NFL Playoffs Divisional Round: 49ers-Seahawks betting preview (odds, lines, best bets)

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (-7) [Total: 45]

Game Overview

As highlighted in our look at early lines to target in the divisional round, when these NFC West rivals faced off just two weeks ago in a game to decide the conference’s No.1 seed, the Seahawks delivered a 13-3 victory. In that contest, Mike Macdonald’s defense put on a clinic, limiting Brock Purdy and company to just 4.1 yards per play and a season-low mark in EPA per play. 

The Seahawks have established themselves as a team that prides itself on stout defense, leading the NFL in EPA allowed per play during the regular season. In turn, the offensive philosophy also caters to that strength, running the ball at the second-highest rate in the NFL (47.8%) to condense the game. That approach has made it difficult for opposing offenses to score, with Seattle having surrendered the fewest points per game (16.8) in the NFL during the regular season. 

This matchup also has key injuries to watch for both teams. For Seattle, quarterback Sam Darnold was a late addition to the injury report after exiting practice on Thursday with an oblique injury. He is expected to play, but he may not be 100%. 

For San Francisco, the loss of tight end George Kittle leaves the offense down a key playmaker. Yet, the team's defense was given hope after linebacker Fred Warner was able to return to practice after undergoing ankle surgery earlier in the year. No official decisions have been made regarding his activation, but his return would be a welcome addition to the 49ers' struggling defense.

Best Bet: TE Jake Tonges, San Francisco 49ers: Anytime TD (+315)

Pointed out by PFF betting analyst Ben Linsey during our look at anytime touchdown targets for the divisional round, Tonges steps into a crucial role with George Kittle out of the lineup. Tonges ranks second, behind only Christian McCaffrey, among 49ers players in targets inside the 25-yard line, putting the tight end in a strong position to see volume in condensed fields.

49ers Targets Inside 25-Yard Line (Without Kittle)

While the Seahawks maintain a strong defense, they tend to funnel passes to tight ends and running backs. They don’t surrender touchdowns to the tight end position at a significant rate, but they rank 29th in receptions allowed.