Week 1 Preview: Revamped NFC West rivals face off at Lumen Field
To kick off the regular season, the San Francisco 49ers will face a division rival, the Seattle Seahawks. Last year, San Francisco and Seattle split the season series, and both teams missed the playoffs. However, this NFC West matchup is likely to look very different, as both teams have had significant departures this offseason.
The 49ers traded away wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., while linebacker Dre Greenlaw, cornerback Charvarius Ward, and safety Talanoa Hufanga signed with other teams during free agency. The Seahawks released wide receiver Tyler Lockett. They also traded away quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver DK Metcalf.
Both teams, however, were active in the draft and made big moves in free agency. In the 2025 NFL Draft, San Francisco used its first five picks on defensive players. This move was an effort to rebuild with their new defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh. Seattle also signed quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Cooper Kupp. They also brought in a new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak.
During their first game of the season, all eyes will be on the matchup between the Seahawks’ defense and the 49ers’ offense. Both are projected to be top-10 units, according to Pro Football Focus. San Francisco’s run game is looking to bounce back with running back Christian McCaffrey healthy. Seattle’s head coach, Mike MacDonald, wants to build on the defensive success they had in the back half of last season.
While the battle between the Seahawks’ defense and the 49ers’ offense will be a key storyline, the other side of the ball may be just as telling. With Seattle’s offensive line still a concern, the 49ers’ reworked defensive front is likely to generate pressure. Last season, Darnold struggled under pressure. According to Pro Football Reference, he was one of the most pressured quarterbacks in the NFL.
As two revamped rosters clash to open their season, this Week 1 matchup will offer an early look at how both teams’ offseason additions are set to take shape throughout 2025. This division rivalry will be the first real test of both teams’ offseason moves.
Prediction
49ers 23, Seahawks 20