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Seahawks vs. 49ers: 5 Week 12 matchups to watch for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks the tackle of K.J. Wright #50 of the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium on November 27, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks the tackle of K.J. Wright #50 of the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium on November 27, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Defensive end Demarcus Dobbs #95 of the Seattle Seahawks wraps up running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers for a loss of a yard in the first quarter on November 27, 2014 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks won 19-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Defensive end Demarcus Dobbs #95 of the Seattle Seahawks wraps up running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers for a loss of a yard in the first quarter on November 27, 2014 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks won 19-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Running Back Carlos Hyde vs. Seahawks Run Defense

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Moving the ball on the ground versus the Seahawks isn’t going to be an easy task for head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. After all, Seattle ranks ninth in the NFL in stopping the run, giving up an average of just 99.8 rushing yards per game.

But there are some measurables to take advantage of here.

First, the Seahawks aren’t exactly stuffing runs at the line of scrimmage. According to Football Outsiders, their defense is stuffing runs a mere 19 percent of the time, which ranks 21st among all defenses.

This should play right into the hands of No. 1 running back Carlos Hyde, whose 5.88 average-rush yards per attempt versus Seattle rank the most out of any NFC West opponent over his career.

Granted, San Francisco’s offensive line hasn’t been great in run support this season. But Hyde’s ability to shed blockers beyond the help of his O-line might be helpful here. According to Pro Football Focus, Hyde’s 52.0 elusiveness rating — measuring a tailback’s abilities beyond the help of his blockers — is fifth best in the NFL and above top-tier runners like Mark Ingram of the New Orleans Saints or Le’Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Needless to say, Hyde has to be a major part of the 49ers game plan on Sunday. And if he can win this particular matchup, the Niners offense could stand a chance against a tough defense.