Thursday Night Football Predictions: San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks

by Mike Allen - 11/20/2023

In the late game on Thanksgiving, the Seattle Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers at 8:20 Eastern. I imagine that’s about the time some of us start to come out of our food comas.

The previous game got out of hand midway through the third quarter. Dallas just picked off Sam Howell for the third time today. Maybe you took a walk with your cousin. Maybe you had to kick your nephews Kaden and Braden off the couch. Either way, though, you found a way to sleep off that last meal, though.

Now, you’re ready for the night game!

If you're on the West Coast, you need to know you're privileged. You get football in the morning, and it doesn't cut into your sleep. I never knew how good you guys had it until I moved to Las Vegas for a few years.

The San Francisco 49ers looked unbeatable to begin the season. They had some very key injuries and managed to lose three straight. Now, they are back healthy again and looking possibly even better than they were to start the season.

The Seattle Seahawks are coming off a disappointing one-point road loss to the LA Rams on Sunday, where they managed to score just 16 on offense. Holding the Rams to 17 is impressive, though, albeit sans Cooper Kupp.

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49ers vs Seahawks Betting Odds

Point Spread

San Francisco: -7 (-110)

Seattle: +7 (-110)

Wow, the Seattle Seahawks are 7-point underdogs at home! That is wild. We already mentioned, though, how well the Niners are playing right now.

I understand San Francisco being the favorite here, but 7 seems like a lot. This line opened at just 4 points, but wow, did it shift significantly in a short amount of time! Eighty-four % of the tickets and 77% of the money overall have already come in on the 49ers.

Moneyline

San Francisco: -310

Seattle: +260

Seattle had a chance to win on Sunday. They missed a very long field goal. Getting to that point was impressive, though. They controlled most of the game until quarterback Geno Smith was hit hard by Aaron Donald, forcing his exit.

With his elbow heavily padded, Smith sat on the sidelines and saw that the game was getting away from them. He returned, though, and looked good leading them down the field quickly, only to miss a long kick attempt for the win.

Point Total

Over 43: -110

Under 43: -110

The 49ers are 2nd in the NFL in yards per play on offense. They are 6th in both 3rd down conversion percentage and red zone touchdown scoring percentage, while the Seahawks' defense ranks 29th and 28th, respectively, at stopping teams on third down and in the red zone.

Even if Smith plays at QB for the Seahawks, they will likely struggle to slow down an offense with so many weapons.

49ers vs Seahawks Betting Analysis

Over the last three games, the Seattle Seahawks are struggling even worse on defense. They rank 31st in yards per rush against and 27th in yards per play against.

Now, what team do you think is 1st in yards per play on offense over the previous three games? You already know. The Niners are averaging 7.5 yards per play, while the Seahawks are down at a decent 5.1.

Will QB Smith play for the Seahawks? If you like the Niners, I would play them now because if they rule him out, this line could reach the double digits by kickoff.

They aren’t going to come out and say he is definitely playing. There is no reason to show those cards. Everybody knows his throwing arm is jacked up. The good thing for Seattle is that they are at home for this one.

You know the 12th Man is going to be behind them 100%.

49ers vs Seahawks Betting Prediction

I thought Smith looked good on that last drive, but he did make one throw that wasn’t even close. San Francisco already survived their lookahead game this past Sunday when they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-14.

It was 27-7 in the 3rd quarter. We aren't a fan of the betting line, but hey, when they're healthy, how can you bet against the San Francisco 49ers?

I promise you that Smith's elbow is more sore today than yesterday and possibly worse on Tuesday. Now, you get Chase Young and Nick Bosa, who will probably come along and finish the job Donald couldn't and knock Smith completely out of the game.

Pick: 49ers (-7)

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Thursday Night Football Predictions: San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks

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