If you have come here looking for the matchup or statistical thread that can be spun into a story for how Seattle can rise up and beat their most hated rival, this is going to be a sobering read. The San Francisco 49ers are the better team in almost all regards. Their strengths also match up with the Seahawks weaknesses, and they already have handed Seattle their most lopsided loss of the season. The only mystery here is whether Seattle can put up a fight or be blown off their home field. The line only favors the 49ers by 3.5 in this one. I see the 49ers and 10+ points better than Seattle, even on the road.

That is the case even with San Francisco already losing their top two starting quarterbacks for the season, and their rookie 7th round pick also injured and playing his first road game in the NFL. Brock Purdy is currently trying to play through an injured oblique. If he doesn’t go, journeyman Josh Johnson will take the helm. Unless either of them decide to repeatedly throw the ball to Seattle or audible out of run plays, it does not really matter who is behind center.

The 49ers are a dominant run team. They have run for over 100 yards in six of their last seven games (96 in the other), and over 120 yards in four of the last five. Seattle has given up 120+ rushing yards in five straight games, over 160 in their last four, over 170 in their last three, and over 220 in two of their last three. Ugh.

Add to that an injury to Seattle’s best run defender, Al Woods, who is unlikely to play and a rush offense that has not broken the century mark in five weeks while also committing at least two turnovers in three straight, and you start to run out of sensible reasons to think this game will be competitive.

The only game script that could make this game a surprise would be if Seattle makes a massive change to their run defense, either choosing to switch to their over front from years past or a players meeting has a surprising effect, and are able to force the game into the hands of whoever is playing quarterback for San Francisco. Seattle would need a turnover or two, while managing to not surrender any themselves. They would probably need a special teams big play, and would need a virtuoso performance from Geno Smith. You never know, right? Narrator: I think we know.

The way this works: Each offense will be pitted against the opposing defense and compared on an array of key statistical attributes based on their respective rank in the NFL. The tables that follow show the rank of each unit for each of these categories.

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Seahawks Offense vs 49ers Defense

49ers key advantages on defense

This is the best defense in the NFL and it may not be close. They are dominant at the line of scrimmage, at the second level, and are above average in the secondary. They have playmakers at each level as well. Nick Bosa has 5 hits and 2.0 sacks in the first matchup between these teams. Charvarius Ward and Tashaun Gipson both has interceptions. Dre Greenlaw, Fred Warner, and Azeez Al-Shaair are an elite linebacking trio. Jimmie Ward can be a big playmaker at nickel or safety. Talanoa Hufanga is a handful at safety. Seattle has little hope to get their run game going against the best run defense in the NFL.

Seahawks key advantages on offense

The closest thing to an advantage that the Seahawks have is their receivers and Smith against the 49ers corners. Emmanuel Moseley was lost for the season. Samuel Womack has been out and is not expected to play. They had hoped Jason Verrett would make it back, but he was lost for the season during practice. That leaves Ward and Deommodore Lenoir at corner, and really nobody behind them. Expect San Francisco to elevate some practice squad players there.

Tyler Lockett had 9 catches for 107 yards in the first game, and that was against a much healthier and talented secondary. D.K. Metcalf had only 4 catches for 35 yards. Success will need to come from the receivers as the tight ends versus these linebackers is probably a losing proposition.

It is hard to imagine a positive outcome for Seattle that doesn’t involve a big game from Metcalf.

One other note is the 49ers starting run-stuffing defensive tackle, Kevin Givens, is unlikely to play. They are already a little thin there. Hard to see Seattle run-blocking well enough for it to matter.

49ers Offense vs Seahawks Defense

49ers key advantages on offense

The 49ers have a solid offensive line, built around arguably the best lineman in football in Trent Williams. They have lost their two starting quarterbacks. They have lost Elijah Mitchell. They have lost Deebo Samuel. Those injuries may impact San Francisco in the playoffs, but should have little effect on this game.

Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Kyle Juszczyk, George Kittle, and lesser known Jordan Mason are still there. The Panthers and Rams had a lot less than that and ran all over this Seattle defense.