Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season kicks off with a divisional matchup on Thursday night.
The San Francisco 49ers are traveling north to take on the Seattle Seahawks in a game with major postseason implications. The winner of Thursday night’s game will be the No. 1 team in the NFC West heading into the rest of Week 6.
Both teams enter the matchup coming off losses — the 49ers were upset at home by the Arizona Cardinals, while the Seahawks were upset at home by the New York Giants.
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Ahead of this crucial divisional matchup, the staff at Newsweek Sports has made some predictions.
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 10: DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks grabs the face mask of Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers and Seahawks are playing a divisional matchup on Thursday night.
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Noah Camras: The 49ers have dominated the Seahawks as of late, winning the last five matchups, including a Wild Card win in 2023. The 49ers have greatly underperformed this season, but they’ll get back on track in a seemingly must-win game against Seattle. Brock Purdy will play a great game using his bevy of weapons, and the 49ers defense will come up with timely stops against Geno Smith.
Prediction: 49ers 28, Seahawks 20
John Robinson IV: The Seahawks will expose a 49ers rush defense that has looked suspect at best this season. Seattle will look to redeem themselves against an NFC West rival as they prove to America they are a legitimate contender this season. Expect Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker to be the catalyst to a Seattle win.
Prediction: Seahawks 27, 49ers 24
Matt Levine: In this NFC West battle, both sides will be looking to make a statement. Seattle’s defense has taken some big hits due to injuries, leaving them vulnerable in this matchup. San Francisco hasn’t looked very good this season so far, but injuries have also ravaged them. With this being a massive game, I’m going with the 49ers to inch out the close win on the road.
Prediction: 49ers 34, Seahawks 30
James Brizuela: The 49ers are still greatly hampered by the absence of Christian McCaffrey, along with Brandon Aiyuk not stepping up and playing up to the contract he just received. Also, Talanoa Hufanga being placed on IR is going to severely impact the secondary. However, San Francisco has Fred Warner and George Kittle back in the lineup and presumably healthy. The Seahawks have the benefit of an offense starting to click and home-field advantage. Even so, expect a shootout and the 49ers to eke by with a big win.
Prediction: 49ers 31, Seahawks 28
Valentina Martinez: Teams in the NFC West have had quite the roller coaster performance this season. However, the 49ers will manage to close out the Thursday Night Football showdown against Seattle. The San Francisco defense won’t be stellar, but Brock Purdy and company will outscore the Seahawks and get the big win.
Prediction: 49ers 32, Seahawks 24
