49ers schedule: 3 games in 2nd half San Francisco can’t afford to lose
By Peter Panacy
49ers schedule must-win game No. 3: Week 15 @ Seahawks
OK, technically, there’s no such thing as a must-win game until it’s an elimination game, and we’re far from those.
But, if the 49ers want to win the NFC West, they better knock off the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football in Week 15.
Yes, it’s weird to see the Hawks riding a first-place berth within the division in the post-Russell Wilson era, but that’s the reality with now-resurgent quarterback Geno Smith and a 6-3 Seattle squad.
If we’re being honest, though, the Seahawks don’t have the same talent level as that of the Niners, and San Francisco holds that crucial Week 2 victory over the Hawks anyway.
Sweeping this season series probably decides the NFC West winner, and the 49ers would love to come away with that, given it would guarantee Kyle Shanahan and Co. at least one home game in the playoffs.
Unless the Niners are comfortable with the Hawks continuing to stockpile divisional crowns after Wilson’s departure.