NFL Playoffs: Seahawks v 49ers Preview

By Sam Cook

The NFL playoffs get under way tonight and because its Super Wildcard Weekend we don't have to wait up till 1 in the morning for the first action.

Instead us UK fans are gifted with a 9.30 kick off albeit in a game that features two of the least exciting teams left with a chance at the Superbowl.

But we don't bet on how entertaining a game is we bet where the value is and the value tonight is massively in favour of Seattle.

I know, I know, it sounds daft to back the seventh seed against the second, especially when on the two occasions they've played this season it's gone the 49ers way but I think thr Seahawks are being slept on heavily.

Brock Purdy has done more than enough to keep the 49ers above board, in fact during his time as starter the San Fran side have gone an impressive 6-0 but they've faced woeful teams.

Seattle were one of those six teams in fairness but the Hawks were coming out of a rut and the staunch 49ers defence took over.

I don't expect that again tonight, in fact I think it'll be the Seattle defence that takes over. Purdy is fine at QB but he's simply a game manager, to stop the 49ers you stop CMC and I back Seattle to manage that far better tonight than last time when he went for over 100 rushing yards.

Seattle rank 10th for fewest rush yards conceded across their last three and were it not for the Rams completely abandoning the pass under Baker Mayfield in week 18 that average of just 99 yards would be even lower.

Taking away the 49ers run game means they'll have to pass but the Seahawks have one of the best secondaries in the league with Tariq Woolen looking a standout bet for defensive rookie of the year on account of his six interceptions.

Across the last three Seattle have allowed only 52% pass completion which ranks fourth lowest whereas the 49ers rank 30th at a huge 71.58%.

Add in the fact Geno Smith is on a Pro Bowl year with both Metcalf and Lockett having surpassed 1000 receiving yards I think were in for an upset.

Lockett has 16 catches for 175 yards in his two games against the 49ers, hammer his over, whilst DK has 11 catches in those games as well.

The 49ers have that notoriously strong run defence but potential offensive rookie of the year Kenneth Walker will laugh at that considering he has a total of 354 rush yards in his past 3 games, surpassing 100 yards on each occasion. Hit the overs.

The 49ers only hope will become the short passing game which will favour Kittle and CMC who I think could fly high on receptions but my score prediction in what's set to be a tight game is Seattle 32-30 with Jason Myers kicking 12 points and Brock Purdy blowing it in a two minute drill wirh a chance to win after Seattle fail their 2 point conversion. I've written the script, take it to your bookies and cash in. Its Geno Smith time baby!

Oh and whilst we're hyped up about an underdog win make sure you sign up to BinkBet and take advantage of their insanely brave and bold price boost of the Seahawks to win at a market leading 5/1.