of the team do their job, winning is very a possibility. That could jumpstart a run into the Week 9 Bye. Kansas City and Dallas aren’t exactly small tasks however.

Regardless, it’s still early in the 2024 season and the 49ers control their destiny, but only if they want to.

A win on Thursday night in Seattle would put the 49ers in first place in the NFC West. This is why hysterical overreactions to early-season losses are a waste of time. This league is about who builds into the strongest team over the marathon

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 7, 2024

Score Prediction: 49ers 24, Seahawks 27

49ers Week 5 Injury Report

Out:

DT Jordan Elliott (knee)

LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf)

S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist – IR)

K Jake Moody (right ankle)

Questionable:

WR Chris Conley (oblique)

CB Charvarius Ward (knee)

San Francisco 49ers 2024 Schedule:

Regular Season

• Sunday, October 6th vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PDT
• Thursday, October 10th @ Seattle Seahawks [TNF] – 5:15 pm PDT
• Sunday, October 20th vs. Kansas City Chiefs [SB LVIII Rematch]– 1:25 pm PDT
• Sunday, October 27th vs. Dallas Cowboys [SNF] – 5:20 pm PDT
• Week 9 Bye Week

Thank you for reading sactownsports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw listed among top-10 LB’s on Madden 27Mike Evans earns top-10 WR rating on Madden 27Faithful Flashbacks #28: Steve Young’s First MVP49ers sign veteran RB Khalil Herbert, DL Titus Leo in latest roster moves49ers lose Ricky Pearsall for season after decision to undergo knee surgeryFaithful Flashbacks #29: First Playoff Win at Levi’s