49ers win over Seahawks would yield No. 1 seed in NFC
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC
Matchup rating: 86.1 | Spread: SF -3.5 (47)
What to watch for: How much will Marshawn Lynch play? Pete Carroll said the Seahawks will “lean on” rookie sixth-round pick Travis Homer, who was their only healthy tailback before they re-signed former Seahawks Lynch and Robert Turbin this week. But even with a long layoff, Lynch might still be Seattle’s best option. — Brady Henderson
Bold prediction: Niners defensive end Nick Bosa will put the finishing touches on a splendid rookie season with at least two sacks on his way to Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. The Seahawks will be missing standout left tackle Duane Brown, which means Bosa should have enough favorable matchups to dominate on a huge stage. — Nick Wagoner
Stat to know: Bosa has created 49 pressures this season, the most among 49ers players and NFL rookies, and the 10th most in the league. On the other side of the field, Jadeveon Clowney leads the Seahawks with 38 pressures.
What’s at stake: The 49ers would clinch the NFC West, and the NFC’s No. 1 seed, with a win. Otherwise, they will be the No. 5 seed. The Seahawks would win the NFC West with a victory but would need losses by the Packers and Saints to be the top seed. They’ll be No. 2 if they win and the Packers lose. Otherwise, a win will deliver them the No. 3 seed. A loss would put them at No. 5.
Betting nugget: Under Carroll, Seattle is 9-1 ATS and outright at home against San Francisco (including playoffs) with eight straight outright wins. Read more.
Wagoner’s pick: 49ers 30, Seahawks 24
Henderson’s pick: 49ers 26, Seahawks 20
FPI prediction: SF, 56.3% (by an average of 2.2 points)