NFL Thursday night: Hot 49ers favored at Seattle, but is an upset in store? Our preview and pick
NFL WEEK 15
GREG COTE’S THURSDAY PICK
49ERS (9-4) at SEAHAWKS (7-6)
Line: SF by 3 1/2.
Cote’s pick: SF, 24-17.
TV: 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Prime Video.
A gambling-prone buddy of mine likes to say, “The trend is your friend.” To which another buddy always cautions, “But the trend must end.” That exchange comes to mind as I note San Fran has lost 12 of its past 14 trips to Seattle. Despite that the Niners have every reason to feel great entering Thursday night’s Week 15 kickoff ... and thus every reason to be overconfident as they try to clinch the NFC West title with a win.. They have won six in a row while the Seahawks have dropped three of past four. And 49ers won the first meeting easily, 27-7. All of these factors are why (perhaps counter-intuitively) I give the Hawks a fairly big upset shot here. Three of SF’s four losses have been on the road, the team is missing offensive do-it-all Deebo Samuel to injury ... and isn’t Brock Purdy Mania do a stumble? This is why I would consider an upset call — but not pull the trigger. Christian McCaffrey should have a big night vs. SEA’s weak run defense, and the Niners’ elite D should do enough to continue the recent woes of Geno Smith.
Note: Betting line courtesy Caesars Sportsbook as of Wednesday afternoon. Picks for remainder of Week 15 games will appear online Thursday afternoon and in print Friday.
