The 6-4 Seahawks face the 7-3 San Francisco 49ers in one of three Thanksgiving Day matchups, the first of two games in less than three weeks between the NFC West's top two teams. Here are six things to know about Seattle's Week 12 opponent ahead of Thursday's meeting.
Brock Purdy: On The Rise
Second-year quarterback Brock Purdy continues to ascend in 2023 after climbing the depth chart to start nine games as a rookie. The Iowa State alum has risen from seventh-round pick to topping the NFL in several statistical categories in Year 2. Purdy currently ranks No. 1 league-wide in completion percentage (70%), yards-per-attempt (9.7), passer rating (115.1), No. 5 in passing yardage (2,662) and No. 7 in passing touchdowns (18).
In his last two games, Purdy has completed 40-51 passes for 629 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions, helping the 49ers bounce back with consecutive wins following a three-game losing streak.
Brandon Aiyuk: Deep Threat
San Francisco currently ranks No. 3 offensively, averaging 387 total yards per game, while ranking eighth in passing yards per game (254.3). Fourth-year wideout Brandon Aiyuk leads the team in receiving yardage (831) as he approaches his second-consecutive 1,000-yard season, and is averaging a career-best 19.3 yards per reception. Seattle will look to prevent Aiyuk from scoring a touchdown in his third-consecutive game, after the Arizona State alum recorded five catches for 156 yards and a touchdown in Week 11 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Aiyuk has recorded 100-plus receiving yards in two of his last three games; and 50-plus seven straight games.
George Kittle: A Thorn In Seattle's Side Who Has Respect For The 12s
Seventh-year tight end George Kittle will face Seattle for the 11th time on Thursday, as the Seahawks will look to slow down his recent production in the rivalry matchup. Kittle has been on the receiving end of 45 passes for 655 yards and four touchdowns against Seattle all time, including 274 yards and four touchdowns in the last two regular-season matchups. On the season, Kittle has 43 receptions for 648 yards and five touchdowns (15.1 YPC). Earlier this week, the Iowa alum discussed playing in Seattle in a Turkey Day special.
"Very excited about Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks," Kittle told reporters. "... It's one of my favorite atmospheres and places to play. They absolutely hate us, and what a great fan base to absolutely hate us. It's really fun. It's going to be an exciting game and we have to go up there and get a win."
Fred Warner: Leader of the Pack
Sixth-year 49ers linebacker Fred Warner is just 10 tackles shy of his sixth-consecutive 100-tackle season, along with three interceptions, three forced fumbles, eight passes defensed and 2.5 sacks through 10 games played. The Brigham Young University alum and two-time All-Pro selection (2020, 2022) leads a stingy San Francisco defense, ranking third in rushing yards allowed (81.4), fifth in total yardage allowed per game (302.8) and leading the league in fewest points allowed per game (15.7).
49ers Defense: Few Points Allowed
Through 11 weeks, no team has surrendered fewer points (157) or allowed fewer per game (15.7) than the 49ers. In six of seven wins, the 49ers held opponents under 20 points, while they allowed a combined 72 points in their three losses. Seattle currently sits amongst the middle-of-the-pack, at 21.6 points per game (16th). Putting points on the board will be a priority for Seattle, as they face a 49ers defense that surrendered just 17 total points in their last two games.
Nick Bosa & Chase Young: Buckeye Reunion
The San Francisco 49ers completed a deal to acquire defensive end Chase Young from the Washington Commanders at the trade deadline earlier this month. The acquisition reunited the fourth-year Ohio State alum with his fellow edge rusher and former college teammate Nick Bosa. In two games with the 49ers, Young has made an impact early, recording 1.5 sacks in consecutive wins. Bosa leads the defense with 5.5 sacks, along with seven tackles for loss, a forced fumble and recovery. On Tuesday, Bosa responded to the media about having his former teammate playing on the opposite edge and his impact.
"Just having him out there is really good energy," said Bosa. "He's excited to go out there and play, he wants to get those important reps in the game. And, we're talking before plays, kind of talking about what we're going to do. When he causes pressure, I cause pressure - it seems like the other guy ends up cleaning it up."
Seattle will look to protect the pocket, as the 49ers have four defensive linemen (Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, Drake Jackson) who currently have recorded three-plus sacks on the year.
