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San Francisco 49ers: Post-NFL Draft Win, Loss Predictions for 2017 Season

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 1, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Alex Collins (36) runs against San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 25-23. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 1, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Alex Collins (36) runs against San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 25-23. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 12 vs. Seattle Seahawks

Round 2 of this NFC West showdown may be a little more competitive than the last time these two rivals met.

At least the 49ers have a chance, especially since they won’t be at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.

The bye week should also help — both in terms of rest and preparation. As such, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Niners put up something of a defensive fight.

Also benefiting the 49ers will be the fact the Seahawks have to host the Falcons on Monday Night Football the week before. The short week, plus the travel, makes this game a bit more winnable for the red and gold.

But will it be enough, especially considering the vast differences in talent between these two teams?

Why Seattle Wins

Simply put, the Seahawks are still vastly superior to anything the 49ers can field at this point. As long as the main contributors stay healthy, Seattle’s defense won’t be giving up too much by the way of offensive production. And the Seahawks will either be motivated from a grudge-match win over Atlanta the week before or angry from a previous loss.

Either way, it doesn’t look good for San Francisco.

Why San Francisco Wins

The Niners have to keep this a close game and have to rely on their defense to go pound for pound with what Seattle has to offer.

Seattle’s offensive line might have figured out a few things by this point in the season. But it’s still vulnerable. A couple of turnovers and/or sacks on key downs could make all the difference.

If it’s close, late in the fourth quarter, a game-winning field goal could finally end the 49ers’ long losing streak against their NFC West foes. But that’s a big if.

Prediction

42. 19. 36. Final. 12