Another important defender for the Seahawks is out due to injury.
The Seattle Seahawks’ defence has recently suffered a great quantity of injuries, and sadly, the issue isn’t going away anytime soon. Because Seahawks outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu never seems to catch a break, it hurts much more.
Nwosu’s injury comeback did not even last through the entire game; due to a thigh injury, he will be placed back on the injured list. Nwosu’s season ended on injured reserve last year as a result of a pectoral injury.
Nwosu had an MCL sprain in his knee during Seattle’s final preseason game in August, but he recovered in time to be ready for the 2024 campaign. As a result, he missed the first four regular season games. In Sunday’s Week 5 matchup with the New York Giants, Nwosu made a comeback to the field, but he was forced to leave the game early due to a fresh thigh injury.
Following his placement on injured reserve, Nwosu will miss a minimum of four games. Along with Nwosu’s injury problems, the Seahawks also had to play without defensive tackle Byron Murphy II’s hamstring and outside linebacker Boye Mafe due to injuries last Sunday. During the Giants game, Seattle lost outside linebacker Derick Hall (foot) and cornerback Riq Woollen (ankle). Leonard Williams, a seasoned defensive end, also made a comeback on Sunday after missing the previous week due to a rib injury. He might not play, though, given Seattle’s short week and their game against the 49ers on Thursday.
What do the Seahawks do next?
Considering that the San Francisco 49ers are in town, the Seahawks and their supporters may be concerned. Since the beginning of the 2022 season, the Seahawks have suffered five straight losses to San Francisco, including in the postseason. In that time, the 49ers have outscored them 148 to 72. Thus, a defence with less firepower may seriously burn Seattle. Particularly if the Seahawks hope to maintain their lead in the NFC West championship game.
One of the NFL’s best offensive teams is the 49ers. San Francisco is ranked fourth in passing offence (263.4), ninth in running offence (144), and second in total offence (407.4) after five games. With six throwing touchdowns, quarterback Brock Purdy is ranked seventh in the NFL in terms of QBR (66) and fourth in terms of passing yards (1,374). He completed 22 of 30 passes for 292 yards and three throwing touchdowns on September 22 against the Rams. Thus, the Seahawks may have their hands full on Thursday Night Football without so many important defenders.
Seattle, though, was winning games before losing their final two. With an astounding 71.9% completion percentage, Geno Smith continues to lead the league in passing attempts (199) and passing yards (1,466). At the position, his 146 rushing yards rank eighth. It might depend on which offensive unit can produce a bigger play when it matters most.
49ers Look to Extend Dominance Over Seahawks in Crucial NFC West Showdown
Every game between the two teams is historically crucial for the divisional rankings, making this rivalry between the NFC West teams one of the fiercest in the league.
In keeping with their previous supremacy in this divisional rivalry, the San Francisco 49ers are 3.5-point favourites over the Seattle Seahawks going into their game on Thursday night. San Francisco has defeated Seattle in five straight games, going 4-1 against the spread (ATS) and winning each by a double digit margin.
Although there has been a previous history of one-sided games in this series, Seattle is known for winning at home when it loses.
Current standings and predictions for the 49ers and Seahawks
The Seahawks recently suffered a difficult 29-20 home loss to the New York Giants. But since 2011, Seattle has only lost back-to-back home games twice, and both times it was at the hands of the 49ers.
The Seahawks have a decent overall record at home and will be hoping to avoid continuing that regrettable pattern on Thursday night, despite the recent past.
Notably, Seattle is favoured at home against San Francisco, even though the Seahawks have a winning 3-2 record. The Seahawks are down more than a field goal against this losing San Francisco squad.
This has immediately created betting opportunities, particularly in light of Thursday night division games. When playing a team with a worse record, Thursday night home underdogs in the division—like Seattle—with a win percentage of.400 or higher have historically gone 10-2 against the spread since 2012.
Plus, losing teams who are favourites on the road, like the 49ers, have not fared well in these divisional games. These clubs have a 1-23-1 record against the spread since 2011, when they played a winning division opponent. These numbers demonstrate San Francisco’s difficulty going into this Thursday night matchup.
Even with these tendencies in Seattle’s advantage, some analysts are still optimistic about San Francisco. The betting line that favours the 49ers by more than a field goal says it all.
Despite Seattle’s tenacity at home, many predict the 49ers will cover the spread once more due to San Francisco’s recent dominance in the series and the decisiveness of their triumphs.
