The first matchup of Super Wild Card Weekend will be a third meeting between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, which could be overlooked based on the previous two meetings. San Francisco won the first two matchups by a combined score of 48-20 — games in which the Seahawks were outplayed by two different 49ers teams.
Christian McCaffrey wasn’t on the 49ers in the first matchup, while Trey Lance was the starting quarterback before he went down with a season-ending injury. Jimmy Garoppolo filled in for Lance that day, but not even he made it until the second meeting in Week 15 due to a season-ending injury of his own. Seventh-round rookie Brock Purdy made his first road start against the Seahawks in that showdown, going 17 of 26 for 217 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions (117.0 rating) in another game the 49ers dominated the majority of the contest.
The Seahawks have been one of the surprising teams in the league this season, making the playoffs in the first year without Russell Wilson. Geno Smith turned in a Pro Bowl campaign, leading the league in completion percentage (69.8%) while throwing for 4,282 yards with 30 touchdowns to 11 interceptions (100.9 rating). Seattle also had arguably the most productive rookie class in the NFL, namely running back Kenneth Walker, tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, and cornerbacks Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant. Seattle was able to get in the playoffs on the last day of the regular season, despite going 3-5 to close out the year.
Can the Seahawks pull off the upset against the 49ers? Here’s a preview of Saturday’s wild-card showdown:
How to watch
Date: Saturday, Jan. 14 | Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Location: Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
TV: Fox | Stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds: 49ers -9, O/U 42
Featured Game | San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Christian McCaffrey against the Seahawks run defense
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