This weekend the San Francisco 49ers will face off against their division rival, the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Wild Card round. The two teams have played each other twice already, but now is when it matters the most. There are a lot of 49ers players vs Seahawks to pay attention to, especially in a game expected to be played in heavy rain. San Francisco went 2-0 against Seattle this year, but that is no longer relevant. Here are three 49ers players vs Seahawks to watch for.
49ers Players vs Seahawks: Christian McCaffrey
As of now, there is a 90% chance that it will be raining when the teams take the field at Levis Stadium on Saturday. Luckily, it has been raining all week in Santa Clara. This has given the 49ers an easier time to prepare. With the forecast prediction, the run game on both sides of the ball will be necessary. This makes running back Christian McCaffrey one of the 49ers players vs Seahawks to watch this weekend.
Since McCaffrey was traded to the 49ers, they have won ten games in a row. The only team they lost to since acquiring him was against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was not starting and got limited snaps only being on the team for about three days. McCaffrey has been a great difference-maker ever since joining the team.
In the regular season, McCaffrey has rushed the ball 244 times for 1,139 rushing yards, according to Pro Football Reference. He has also scored eight rushing touchdowns. As many know, McCaffrey is not just a threat in the run game, but receiving as well. This season, McCaffrey has had 85 receptions for 741 yards and five touchdowns. If he keeps this up, he will be one of the top 49ers players vs Seahawks.
McCaffrey has been dealing with a slight knee injury but should be good to go this weekend. Fellow running back, Elijah Mitchell is finally healthy after getting ing game reps last weekend, and also scoring two touchdowns. Mitchell being good to go gives head coach Kyle Shanahan more opportunities to make big plays with the team’s run game. McCaffrey will be one of the many 49ers players vs Seahawks to watch this weekend.
49ers Players vs Seahawks: Brock Purdy
Although the team will be relying on the run game, the 49ers still have a rookie at quarterback. So far, Purdy has done a very good job for the 49ers making sure he gets the ball to the right person. As long as Purdy can maintain his mental toughness and stays calm, he should be fine in his first playoff game. Purdy will be one of the most important 49ers players vs Seahawks.
Purdy has only started five games this season, but he did come in during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins; therefore, he played in the majority of that game as well. In those six games, Purdy played very well, as he has not yet lost a game. In total this season he has completed 114 passes out of 170 attempts for 1,374 yards, according to ESPN. He has averaged 8.1 yards per attempt, which is great for someone who was just thrown in. Purdy has also scored 13 passing touchdowns and has even rushed for one.
While both teams will most likely be rushing the ball as much as they can, that is understandably not going to be the entire game. Purdy will have to make passes, even in the difficult weather. Purdy is definitely capable of it, and will just need to keep his mind right.
49ers Players vs Seahawks: Dre Greenlaw
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is not officially confirmed to be playing, but if he does he will be an important 49ers player vs Seahawks. Greenlaw left the game against the Las Vegas Raiders with a back injury and did not play last weekend against the Arizona Cardinals. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan did state that last week there was a chance that Greenlaw could have played, but it was not worth it as they had already won the NFC West.
Greenlaw has been a fantastic player for this San Francisco defense. He has been one of the best players when defending the run, and he also has a history of playing well against the Seattle Seahawks. While he has missed time this season, he has had a total of 127 total tackles, 82 of which have been solo, according to ESPN. Greenlaw also has had two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries for 23 yards, and one touchdown. Greenlaw has also caught one interception this season.
If Greenlaw does play this week and is fully healthy, he will be among the top 49ers players vs Seahawks. As stated, the run game will be utilized by both teams, making the linebacker position more important. While Greenlaw does well against the pass, he will be crucial against the run. Forcing Seattle to throw as often as possible in this weather can greatly benefit the 49ers during this Wild Card Round.
The San Francisco 49ers Wild Card game will be played this Saturday at Levis Stadium. Be sure to watch for these 49ers players vs Seahawks, as it will be a very physical game.
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Check out my most recent article on why this week’s game will come down to mentality over physicality. Also, check out this article on where defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans will coach in the 2023 season. Be sure to check out why the 49ers’ close game is not a bad thing.
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