A Letdown Seems Likely for the 49ers vs. the Seahawks this Sunday at Levi's
The 49ers have won nine games and four in a row. None bigger than beating the Eagles decisively in Philadelphia. Kyle Shanahan and the players said all the right things since then about quickly moving on, to prepare for the Seahawks this Sunday at Levi's. Fred Warner even said that nobody coordinated wearing all black as they walked into Lincoln Financial Field:
If you believe what Warner said, then I have a bridge to sell you.
It's nearly impossible to get so fired up for the biggest opponent of your season, then maintain that same level the next week. I said the same thing after the big win vs. the Cowboys, as the 49ers headed to Cleveland to face the Browns. I didn't predict that the 49ers would lose to the Browns, but I also didn't expect the injuries to their 3 best players on offense: Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel. The same principal applies this week. I'm predicting a letdown vs. the Seahawks, but not a loss.
A big reason that I don't see the Seahawks winning is their litany of injuries:
The Seahawks' biggest concern is quarterback Geno Smith, who is questionable with a groin injury. Even if he plays, his effectiveness will likely be limited If backup Drew Lock starts, the 49ers will be a stone cold lock to win. At least one running back between Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonet must play, or the Seahawks have no chance of winning. Right Tackle Abraham Lucas returned to play last week vs the Cowboys, but he didn't play the entire game. It's unlikely that starting inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks will be 100% either.
The 49ers are a little bit banged up themselves:
Arik Armstead is significantly bigger loss than many might think. On the other hand, John Feliciano played well when Aaron Banks and Spencer Burford were injured. The 49ers beat the Seahawks 31-13 with Feliciano playing right guard. The 49ers offensive line could potentially be even stronger if Burford is unable to play.
A letdown for the 49ers seems to be nearly inevitable. At the same time, a loss to the Seahawks seems unlikely to me, but covering the 13.5 point spread appears unlikely to me as well. 49ers 31 - Seahawks 21.
