49ers-Seahawks Divisional Round game predicted to end in a stunner

The San Francisco 49ers advanced to the NFC Divisional Round by outlasting the Philadelphia Eagles 23-19 on Sunday. More News: Packers Could Fire Matt LaFleur if John Harbaugh Wants Job The 49ers have been plagued by injury all season, but battled to become the conference’s No. 6 seed with a 12-5 record. On Saturday, San Francisco will play a 14-3 Seattle Seahawks team that earned the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. Per DraftKings, the 49ers are heavy underdogs (plus-7) against their NFC West rival. San Francisco and Seattle split the regular season series 1-1, with the Seahawks winning the most recent contest 13-3 in Week 18. NFL Network analyst Marc Ross predicted the 49ers to pull a stunner on Saturday, believing head coach Kyle Shanahan will rely on star running back Christian McCaffrey to pull off the upset. “It seems like everything is stacked against the 49ers ahead of their rubber match versus Seattle," Ross wrote. "Fresh off a long, hard-fought win in Philadelphia, the injury-riddled Niners have a short week before another road trip to Seattle. Meanwhile, the rival Seahawks -- who completely stifled San Francisco two weeks ago -- are well rested after a bye week. "But just as Kyle Shanahan's team has done for most of the season, San Francisco ultimately defies the odds on Saturday night. Christian McCaffrey scores two touchdowns and Robert Saleh's defense forces three Sam Darnold turnovers, allowing the 49ers to pull off a 14-13 upset in Seattle." Darnold's health will be key on Saturday. The former No. 3 pick threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in the regular season. However, his durability is in question after the Seahawks marked him questionable to play the 49ers on Thursday's injury report due to an oblique injury. Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald told the media on Friday that he's optimistic Darnold will play. "Really optimistic he's going to be able to play and right now we're going through all the protocol," Macdonald said, via the Seahawks. "One, just out of caution to make sure we're ready to go and we'll test it out tomorrow to kind of make the final decision. "But again, we're optimistic he's going to play and if he doesn't or at some point he doesn't, then Drew's (Lock) ready to go and that's why Drew's here. He's doing a great job. So, we're rolling." The oblique injury could make Darnold less flexible in the pocket and could reduce his throwing motion. "Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER." For more on the 49ers and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.