Vic Duke Handicapper Picks

49ers/Seahawks 8:15: Both defenses underachieving. Seattle's defense, under former Ravens' DC McDonald, locked down its first three opponents, albeit NE and Denver - not exactly juggernauts, and Miami was without Tua for the first time of the season. Since then, Detroit went perfect on them with Goff (18 for 18) and Giants' rookie RB Tracy ran roughshod on them. Not all dire as the media points out. Sure, Woolen and Nwosu - two key cogs, are out but remember, Seahawks have been stockpiling quality defensive depth for a few years now. They have the athletes and the defensive discipline under McDonald and DC Durde to make the adjustments. SF offense misses McCaffrey. Last year, SF converted red zone TD opportunities 68% of the time; this season, just 41% (29th in NFL). Other than against Detroit, the Seahawks have been solid in limiting explosive plays. Without SF's McCaffrey, we'll look for FG's (Moody out) in red zone. As for SF defense, DC Sorensen under fire for lack of in game adjustments. Arizona tweaked their zone read in the second half to ignite RB Conner, and RB Murray piled up yards in the second half. Seattle, throws a league high 67.4% of the time, actually wants to run the football with Walker and Charbonnet; after all, they're averaging 5 YPC. SF defense, which is the least penalized defense in the NFL, should be well prepared to secure gaps. Most of their quality defensive personnel healthy, and Bosa will surely be unleashed on long yardage against Geno Smith - who's been sacked 3.6 x per game. Total, a few points too high. We'll stay "under".