49ers-Seahawks game predictions: The team with the most big plays will win

It’s time for the game everyone had circled on their calendars when the NFL released its 2020 regular-season schedule. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in a big NFC West showdown.

Despite a bevy of injuries, the Niners have won back-to-back games and climbed back into the thick of things in the division. The good news for San Francisco will have some reinforcements back in the lineup. K’Waun Williams and Tevin Coleman should play against the Seahawks. Tight end Jordan Reed will be a game-time decision.

Seattle is dealing with injuries as well. All-Pro safety Jamal Adams is expected to miss the game with a groin injury. Cornerback Shaquil Griffin and running backs Chris Carson plus Carlos Hyde will also be sidelined.

The 49ers and Seahawks played two highly-entertaining games last season. This one could come down to the wire.

Here are the predictions for Week 8 from Niners Nation contributors:

Kyle Posey: Both teams have been hit hard by the injury bug, but the 49ers are trending in the right direction. General manager John Lynch said on KNBR Friday morning saying that he’s optimistic Jimmie Ward would suit up and that K’Waun Williams and Tevin Coleman have a solid chance to play. The surprise was when Lynch said that tight end Jordan Reed beat his expected MCL sprain timeline has a real chance to play Sunday.

Both offenses shouldn’t have trouble moving the ball. Which defense can get the most stops in the red area? If you had to pick, you’d say San Francisco’s. Which quarterback do you trust to make the fewest mistakes and the biggest plays? If you had to take a lie detector test, you’d answer Russell Wilson. Which team is playing better football right now? We’ve gone over how fortunate Seattle has been this season. I’m taking the better overall team that isn’t reliant on one player. Missing Deebo Samuel will hurt, but if there’s one guy you wanted scheming up plays without a key player, it’s Kyle Shanahan.

Kyle’s prediction: 49ers 27, Seahawks 26.

Rob Guerrera: Recent history has shown that 49ers Seahawks games in the Shanahan-Carroll era always come down to big plays. Seattle has shown an ability to make them this year, both on offense with Russ’s moon balls and defense by being fifth in the league in takeaways. If the 49ers can stop just one of those things from happening, they’ll win this game. We know it’s going to be close late, and I trust Kyle to keep the ball out of harm’s way enough to sneak out CenturyLink with a win.

Rob’s prediction: 49ers 30, Seahawks 27

Jas Kang: The 49ers have looked very good over the last two weeks with head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasizing running the football. The Seahawks’ defense is simply awful. The unit has given up 2,875 total yards this season, the most of any team in NFL history through six games, per Elias Sports Bureau. The Niners should be able to move the ball at will, especially with Jamal Adams most likely sitting this one out. San Francisco’s offensive line has played much better the last two games and should be able to handle Seattle’s pressure. On the flip side, Wilson and the Seahawks’ offense has been excellent all season, but it will be down two running backs on Sunday. Starter Chris Carson and backup Carlos Hyde will be OUT for this one. San Francisco’s defense has looked outstanding, despite a mediocre pass rush. The 49ers will have to contain Wilson so he can’t extend plays with his legs, which is easier said than done. I expect this one to be close, but I think they pull off the win in a shootout with how the Niners’ offense has played the last two games.

Jas’ prediction: SF wins, 31-27

What is your prediction for the final score?