Narratives continue to change from week to week during the NFL schedule, as the perception of one loss or one victory can shape thoughts about any team, just take a look at the Miami Dolphins.
In the NFC West division, the two teams that kick off Week 7 of the regular season on Thursday Night Football have a possible season-defining matchup on primetime television. The San Francisco 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on TNF, as a pair for 2-4 teams look to close in on the Arizona Cardinals division lead.
San Francisco was ripped from top to bottom during their four-game losing streak, but no one took more heat than quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who had a large hand in the team losing games. The four-game skid is over after a 25-20 home win against the Baltimore Ravens in a game where Kaepernick looked like a capable NFL quarterback.
The Niners defense always shows up at Levi’s Stadium as it appears to be a different unit when playing in Santa Clara, California. The defense allows 13.3 points per game at home, compared to the blowout losses they’ve had on the road, including a 43-18 loss to Pittsburgh, a 47-7 loss in Arizona and a 27-30 loss at MetLife Stadium against the Giants.
The Seahawks’ pride hangs on the defensive side of the football, which is the side that has allowed two late drives in consecutive games that led to losses. The Seahawks let Andy Dalton come all the way back from being down 24-7 and allowed a last minute field goal to put Cincinnati ahead by three for the win. In the following week the defense let Cam Newton drive down the field for a game-winning touchdown pass with under 30 seconds remaining.
Seattle is also proving they have offensive line trouble, as Russell Wilson is constantly scrambling and escaping from a crowded pocket. For a team looking to reach three-straight Super Bowls, this is the most vulnerable the franchise has looked in the past three seasons.
Tickets to the 49ers v Seahawks game on Thursday night have an average price of $170.59 with a get-in price of $60 for entrance into Levi’s Stadium according to TiqIQ.com. For fans attending the game, parking in San Francisco on ParkWhiz.com starts from $10 in the Santa Clara area to avoid some of the delays near the stadium.
These two franchises are constantly vying for the top spot in the NFC West and may be reaching a crossroads in the near future about where their respective franchises are heading. This single loss may not determine the future for both teams, but it puts one club at 2-5 starting at a tremendous hole to reach this season’s playoffs.
