NFL picks and predictions, Seahawks vs. 49ers 2013: Split at Candlestick
The Seattle Seahawks are one of the league’s best teams, but many believe a short week will contribute to a loss in San Francisco.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
The Seahawks were dominant on Monday Night Football. Drew Brees and the Saints offense is one of the league's best but looked pedestrian against a stout Seattle defense. Playoff hopes hinge on a 49ers win, and experts are siding with the more desperate team.
ESPN's panel of experts are sticking with the home team. Candlestick part has been kind to San Francisco in 2013 as they have a 4-2 record at home. Colin Kaepernick has been more reliable in recent weeks, finding his footing and resulting in a small comeback for the once-struggling offense.
It’s a different story at CBS. Their panel isn’t buying the importance of the short week, or playing away from home -- with seven of their eight writers picking the Seahawks. Pete Prisco is the only panelist siding with San Francisco, and he has a 92-100 record on the year in picks.
Here at SB Nation, the panel is split. It’s an even 3-3 among our experts, with NFL editor Ryan Van Bibber justifying his pick of the Seahawks.
Seattle looked unstoppable on Monday night, shutting down the Saints. So it's a little surprising to see Pete Carroll's team as an underdog, even a slight one, here. Even with Michael Crabtree back in the mix now, it's hard not to imagine Seattle's back seven shutting down all of San Francisco's targets. Then again, on the road in a short week against a bitter division rival, the line might make a little more sense. Something else to consider; Pete Carroll has never won a professional game in San Francisco. In fact, the Seahawks haven't won there since 2008. But this Seahawks team is operating on an entirely different plane from years past.
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