Happy Blue Friday, 12s. Here's a look at what's happening today, October 30, with your Seattle Seahawks.
Picks And Predictions For Week 8 Matchup Vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Seahawks (5-1) are looking to bounce back from their overtime loss at the Cardinals as they return home to take on the San Francisco 49ers (4-3) this Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1:25 p.m. at CenturyLink Field; the game will air on Fox.
"Wanna see a shootout? This matchup has all the makings of one," Henderson said. "The Seahawks' top three running backs are all question marks due to injuries, which could force them to focus their game plan around MVP front-runner Russell Wilson and his receivers. Their defense has already allowed the most yards through six games in NFL history and could again be without safety Jamal Adams. That's a bad combination against an excellent playcaller in Kyle Shanahan." Henderson has the Hawks winning 38-35.
NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal likes the Niners to get a one-point win on the road, 28-27: "This 49ers season has been a rollercoaster, but at their best, they are more complete than the Hawks. San Francisco is the only team other than Tampa Bay that ranks in the top eight of DVOA in offense and defense, while the bye week didn't solve Seattle's defensive issues. This wouldn't be that big of an upset."
Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News thinks Russell Wilson will bounce back from his three-interception performance last weekend to lead the Seahawks to the win, 34-27: "The Seahawks keep on rolling with Russell Wilson, but their defensive woes finally caught up to them. San Francisco will be down wide receiver Deebo Samuel again, while Seattle is set to have running back Chris Carson out of the lineup. It's easier to trust Wilson to execute on more big plays and shake off a multiple-interception game at home vs. Jimmy G on the road. With the rushing attacks contained, Wilson operates the more dangerous overall passing game."
Benjamin Hoffman of the New York Times noted the Seahawks’ defensive struggles so far this season, but ultimately thinks Russell Wilson and the offense can do enough to cover the spread and get the win: "Seattle is ... 23rd in points allowed per game, 24th in net yards allowed per passing attempt, 31st in passing yards allowed and 30th in first downs allowed. This is not a blip: The team is bad defensively. The question is if 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo can exploit that awful Seahawks pass defense to the extent that he is keeping up with a highly motivated Russell Wilson. Pick: Seahawks -3."
Three of the four Seattle Times sports writers picked the Seahawks to win, though none by a margin of more than four points.
Larry Stone doesn't trust the Seahawks defense to get it done, choosing the 49ers to get a 33-30 road win: "I have refrained from picking against the Seahawks all season, but last week showed what a good team can do against a greatly flawed defense. Sure, Russell Wilson's three interceptions didn't help, but 34 points should always be enough to win. Even with reinforcements coming on defense (not, however, newly acquired defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who won't be eligible for another week), I see them losing in another shootout against the NFL's 12th-most productive offense.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio and Michael David Smith each like the Seahawks to win. "The 49ers have played much better football than anyone reasonably could have expected after their rash of early-season injuries, but they're going to have a hard time keeping Russell Wilson in check," Smith said. His score prediction: 31-27. Florio likes the Hawks by a score of 34-30.
Sam Farmer of the LA Times had a similar prediction as he also chose the Seahawks to win by a score of 31-27: "As usual, it all depends on Russell Wilson, because Seattle's defense is terrible. The 49ers are still battling, even though they've had more than their share of injuries. Home team wins a shootout."
Homegating Recipe of the Week Presented by Safeway – Super Simple Slow cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
This healthy alternative to the barbecue classic makes for a great weekend family dinner or gameday meal. Slow-cook a pork tenderloin all day or overnight and top with a delicious and simple blended barbecue sauce, then add pinto beans and serve on sandwich thins. Click here for instructions and ingredients.
Super Simple Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Enjoy this healthier version of a homegating barbecue favorite! Cook a pork tenderloin in the slow cooker on low all day or overnight with a delicious blended sauce, then add pinto beans and serve on sandwich thins. Top with coleslaw if desired.
Remember, in addition to providing detailed instructions, Safeway has also added a "Shop the Recipe" feature to the recipe page, making it easy to add all the ingredients (or just the ones you need) to your cart for a Safeway DriveUp & Go or Delivery order.
Social Post Of The Day
Newly-added Carlos Dunlap thanks the Cincinnati Bengals and looks ahead to playing for the 12s in Seattle with this tweet on Thursday.
More From Around The Web
Seahawks.com reporter John Boyle on how rookie LB Jordyn Brooks is rounding into form after a frustrating start to the season.
Larry Stone of the Seattle Times on how the trade for Carlos Dunlap could help Russell Wilson’s MVP pursuit.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times gives some key matchups to keep your eye on during the Seahawks’ matchup with the 49ers this Sunday.
At USA Today, read how Tyler Lockett took time to appreciate his monster performance last Sunday against the Cardinals.
710 ESPN's Danny O'Neil says the Seahawks will be facing a former version of themselves this Sunday when they take on the 49ers.
