Three Seahawks defenders with most to prove vs. 49ers

The Seattle Seahawks have the worst odds of winning the NFC West in 2025, per ESPN Bet, at +550. However, the chippy squad has the chance to prove these odds wrong when they host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Several questions loom regarding the 49ers’ offense as they play their first game without wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who was traded to the Washington Commanders in March. Meanwhile, All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey was in doubt for Sunday's contest, but is expected to play.

Still, Seattle's defense faces significant pressure, but some players have more to prove in Week 1 of the season than others.

DeMarcus Lawrence plays his first game as a Seahawk

The Dallas Cowboys had an ugly offseason of shocking departures. Before defensive end Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers, longtime DE DeMarcus Lawrence was among the first to leave, signing a three-year deal with Seattle in free agency.

Lawrence’s addition gives the Seahawks a little bit more of a traditional defense, where they don’t have to count on their blitzing linebacker for consistent pressure. At 33, Lawrence doesn’t have much explosiveness left in the tank, but neither should 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams, who is 37. 

Lawrence and Williams likely won’t be facing each other on each snap, but they will be squaring off at times. The Seahawks will rely on Lawrence to be a presence in the backfield, forcing incomplete passes from 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. He has a big task ahead of him in his first regular-season game in a Seahawks jersey.

Ernest Jones gets his first crack as a full-season Seahawks starter

Seattle has played musical chairs with its linebackers over the last two seasons. Seahawks general manager John Schneider took a risk trading Jerome Baker and a fifth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for Ernest Jones last October. Jones then re-signed with the Seahawks on a three-year deal in March.

Jones had 10 solid starts with Seattle last year, but he gets to start Week 1 this season with some serious pressure. He will be tasked with being the most reliable reader on the field for Seattle. Even with Samuel gone, San Francisco will probably still utilize trick plays. 

There will also be plays where Jones must be strong in zone coverages against either tight end George Kittle or a receiver on an inside route.

Julian Love will be the last line of defense

The Seahawks will entrust Julian Love to read the 49ers' plays and be the last player to stop a big run from McCaffrey. 

Love has the potential to be one of the top safeties in the NFC — this game is his chance to show why.