Seahawks vs. 49ers Week 1: Seahawks Open The Season Against Division Rival In Front Of The 12th Man
Seattle kicks off 2025 at Lumen Field, hosting the 49ers. This opener is all about execution, whether Seattle’s starters can outplay San Francisco’s known talent. After a down year, the 49ers are quietly loaded with playmakers even if nobody is talking about it.
Offense: New Weapon, Familiar Identity
Sam Darnold starts at quarterback, working alongside new veteran standout Cooper Kupp, who joins the team fresh from the Rams. Pair him with third-year pro Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and you have a slot duo that defenses must respect on every down.
Kenneth Walker III remains the bell cow in the backfield and is Seattle’s tempo setter. Zach Charbonnet will also see plenty of touches as a physical complement, providing the offense with a steady one-two punch that can wear down defenses over the course of four quarters. Together, Kupp and Walker give the offense a balanced punch, and that is exactly what is needed after last year’s 22.1 points per game average (per Pro Football Reference).
It starts in the trenches. Seattle’s starting line of Charles Cross, Grey Zabel, Olu Oluwatimi, Anthony Bradford, and Abe Lucas must win early. Nick Bosa had 14 pressures in one game against Seattle last season, tied for the most by any rusher in four years (per Next Gen Stats). Screens, pop passes, and motion will be key to slowing that heat.
Defense: Veteran Grit and Youthful Energy
On defense, the story starts with the front four. Inside anchor Leonard Williams, edge force DeMarcus Lawrence, the long-time Dallas Cowboy, and emerging rookie Byron Murphy II make up a physical, experienced unit. Expect them to collapse pockets early and let Seattle’s defensive backs play off and stay aggressive.
In the back, Riq Woolen handles vertical routes while Julian Love adds savvy against in-breaking routes and in run support. Against a 49ers offense that includes George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Jauan Jennings, and rookie Ricky Pearsall, led by Brock Purdy, contain and tackle becomes the name of the game.
Keys to the Game, Seattle Edition
Protect Darnold on early downs. Keep Bosa guessing with quick throws and creative blocking.
Lean into the new guys. Kupp and Lawrence were brought in for moments like this. Let them dictate the tone.
Win the red zone. Seattle needs touchdowns, not field goals, to keep up with San Francisco’s playmakers.
Prediction
Seattle’s starters give them a real chance in this game. The new pieces bring energy and coverage that were missing a year ago. But the 49ers still have an explosive core in Kittle, McCaffrey, and Bosa that is not going anywhere. Seattle will hold its ground, play physical, and feed off the home crowd. In the end, though, San Francisco’s talent gets it done.
Final Score: 49ers 24, Seahawks 21