Sports Articles Johnson

The 49ers will Hang Tough with the Seahawks

Sunday’s Recap
Picks – Chicago -3 at Oakland (Win)
Cincinnati +4 at Baltimore (Win)
Detroit +1 at Arizona (Loss)
Result – Net Win
Amount - 50 units
Season Bankroll - +$500

49ers +10 at Seahawks

The Seahawks haven’t been very good this year at all, but they still lead the NFC West. On Monday Night Football, they look to bounce back from their most recent loss against the San Francisco 49ers, who haven won in almost two months.

In their last game, Seattle blew a 12-point lead, forced overtime and lost 33-30 at Cleveland last Sunday for its third defeat in four games. The 49ers have lost six straight after falling 20-16 last week at Atlanta, and coach Mike Nolan will be guiding the team with a heavy heart. Nolans father -- former 49ers coach Dick Nolan -- died Sunday at the age of 75. He is expected to coach Monday against Seattle, which is only two games ahead of the 49ers. This is definitely a huge game for the 49ers.

Shaun Alexander has rushed for 492 yards on 149 carries. He ran 14 times for 32 yards against the Browns. He was had a pretty bad year.The former MVP has rushed for 954 yards and 10 TDs in 11 games versus the 49ers, but had just 78 yards on 25 carries in Seattles 23-3 win at San Francisco on Sept. 30.

Matt Hasselbeck threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns in the last meeting with San Francisco and was 30-for-47 for 318 yards with two touchdowns and an interception against Cleveland. Hasselbeck has thrown six TDs and three interceptions in his last three games and topped the 300-yard mark in two of his last three contests, which may make it easier for Holmgren to rethink his offensive game plan.

The Seahawks may also have receiver Deion Branch and tight end Marcus Pollard back Sunday. Branch missed the last three games with a foot injury and Pollard the last two with a knee problem. Branch caught 10 balls for a season-high 130 yards in the win over San Francisco. The 49ers, too, look to get healthier with the expected return of running back Frank Gore on Sunday. Gore missed last weeks loss and has yet to rediscover the form that allowed him to lead the NFC in rushing with 1,695 yards in 2006.

Gore has 435 yards on 110 carries, but has yet to rush for more than 100 yards this season, gaining 79 on 16 carries versus Seattle. Gore rushed for 356 yards in two wins over the Seahawks last season.

The 49ers, though, might need more than an effective Gore to boost the NFLs worst offense, which is averaging 224.2 yards. San Francisco is averaging 13.0 points and 11.2 during its six-game skid.

After throwing for 328 yards and three TDs last season against Seattle, Smith hopes to fare better Monday than he did in the September meeting with the Seahawks. He separated his shoulder on the third play of that contest and missed two games as a result.

The 49ers have lost seven of the last nine meetings with the Seahawks. Still, I expect them to play hard for their well-liked coach and lose by less than the spread.

Good luck with your action tonight!


by Johnson