49ers vs Seahawks NFL Pick: Seattle QB Sam Darnold Faces Former SF Teammates (Sep 7)

• Our 49ers vs Seahawks pick for NFL Week 1 looks at hard-hitting NFC West rivals meeting in Seattle
• Seattle’s new big-money QB is Sam Darnold, who two years ago was the 49ers’ backup
• San Francisco tries to recover from its disappointing 2024 season, hoping their fall was due to devastating injuries to star players
• Both teams are expected to be playoff contenders

The 49ers Have Retooled for 2025

The 49ers were a disappointing 6-11 in 2024. Much of that was clearly due to injuries to key performers Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa, Brandon Aiyuk, and Talanoa Hufanga. They lost seven of their last eight after hovering around first place in the NFC West for the first half of the season.

One order of business was completed when the ‘Niners signed QB Brock Purdy to a long-term contract guaranteeing him $182.55 million. He’s gone from Mr. Irrelevant to Mr. Franchise.

In 2024, the 49ers beat the Seahawks in Week 6 in Seattle. The Seahawks won the rematch in San Francisco in Week 11.

During the offseason, San Francisco focused on reinforcements on defense, particularly the line. This will be crucial against Seattle, given the home team’s inexperienced receiving corps.

Longtime star receiver Deebo Samuel was traded to the Commanders, an agreed-upon split that is probably in the best interests of both parties.

Although the 49ers made sure they have depth at running back with the addition of Brian Robinson Jr. and the returning Isaac Guerendo, McCaffrey’s health is a determinative factor for their season. Against Seattle, who will hit hard, the first game will be an indicator as to whether he’s back and 100%.

The Sam Darnold Era Begins

The Seahawks have moved on from their former Pete Carroll-era players Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett. Sam Darnold takes over as their new QB.

Darnold was the 49ers’ backup in 2023 before his surprising star turn with the Vikings in 2024 got him a $100.5 million contract with Seattle.

Head coach Mike Macdonald brought the Seahawks in at 10-7 in 2024, barely missing the playoffs due to losing a tiebreaker with the NFC West champion Rams. They were maddeningly inconsistent with a three-game and four-game winning streak bracketing losing streaks.

Macdonald was a longtime Ravens’ defensive assistant, so expect a similar type of play from his newly constituted Seahawks, featuring a rough, tough defense and a strong running game. They did not replace their departed receivers apart from acquiring veteran Cooper Kupp.

Klint Kubiak is their new offensive coordinator.

49ers vs Seahawks NFL Pick

The Seahawks’ win over the 49ers in their second matchup in the 2024 season broke a six-game 49ers’ win streak. Before that, the Seahawks had won four straight.

In short, one team has frequently dominated the other. For the 2025 opener, they are relatively evenly matched. San Francisco will try to get McCaffrey involved early and push the ball downfield. Seattle will hit hard, use Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III to establish the run with Darnold taking shots downfield.

This will be a tight matchup at Lumen Field in Seattle with the favored ‘Niners covering the 2.5-point spread.