November 17, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs the football against Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

PFF predicts Seahawks defy odds vs. 49ers in massive Week 1 showdown

Originally posted on Seattle Seahawks on SI
By Tim Weaver | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 1:30 PM ET

Despite having home-field advantage (assuming season ticket holders haven't all sold out already) the Seattle Seahawks are considered 1.5-point underdogs against the San Francisco 49ers this week, according to the latest odds at DraftKings Sportsbook. Most experts (roughly two-thirds) are also expecting the Niners to come out on top in Sunday's game.

If the odds and the experts were always right there'd be no need to play the games, though. We think the Seahawks are a great upset pick this week, and we're not alone. According to an analysis by Pro Football Focus, Seattle should be able to defy the odds.

PFF on Seahawks-49ers

The main reasoning here is that the 49ers' biggest weakness (outside zone run defense) plays right into the hands of the Seahawks, who will be running a heavy outsize zone scheme under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

More importantly, it seems Seattle finally has the right personnel to actually enginner a strong run game. The starting offensive line performed brilliantly during the preseason - especially as run blockers. The tight ends, fullbacks and wide receivers were all strong in this department, too.

It's a big if, but if that dynamic does carry over into the regular season, these Seahawks are going to be really, really hard to beat - even for conference heavyweights like the 49ers.

Better yet, the Niners' own run game is likely to be far from 100%, as San Francisco's superstar running back Christian McCaffrey has become a late addition to the 49ers' injury report.

This article first appeared on Seattle Seahawks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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