49ers vs. Seahawks betting odds: Bank on Niners to cover in Week 15

The 49ers have a short week against the Seahawks in Week 15, but the betting odds still suggest Christian McCaffrey and Co. will cover the spread.

Things always get a bit tricky for the road team on any short week, particularly if that road game is on Thursday Night Football.

And that’s precisely what the San Francisco 49ers will encounter in Week 15, heading north to take on the 7-6 Seattle Seahawks in a game that could wind up determining the outcome of the NFC West.

The Niners, who beat up quarterback Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-7 behind rookie signal-caller Brock Purdy last Sunday, nevertheless suffered a number of injuries of their own, including losing All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel to ankle and knee injuries.

Samuel is expected back before the playoffs begin, but he’s likely to be absent for Thursday’s contest.

While San Francisco is still a road favorite — currently listed at -3.5, according to DraftKings — will Purdy’s hot start flame out in Seattle, a place where San Francisco has historically struggled? And will Samuel’s absence put an even bigger strain on the 49ers offense?

49ers vs. Seahawks: Despite questions, Niners should still cover easily

The Seahawks’ notably hot start to the year has long since evaporated. Losers of three of their last four, the Hawks have come down to earth a lot in recent weeks, and it was notably embarrassing to lose at home to the lowly Carolina Panthers in Week 14.

Heading into Thursday’s tilt against the Niners, Seattle’s defense now ranks third worst in scoring, with 334 points allowed, and fifth worst in total yards given up (4,923).

Putting things simply, as long as Purdy cuts down on mistakes, San Francisco might not need Samuel at all.

Especially when it has another All-Pro in Christian McCaffrey, and that’s the prime reason why BetSided’s Josh Yourish is predicting the 49ers not only to win outright but to cover the spread easily:

"Purdy is competent, but he might not even have to throw the ball in this game. Seattle’s defense is falling apart down the stretch. They never had enough talent to sustain their level of play from earlier in the year, and that lack of star power in the defensive front is showing.Carolina ran for 223 yards and two touchdowns, and that team traded away Christian McCaffrey. What’s going to happen when they face the team that traded for him?Last game, McCaffrey ran for 119 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries and caught two passes for 34 yards and another score. He’ll have a huge day against the Seahawks."

Read More: 49ers vs. Seahawks: Week 15 betting odds, prediction for Thursday night

From the Niners’ vantage point, Thursday’s contest might be another “run it again” game for McCaffrey and Co.

That benefits San Francisco, as short weeks typically hinder the defense just as much as the road team. Trusting the 49ers’ own top-ranked defense, it’ll be the Seahawks defense ultimately suffering.

And if the Niners can pull off that victory at Lumen Field on Thursday, they’ll win the NFC West for the second time in four years.

San Francisco and Seattle kick off their Thursday Night Football matchup on Dec. 15 at 8:15 p.m. ET.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.