Niner Noise
FanSided

The 5 toughest quarterbacks the San Francisco 49ers face in 2017

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys changes a play at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys changes a play at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks singles for a touchdown during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks didn’t score on this play, but scored later in the drive. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks singles for a touchdown during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks didn’t score on this play, but scored later in the drive. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

Ah, yes. The bane of Niners football this decade — the Seattle Seahawks.

The 49ers have the unfortunate task of facing Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson twice a year. Remember how Wilson and former San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick were viewed on the same upward trajectory only a few short years ago?

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Well, Wilson won that argument.

To date, Wilson owns an 8-2 record against the Niners in the regular season and has compiled a 96.0 passer rating over that stretch.

If there is a bonus, San Francisco has picked Wilson off seven times over his career — tied for most among all Wilson opponents (Los Angeles Rams). This could be, of course, because the 49ers play Seattle more than a lot of other teams, so make of that what you wish.

Why It’s Difficult for the 49ers

Wilson’s eight wins against San Francisco are the most over any opponent, including NFC West division rivals, the Rams and Arizona Cardinals.

Yes, there’s a lot that goes into why the Niners haven’t been able to beat the Seahawks as of late. But the Seattle quarterback sure has a lot to do with it. And even if Seattle’s offensive line isn’t particularly good, fans on both sides can count on at least two big plays from Wilson at the time it hurts most.

Next: 2018 NFL Draft: 5 quarterback prospects for the 49ers

The 49ers are hoping 2017’s fortunes reverse this unsettling trend. But, for now, Wilson remains San Francisco’s kryptonite.