Which players from the Seattle Seahawks pose the biggest threat to the San Francisco 49ers in their Week 6 matchup on Thursday Night Football?
RB Kenneth Walker III
Walker seems healthy heading into Week 6. His best traits are his explosive runs, his capacity to break tackles and gain yards after contact, and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Walker currently leads the team in rushing with 202 yards, averaging five and a half yards per carry, and has scored four touchdowns. He has caught 13 passes on 16 targets for 99 yards.
The 49ers' run defense didn't perform well against the Cardinals, allowing 169 yards with 12 missed tackles. The 49ers must tighten up their run defense, or a player like Walker will look to have an explosive game.
WR DK Metcalf
Metcalf's physical attributes make him a significant threat. His size and speed could pose problems for the 49ers' secondary. Last season, 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward effectively contained Metcalf. In the two regular-season games of 2023, Metcalf was held to five receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown. This season, Ward hasn't looked like the All-Pro corner from 2023. Despite dealing with a knee injury, Ward has been targeted 23 times and has allowed 13 receptions for 198 yards and one touchdown.
The 49ers' secondary will need to do their best to lockdown Metcalf and limit his explosive plays. If Charvarius Ward is healthy, the threat of D.K. Metcalf can be neutralized.
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Smith-Njigba could be a more dangerous threat than Metcalf in this game, depending on the matchup and where the Seahawks line him up. Smith-Njigba is second on the team in targets (39) and receiving yards (257). He works well on underneath routes but can also line up outside to stretch the field. If left unattended, Smith-Njigba can beat defenders deep.
The 49ers' secondary habitually gives up at least one explosive throw per game. Whether it's Deommodore Lenoir in man coverage or the secondary playing zone, they must limit his explosiveness. Smith-Njigba is the Seahawks' chain mover, responsible for 15 of the team's first downs.
DE Leonard Williams
Williams may be older, but he's still effective. Don't let his one-and-a-half sacks this season fool you. Williams is a player who must be game-planned for. Colton McKivitz and Dominick Puni could have their hands full, depending on which version of Williams shows up. The 49ers need to be prepared, regardless of his stats.
S Julian Love
Love is one of the top safeties in the NFL. This season, he has one interception and one pass breakup. He has been targeted 12 times and has given up ten receptions for 48 yards. What makes him most dangerous is his ability to play center field. Love is the Seahawks' version of Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton. On Christmas Day of 2023, Hamilton gave Brock Purdy a tough time on the field. Look for Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald to try replicating that same game plan on Thursday night.
The 49ers' best bet would be to force him to cover and attack him instead of allowing him to play freely all night. The 49ers must keep Love guessing on the field.