Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers: Key Matchups to Watch in Week 14
Battling against their NFC West rivals for the second time in three weeks and desperate for a win, the Seattle Seahawks will fly south to face off against the San Francisco 49ers at Levis Stadium for the latest rematch in a series that has become quite one-sided over the past two seasons.
Looking to change the narrative and keep their shrinking playoff hopes alive, the Seahawks could be without starting quarterback Geno Smith, who is nursing a groin injury suffered during practice this week. Regardless of whether he or Drew Lock starts under center, the team will need major contributions from stars and role players alike to have any shot at snapping a four-game losing streak to their bitter rivals.
On offense, tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas will once again be tasked with trying to keep All Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa, Chase Young, and Randy Gregory away from Smith or Lock to open up time for completions downfield to DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Pass protection will be crucial after Seattle yielded six sacks in the first game between these teams on Thanksgiving, while Lucas will be counted on to bring some punch to a run game that offered little three weeks ago.
As for the defense, coordinator Clint Hurtt will have his hands full dealing with the 49ers litany of weapons, starting with MVP front runner Christian McCaffrey, who has 17 total touchdowns this season and leads all backs in rushing yards. On the outside, cornerbacks Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, and Tre Brown will be challenged by YAC monster Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, who scored a long touchdown late in the 31-13 win last month.
Which matchups will be most critical to Seattle's chances of pulling off a road upset and climbing back above the .500 mark? Hosts Corbin Smith and Rob Rang take a deep dive into six positional battles worth watching in Santa Clara on a new episode of Locked On Seahawks.
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