SF 49ers vs. Seahawks: 5 bold predictions for Week 8

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Russell Wilson, SF 49ers, Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Prediction No. 4: SF 49ers force Russell Wilson to throw multiple interceptions

Should San Francisco curtail Seattle’s ability to move the ball on the ground, it’ll allow defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to drop more of his defenders back into coverage, which has been a notable SF 49ers strength this season.

Despite a pass rush, which has generated just 12 sacks this season, the Niners still own the league’s No. 3-ranked pass defense.

Russell Wilson had an uncharacteristic three-interception performance last week against the Cardinals, bringing his season total of picks to just five on the year.

But for this bold prediction, San Francisco helps continue that trend.

True, the 49ers have only seven intercepted takeaways this season. But Wilson’s interception rate is already up to 2.7 percent this season, the highest it’s ever been over his nine-year career. While that’s still a relatively low number, compared to other quarterbacks around the league, look for the Niners to be particularly ballhawk-friendly in Week 8.