Preview: Seattle Seahawks (9-5-1) at San Francisco 49ers (2-13)

Fans I've heard from seem to be torn on the San Francisco 49ers' (2-13) 22-21 win in Week 16 over the Los Angeles Rams. Some think that the victory was a step in the right direction for a young team learning how to play together in the NFL. They feel that head coach Chip Kelly's decision to go for two in final seconds showed confidence in a group of players no one would blame him for doubting. Others, however, believe that because the Niners blew a chance at number one overall pick, winning the game was a complete waste. It's as if the 2016 49ers can't do anything right, including not even being able to lose when they're supposed to. Regardless of what side of the fence you're on, I'd have to imagine everyone is just glad this nightmare of a season is coming to an end, and hopefully, brighter days will be ahead. There's still one week to go, though, and it's likely to get worse before it gets better as the Seattle Seahawks (9-5-1) will be looking to beat up on their former rival one more time.

Recent History

What was once a must-see matchup has now turned into a one-sided affair as Seattle has won the last six meetings by a combined score of 145-71. Most recently, the Seahawks destroyed the Niners in Week 3 earlier this year, gaining 418 total yards in the 37-18 rout. RB Christine Michael (who was later released) rushed for 106 yards and two scores, while QB Russell Wilson added 243 yards through the air, including an 18-yard touchdown throw to TE Jimmy Graham. The 49ers didn't have many bright spots on their end, but RB Carlos Hyde carrying the ball 21 times for 103 yards and two touchdowns was one. Actually, Hyde may have really been the only bright spot on offense all season.

Players to Watch

While he may not be a long-term solution at the position, WR Rod Streater has done enough to warrant at least being part of the depth chart moving forward. After struggling to get playing time behind the mostly ineffective WR Quinton Patton, Streater has done well in an expanded role and caught six-of-seven targets for 63 yards and a score in Week 16. Streater has two touchdowns on the season, which is one more than Patton has during his entire career. Keep an eye on him in this game, as he could at worst be someone to bring back for depth in the offseason.

While Russell Wilson and Jimmy Graham tend to get a lot of the publicity for the Seahawks, you can't ignore the type of player WR Doug Baldwin has turned into. While Seattle has built most of their success on defense and running the ball over the years, Baldwin has emerged as a true number one option in their passing game recently. His yardage totals have gone up in each of the last four seasons, and he's now posted back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns. In 2015-16 combined, the former Stanford Cardinal has 170 receptions for 2,153 yards and 21 touchdown catches.

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Stats to Know

Even when QB Colin Kaepernick was at the pinnacle of his success, he still could almost never beat the Seahawks. In fact, Seattle has dominated the 49ers in almost every meeting since Kaepernick became the regular quarterback. In seven starts against Seattle, Kaepernick has completed only 53 percent of his throws and averaged 155 yards passing per contest. San Francisco is 1-6 in those games. Kaepernick, who to his credit is very good at taking care of the football, has thrown nine interceptions against the Seahawks, his most against any team.

Game Changing Factor

When you look at how bad the 49ers offense has been all season, it's amazing that Hyde's been able to have the success he did in 2016. In 13 games, the third-year back gained 988 yards on 217 carries (4.6 yards per attempt) and scored nine total touchdowns. He did this despite having the opposition keyed in on stopping him, mainly because the 49ers have the worst passing attack in the NFL (currently ranked last in total passing yards). Hyde will miss the season finale with a knee injury, which will make the game tough for San Francisco. When the 49ers have been able to move the ball on the Seahawks in the past, it was usually centered around the running game, so not having their best weapon will be a huge blow.

News from the Week

Hyde became the 49ers' 18th player to be placed on the injured reserve list. He suffered an MCL sprain against the Los Angeles Rams. The injury will not require surgery and Hyde should be available for the team's offseason program.

By the Numbers

San Francisco's victory last week in Los Angeles marked the first time the 49ers won after trailing by 14 points in the fourth quarter since October 10, 2004 against Arizona.

The 49ers offense has found the end zone 27 of 41 times (65.9%) when reaching the red zone this season, the 4th-best red zone touchdown efficiency in the NFL (Ten – 72.3, Dal - 67.3, NO – 66.1).

The 49ers are looking to win their 10th-consecutive regular season home finale. The team's current nine-game winning streak in home finales is the longest streak in the NFL. During those wins, San Francisco has outscored its opponents 226-129.

Matchup Information

Kickoff: Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 1:25 p.m. PT

Where: Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California

All-Time Matchup: Seahawks lead series 21-15

Last Meeting: 9/25/16, Seahawks win 37-18, at SEA

Current Streak: Lost 6

Betting: The Seahawks are 9.5-point favorites

NFL Fan Picks: 79% pick the Seahawks to win according to Yahoo! Sports

49ers Fan Picks: Within our Pick 'em Contest, 81% believe the Seahawks will win

49ers Schedule: View full schedule

Seahawks News: Seahawks news at Problitz.com

Follow Game Online: NFL.com's Game Center

Discuss: Niner Talk forum

Follow Us: Facebook, Twitter, Google+

Television and Radio

The game will be televised on FOX (Check 506 Sports to see if it is local).

Play-By-Play: Joe Davis
Color Analyst: Brady Quinn
Sideline Reporter: Shannon Spake

KGO 810 AM and The Bone 107.7 FM (Other markets) will carry the radio broadcast with Ted Robinson doing the play-by-play and Tim Ryan as the color analyst. ESPN Deportes and KKSF 910 AM will carry the Spanish broadcast.

San Francisco 49ers Injuries

Final injury reports will be released on Friday.

Seattle Seahawks Injuries

Final injury reports will be released on Friday.

Game Averages (Rank)

Individual Statistics