Breaking down the offenses between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks rosters
The San Francisco 49ers look to extend their winning streak to three with a victory over their NFC West foes in Seattle. Following their bye week, the Seahawks’ season is on the line Sunday, as a loss to San Francisco would lower their playoff probability to single digits. Meanwhile, the 49ers are healthier than they’ve been all season and are set for one of their patented late-season runs following their bye week.
Let’s compare the two offensive groups heading into Week 11.
Quarterback
Brock Purdy – 181/278, 65.1%, 2,454 yards, 8.8 YPA, 12 TD, 7 INT, 8th graded passer in the NFL (82.3)
Geno Smith – 233/342, 68.1%, 2,560 yards, 7.5 YPA, 11 TD, 10 INT, 11th graded passer in the NFL (80.2)
Seattle’s offense is primarily run through its passing game. Smith has nearly 70 more attempts and a better completion percentage but trails Purdy in YPA and touchdowns with three more interceptions. Both quarterbacks’ BTT (big-time throw) percentages sit at 4.7 percent. Pro Football Focus has Purdy and Smith down for ten TWP (turnover-worthy plays). Purdy is near the top of the league for ADOT with 9.7, and Smith sits at 8.0, primarily due to the short passing game functioning as the running game.
Purdy has been better this season. Smith may have the volume numbers, but the turnovers tip the scales in favor of Purdy.
Advantage: 49ers
Running Back
Christian McCaffrey – 13 attempts, 39 yards, 3.0 YPC, six receptions, 68 yards,
Kenneth Walker III – 99 attempts, 398 yards, 4.0 YPC, 6 TD, 30 receptions, 217 yards, 3rd graded rusher in the NFL (88.7)
McCaffrey has his first game under his belt and stepped right back into his every-down role. While it didn’t solve the 49ers red zone issues, there is no doubt McCaffrey’s gravity and impact were felt on Sunday. Walker has only played in seven games this season but has been excellent in 2024. Despite Walker’s stellar season, McCaffrey is the better running back, and the advantage goes to the 49ers.
Advantage: 49ers
Wide Receiver
Jauan Jennings – 32 receptions, 497 yards, 15.5 yards per reception, 3 TD, 7th graded receiver in the NFL (84.8)
Deebo Samuel – 29 receptions, 468 yards, 16.1 yards per reception, 1 TD, 14th graded receiver in the NFL (82.6)
Ricky Pearsall – 11 receptions, 132 yards, 12.0 yards per reception, TD, 73rd graded receiver in the NFL (64.7)
D.K. Metcalf – 35 receptions, 568 yards, 16.2 yards per reception, 3 TD, 36th graded receiver in the NFL (73.2)
Jaxon Smith-Njiba – 50 receptions, 568 yards, 11.4 yards per reception, 3 TD, 33rd graded receiver in the NFL (74.5)
Tyler Lockett – 34 receptions, 456 yards, 13.4 yards per reception, 2 TD, 40th graded receiver in the NFL (71.9)
The season-ending injury to Brandon Aiyuk tips the discussion to Seattle’s group. However, Jauan Jennings has been a revelation in 2024, breaking the stigma of a third-down receiver. Sunday was Jennings’ first game as the starting “X” receiver, which turned into a team-leading day in receiving yards and receptions. Samuel still has big-play ability as a receiver, as evidenced by his team-leading 16.2 yards per reception.
Smith-Njiba has thrived in an expanded role with Metcalf sidelined. Lockett is a steady number three option but is winding down towards the end of his career. Sunday will see Metcalf’s return, and the trio is a better group than the current group of 49ers receivers. Let’s revisit the conversation when Pearsall continues to stack games and experience.
Advantage: Seattle
Offensive Line
T Trent Williams – 86.2 offensive grade (4th), 86.1 pass block grade (6th), 81.4 run block grade (7th)
G Aaron Banks – 72.0 offensive grade (19th), 63.7 pass block grade (37th), 72.7 run block grade (17th)
C Jake Brendel – 62.2 offensive grade (22nd), 41.8 pass block grade (36th out of 36), 69.5 run block grade (14th)
G Dominick Puni – 78.8 offensive grade (9th), 70.6 pass block grade (23rd), 76.5 run block grade (11th)
T Colton McKivitz – 69.3 offensive grade (32nd), 65.4 pass block grade (48th), 70.3 run block grade (27th)
T Charles Cross – 84.6 offensive grade (6th), 80.4 pass block grade (16th), 82.9 run block grade (5th)
G Laken Tomlinson – 68.0 offensive grade (32nd), 66.1 pass block grade (30th), 68.4 run block grade (26th)
C Connor Williams – 63.9 offensive grade (17th), 62.3 pass block grade (22nd), 71.0 run block grade (12th)
G Anthony Bradford – 50.4 offensive grade (72nd), 51.6 pass block grade (64th), 58.6 run block grade (56th)
T Abraham Lucas – First game of the season
The 49ers’ strength on the offensive line is left tackle and right guard. Jake Brendel is the lowest graded pass blocking center in the NFL. Aaron Banks and McKivitz have been solid at times. Seattle’s offensive line has a stud left tackle in Charles Cross, but across the line, the 49ers have the advantage. Much of the Seahawks’ issues stem from their pass protection.
Advantage: 49ers
Tight End
George Kittle – 43 receptions, 560 yards, 13.0 yards per reception, 7 TD, highest graded tight end in the NFL (90.9)
Noah Fant – 27 receptions, 285 yards, 10.6 yards per reception, 27th graded tight end in the NFL (65.6)
Well, this is a no-brainer. Kittle has been the best tight end in football without question and leads all tight ends with seven touchdowns. 2024 could prove to be Kittle’s best overall season with any uptick in volume. Although the 49ers have struggled in the red zone, targeting Kittle has been money in the red area.
Advantage: 49ers