How to watch Seahawks vs. 49ers online: Time, TV schedule and live stream

The NFL closes out Thanksgiving with the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Seattle Seahawks. This is the first time the two teams have faced each other since their meeting in the NFC championship game in January.

The Seahawks are fresh off a win over the division-leading Arizona Cardinals. The dominant narrative of that game was Dan Quinn's defense, which held Arizona to just three points. However, despite the lopsided final score, Seattle had issues protecting Russell Wilson all game. Todd Bowles' blitz-heavy scheme worked to perfection, sacking the quarterback seven times. Whether the Seahawks can keep Wilson upright may well determine how far into the postseason they can go.

As for the 49ers, the return of outside linebacker Aldon Smith has reinvigorated their defense. Smith, who sat out the first nine games of the season while serving a suspension for substance abuse, is a dynamic pass rusher who teams well with defensive end Justin Smith. The two regularly run stunts to create mismatches, often resulting in the offensive line collapsing from one side. The defense has also improved since Chris Borland became a regular. While replacing the injured Patrick Willis, the rookie linebacker has proved to be a reliable tackler and an imposing presence.

Though Russell Wilson hasn't enjoyed quite the same success passing as he did a year ago, he's still managing to affect games with his legs. His 644 rushing yards are already a personal best for a single season, and he sits just one rushing touchdown away from setting another. However, he still trails All-Pro running back Marshawn Lynch, who is in the midst of one of his better seasons. Lynch is on pace to rush for 13 touchdowns and over 1,200 yards.

Colin Kaepernick hasn't improved as the 49ers hoped, but he's still difficult to defend. He projects to throw for 3,804 yards this season, which would exceed his previous high mark by over 600 yards, and he's always a threat to run. The ageless Anquan Boldin is nearing the 1,000-yard mark for the seventh time in his illustrious career and the second straight year. The story is a little different at running back, where 31-year-old Frank Gore may finally be slowing down. He projects to fall short of 1,000 yards for the first time since his injury-plagued 2010 season.