Bryan DeArdo,*CBS Sports.com*: Prediction: Seahawks 19, 49ers 17
While the 49ers' defense has been dominant out of the gate, they haven't faced a quarterback of Russell Wilson's caliber. Wilson, who is the midst of an MVP season, will strengthen his MVP case by leading the Seahawks to an upset victory over the previously undefeated 49ers.
Gregg Rosenthal,*NFL.com*: San Francisco 49ers 31, Seattle Seahawks 21
Despite letting Russell Wilson throw 43 passes a week ago against Tampa, Pete Carroll and Brian Schottenheimer don't need an excuse to go run-heavy with their game script. It might even make some sense this week. The 49ers' pass defense is so good that its underrated secondary -- namely, Richard Sherman -- should be asking for its share of the credit soon along with the team's defensive line. Seahawks fans remember these sorts of intoxicating debates well from the not-so-distant past, when Sherman played for the last good Seahawks defense. Carroll's pride and joy is the worst unit in this game, and it's not particularly close, making it tough to pick a road upset even when Russell Wilson is playing this far out of his skull.
Brady Henderson,*ESPN.com*: 49ers 28, Seahawks 26
Bold prediction: The Seahawks will hold the 49ers' second-ranked rushing offense to under 125 yards as they try to make Jimmy Garoppolo beat them instead. The matchup suits Seattle's defense in one respect: San Francisco has run the second-fewest offensive snaps with at least three receivers on the field, which will allow the Seahawks to run their preferred base defense without as many linebacker-on-receiver mismatches.
Nick Wagoner,*ESPN.com*: 49ers 34, Seahawks 24
What to watch for: These are two of the top five rushing teams in the league, and both have run defenses allowing 4.7 or more yards per carry. Getting the run game going will be important for both sides, but especially for the 49ers -- a strong ground game can be the most effective way to slow Russell Wilson by keeping him off the field.
Michael David Smith,*ProFootballTalk.com*: 49ers 21, Seahawks 13
MDS: Russell Wilson is an MVP candidate running the Seahawks' offense, but he'll struggle against the outstanding 49ers defense.
Michael Florio,*ProFootballTalk.com*: Seahawks 23, 49ers 13
Florio's take: The 49ers won't go undefeated, and it's starting to feel like they're due to lose. The Seahawks are good enough to be the ones to deliver that first defeat.
Pete Prisco,*CBSSports.com*: 49ers 27, Seahawks 20
This is the game of the week. We get to see Russell Wilson against that 49ers defense. Can the Seahawks block that front? The Seattle defense has been awful the past few weeks. Jimmy Garoppolo might be able to take advantage of that. This could be fun to watch.
Bleacher Report*: 49ers 24, Seahawks 21*
The Seahawks have lost by more than six points only three times in their last 27 games and once in their last 19 road games. They play pretty much everybody close, and this should be no different.
Tadd Haislop,*SportingNews.com*: 49ers 26, Seahawks 17
Somewhat lost in the shadow of Russell Wilson's MVP-caliber play this season has been a shaky Seahawks defense that's allowing 25.6 points per game. While Seattle represents San Francisco's biggest test yet, the NFL's last remaining undefeated team this season won't have to deal with much resistance at home Monday night. Wilson, meanwhile, will need to be more magical than usual against a defense that can get to him without blitzing. He'll get his share of highlights, but they won't be enough.
More Picks From Around The Web
Six of the ten polled so far at ESPN.com side with the Seahawks this Monday.
Two of seven writers at USA Today pick the Monday.
