Week 15 of the NFL is here, and the 49ers sit at 9-4 in the standings. The team is currently on a five-game win streak, sitting comfortably in first place in the NFC West. The 49ers can clinch the division with a win in Seattle on Thursday night, and if the team wants to keep the streak alive, they must adhere to these keys to victory.
Take away the Run
It's a short week for both teams but expects the Seahawks to establish the run game. The 49ers are ranked first in rushing yards per game, but this week may be without defensive tackle Kevin Givens who suffered a knee injury at home against Tampa Bay. If rookie running back Kenneth Walker plays, the 49ers need to target him and ensure he doesn't break away with any big plays on the ground. Walker was injured during the 49ers' first meeting with Seattle in Week 2.
The defense also must contain and possibly quarterback Geno Smith, who isn't afraid to scramble for yards and keep drives alive. If the defense can eliminate the rushing attack of the Seahawks, they will find themselves victorious.
Make them ONE DIMENSIONAL
The 49ers want to force the Seahawks to beat them through the air. Making the Seahawks one-dimensional ignites the pass rush. Nick Bosa and company will be looking to tee off on a divisional rival, especially after being unable to take down Tom Brady on Sunday. Expect the pass rush to be ferocious and apply nothing but pressure against Seattle's offensive line.
Igniting the pass rush will allow the secondary to cover and play freely. The 49ers have ball hawks lurking for a bad throw from a quarterback. Smith will look to dink and dunk, but that plays into the 49ers' style of football—Swarm!
Let Brock ROCK
It's safe to say that rookie quarterback Brock Purdy has been a breath of fresh air for the 49ers. Purdy has been this unknown factor and a spark in the 49ers offense. One of the main reasons he has been successful is his confidence and trust in Kyle Shanahan. His play against the Dolphins was terrific. His play against the Buccaneers was phenomenal.
Purdy is dealing with an oblique injury that he sustained against the Buccaneers. He also finished the game with two passing touchdowns, 185 passing yards, and a rushing touchdown. Expect Kyle Shanahan to continue to let "Brock Rock."
SPREAD THE BALL
The 49ers have a multitude of playmakers, both starting and in-depth. The team will be without one of their most dangerous weapons, Deebo Samuel, due to MCL and ankle sprains, which will keep him sidelined for several weeks. The Seahawks will look to take away players like running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and tight end George Kittle. That's their game plan.
Look out for the up-and-coming guys like wide receivers Ray-Ray McCloud, Jauan Jennings, and rookie Danny Gray. With quarterback Brock Purdy under center, expect him to spread the rock, making the Seahawks defense play honestly and be indecisive about where the ball is going.
Don't be FOOLED
Yes, the "Don't Be Food" key is back because the 49ers are playing the Seahawks, and head coach Pete Carroll will do whatever it takes to get a victory. The last time the two teams played, the Seahawks only scored from a blocked kick on special teams. Though that's not a trickery play, 49ers players should play every Seahawks punt and field goal attempt like it's a fake. The Seahawks are at home and will use this to their advantage. Don't be fooled by the special teams, and the 49ers will win this game.
In conclusion...
This will not be an easy game. Usually, divisional games are some of the most challenging games of the year. The Seahawks are not eliminated from the playoffs, and even if they were, they want to beat the 49ers. If the 49ers stick to these five keys, they will clinch the division, secure a playoff spot, continue the win streak, and be one game from sweeping the division. Will Purdy and the 49ers defense keep the wheels turning? Believe it; we are the Faithful.