The San Francisco 49ers will host a furious and desperate Seattle Seahawks team this Sunday afternoon in Santa Clara. The 49ers are coming off a win on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Seahawks will be returning from the bye week looking not to lose three games in a row.
The 49ers must adhere to the "Keys to Victory" if they plan to improve to 6-4 on the season and sweep the Seahawks in the NFC West.
Stop the Run
The 49ers defense must plan to stop the run at all costs in this game. The Seahawks may be ranked 27th in average rushing yards per game, but their game plan will still include running the ball. Expect the 49ers' defense to stop the run early and force the Seahawks to become one-dimensional throughout the game. The 49ers' defense must continue to defend in the fourth quarter by not allowing Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet to wear down the defense.
Limit the Explosives
The Seahawks will have their three-headed monster at wide receiver on Sunday, led by D.K. Metcalf. Expect them to line up Metcalf all over the field. Like their last meeting, the 49ers' defense limited Metcalf to one explosive play. Also, look out for Jaxon Smith-Njigba to stretch the field and Tyler Lockett as a red zone threat.
Since the 49ers continue to struggle against the screen pass, a defensive player must account for Walker out of the backfield. If the 49ers can limit the explosives in the air and on the ground, victory would be within their reach.
Contain
Geno Smith isn't the typical mobile quarterback, but the Seahawks are desperate to win by any means necessary. The 49ers can not afford to let Smith extend plays using his legs. This season, Smith has rushed for 193 yards on 37 attempts, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He has also rushed for a touchdown and 12 first downs, with three fumbles. If the 49ers can contain Smith and keep him in the pocket, the pass defense should continue to succeed against him.
Rush Force
With Christian McCaffrey back in his second game, expect the 49ers to run the ball heavily. Last week against the Buccaneers, the 49ers ran the ball 22 times for 75 yards. The Seahawks' rush defense ranks 26th in the NFL, giving up an average of 139.4 yards per game.
Expect the 49ers to move the ball laterally with Deebo Samuel and vertically with a mixture of McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, and Isaac Guerendo. Don't expect McCaffrey to come out of the game much, and expect the 49ers to move the ball on the ground in heavy doses.
Rhythm
Brock Purdy is undefeated against the Seahawks, including playoffs. Getting into a rhythm early in the game will be pivotal for the 49ers. Whether it's a pass or run, expect Purdy and the offense to execute Kyle Shanahan's play calls to perfection. The Seahawks' defense has weak spots, and we expect Purdy to take advantage of them with quick, accurate throws, check-downs, and screen passes.
If the 49ers run the ball successfully against the Seahawks, it will set up the play-action passing, and it could be a massive day for George Kittle and Jauan Jennings down the middle of the field. Purdy and the 49ers' rhythm are crucial keys in establishing victory.
With the NFC West title on the line, the Seahawks and the 49ers will come out swinging. If the 49ers stick to the keys to victory, they will be the "Last Man Standing," improving to 6-4 in the NFL and 2-2 in the division.