Seahawks +3 (-145 on FanDuel)
This will be the first time these divisional rivals open the season since 2010, when the Seahawks won 31-6. This year should be closer, but Seattle still has the edge. The 49ers’ offense is full of question marks: Brandon Aiyuk is on the PUP list, Deebo Samuel was traded to Washington, and Jauan Jennings is battling a calf injury while also requesting a trade. That likely leaves only George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey as proven options offensively for the 49ers.
Seattle’s defense, which allowed just 17.5 points per game over the second half of last season (tied for third-fewest in the NFL), should take advantage of a banged-up San Francisco offense in a loud Lumen Field. On the other side, Klint Kubiak’s run-first scheme matches up well against a defense that ranked 23rd in rushing yards allowed last year. Expect the Seahawks to score enough to cover. Seattle is currently a 2.5-point underdog, but the smarter play is buying the half-point to +3 for field-goal insurance.
Kenneth Walker Anytime TD (+125 on FanDuel)
The Seahawks moved on from offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb after the run game fell short of head coach Mike Macdonald’s vision. Macdonald wants a team built in the Ravens’ mold—physical, run-first, and backed by a suffocating defense. That’s why Klint Kubiak was the perfect hire. Kubiak has emphasized establishing the ground game, bringing in veteran offensive line coach John Benton, run game coordinator Rick Dennison, and run game specialist Justin Outten. Seattle even used its first-round pick on offensive lineman Grey Zabel, signaling a full commitment to pounding the rock.
All of this sets up Kenneth Walker as the focal point of the offense. Walker has been great at finding the end zone since entering the league, scoring seven times in just 11 games last year. Facing a 49ers defense that was below average against the run, Walker is positioned to cash for bettors right out of the gate.
Under 43.5 Total Points (-105 on FanDuel)
All signs point to this game leaning under the total. Divisional matchups often trend that way, with both teams familiar with each other’s tendencies and defensive schemes. As mentioned earlier, Seattle has made it clear they want to establish the run under new OC Klint Kubiak, and San Francisco’s wide receiver group is banged up, meaning Kyle Shanahan may lean even heavier on Christian McCaffrey to carry the offense. If both teams commit to a run-first approach, it should shorten the game and limit the number of possessions.
Additionally, both teams are also built around defense. Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks are expected to field one of the stingiest units in the NFC, while the 49ers’ defense is expected to perform well even after some offseason turnover. Add in the forecast—rain is expected in Seattle on Sunday—and all of the ingredients are there for a slower, grind-it-out style of football.
