After a 19-16 win over the Rams in Week 18 and some help from the Detroit Lions, the Seahawks prepare for a third matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Saturday's NFC Wild Card matchup. As Seattle looks to get over the hump against their 13-4 divisional foe, here are five things to know about what they're up against.
Samson Ebukam: PNW Product
Much like Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, 49ers defensive end Samson Ebukam is of Nigerian-descent and grew up in the west. Moving from the Nigerian city of Onitsha to Portland at 9 years old, Ebukam developed into a multi-position star on the field at David Douglas High. With only two Division One offers coming out of high school, Ebukam chose Eastern Washington over his hometown Portland State. The 2016 All-Big Sky First Team selection was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
Through his first-four seasons with Los Angeles, Ebukam recorded 18.5 sacks. In his first season with San Francisco, he notched a new career-high in sacks (5.0). In a Week 18 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Ebukam recorded a half sack. For Seattle, keeping the pressure off quarterback Geno Smith is a key to victory.
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Brandon Aiyuk: 1k Club
Despite the shuffle at quarterback throughout the season, 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk hit the 1,000-yard mark for the first time. The third-year Arizona State alum caught 78 passes for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns.
With Aiyuk becoming the 49ers' primary target, Seattle will try to keep the ball out of his hands. Over the course of San Francisco's last-three games, Aiyuk has been targeted 24 times with 18 receptions, both team highs over that span.
Nick Bosa: Top of the Class
For the second-consecutive season, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa recorded more than 15 sacks. The Ohio State alum led the league with 18.5 sacks, recording four in his last four games.
Seattle will look to slow down the No.2 overall selection in the 2019 draft, after he record three sacks and eight quarterback hits in two matchups this season.
Arik Armstead: Man of The Year Nominee
49ers Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominee Arik Armstead's value to the team goes beyond the stat sheet. The eighth-year defensive end was selected in the first round of the 2015 draft out of Oregon.
In addition to being one of the league's premier run-stoppers, Armstead is a tested pass-rushing threat. In six postseason contests, Armstead has recorded five sacks.
49ers Injuries: Jimmy Garoppolo, Ambry Thomas
After fighting through key injuries on both sides of the ball for the majority of the season, San Francisco comes into Saturday's contest relatively healthy. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo remains sidelined with a foot fracture. Coach Kyle Shanahan discussed the team's injury report after the removal of players like linebacker Dre Greenlaw and tackle Mike McGlinchey.
"We know who's playing and got a number of guys back that we haven't had," said Shanahan. "Excited about that."
49ers cornerback Ambry Thomas will miss Saturday's Wild Card action due to an ankle injury that's kept him sidelined since the team's 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders on Christmas Eve.
