San Francisco 49ers Vs Seattle Seahawks: Las Vegas Line & Pick Against Spread

Preseason prognosticators were excited at the prospect of a revitalized San Francisco 49ers offense. As the Niners prepare to play the Seattle Seahawks on September 12th, many are changing their tune. This game is shaping up to be a game between a team set on a rebuilding year and a team that is one quarterback away from greatness.

Team Defenses of San Francisco 49ers & Seattle Seahawks Will Decide This Game

The San Francisco 49ers are an overachieving defense that can win games with speed and explosive hitting. The team is coached well and has some great under the radar players. Patrick Willis is the best defensive players on the San Francisco 49ers defense and is the most recognizable. Willis is fast for a linebacker and he can wrap up running backs and wide receivers equally well. He will be a major factor in this game, frustrating Matt Hasselbeck, who will not have much to work with in the receiver department.

A weak area on defense for the San Francisco 49ers is their corners but Hasselbeck will have a difficult time exposing their deficiencies. Nate Clements is an average cover man at best and Shawne Spencer on the other side is also average at best. When the San Francisco 49ers play better passing teams later in the season they could get lit up.

As the season begins, the Seattle Seahawks defense also has a strong standout linebacker in the middle of their defense, Aaron Curry. Curry faded towards the end of the 2009 NFL season as a rookie and this year his conditioning should be improved. Curry is fast to the ball and could force the action form his outside linebacker position. Curry will have a full season with Lofa Tatupu and now Earl Thomas joins the defense at strong safety. The edge on defense will go to the San Francisco 49ers over the Seattle Seahawks.

Running Game is Second Key for San Francisco 49ers & Seattle Seahawks

When it comes to a running game many would say with Frank Gore, it is tough to beat the San Francisco 49ers running game. Gore posts his big rushing numbers despite a weak offensive line and not the greatest run blocking schemes. Gore will still get his numbers but his change of pace back. Brian Westbrook will struggle in this backfield.

Pete Carroll has picked a starting running back Julius Jones to be his starter but there is much turmoil in the back field to start the season. Justin Forsett and Leon Washington will both be breathing down his neck all season. Carroll is using his USC formula for his tailbacks to push Jones but this won't work as well in the NFL. The edge in the running game goes to the San Francisco 49ers over the Seattle Seahawks.

San Francisco 49ers -2.5 vs Seattle Seahawks: Pick Against the Spread & Breakdown

Another home team underdog on opening weekend as the Seattle Seahawks will be spotted 2.5 points according to the Las Vegas Hilton Superbook. This game could be close and Seattle Seahawks fans can make it tough on a struggling quarterback like Alex Smith of the San Francisco 49ers.

As an NFC West Division game this could be a statement game for Mike Singletary and the San Francisco 49ers. Another advantage for the 49ers is the game is in the Pacific Time Zone and there won't be much effort to travel up the coast. Always an advantage for a road game. Take the San Francisco 49ers to cover the 2.5 points and win by four or five points.

sources:

Las Vegas Odds to Win 2011 Super Bowl
Las Vegas Hilton Superbook NFL Lines Week One
www.lasvegasinsideinfo.com
www.profootballtalk.com
www.nfl.com