1) Darnold must play more effectively against the 49ers defense
Sam Darnold answered some of his critics in Week 16 with his late heroics against the Rams, which helped turn the league table and set up that game-winning drive in Santa Clara. But in last week’s win over Carolina, Darnold also lost a run, threw an interception and was lucky not to catch many other passes. The Seahawks have lived dangerously with their 28 turnovers this season, and Darnold has accounted for 20 of them (14 INTs, six fumbles), with more turnovers (10) than touchdowns accounted for (eight) since Week 11. He’s also been at the helm of 27 wins over the past two seasons, so Darnold is doing the right thing. If he can utilize his playmaking ability while limiting turnovers, the Seahawks could be in great shape. The 49ers’ pass rush has struggled, with just 18 sacks — eight fewer than the next-lowest team. That could mean intermediate targets for the Seahawks’ talented tight ends and deep shots for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, especially out of the Seahawks’ running game, though the status of WR Rashid Shaheed (concussion) is unclear.