After a big win last week against the Atlanta Falcons, to move to 7-2 on the season the Seattle Seahawks have their biggest test of the season this Monday night against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers (8-0). The Niners are the last remaining undefeated team in the NFL since the New England Patriots were handed their first loss of the season last weekend, losing to the  Baltimore Ravens by a score of 37-20.

The Seahawks were able to escape Tampa Bay with a win last weekend with Russell Wilson leading the team to a 40-34 win in overtime. Wilson continued to show why he will be named MVP at the end of the season with five touchdowns and no interceptions. The Seahawks continue to show an ability to overcome adversity as once again they trailed at halftime before coming back and winning the game. This is the fourth win out of seven that the team was behind at the halftime break. 

The 49ers also had a close game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Niners left Glendale with a 28-25 win on Thursday Night Football. They will try to get back on track early against the Seahawks after not scoring a single point in the fourth quarter against the Cards. Quarterback Jimmy Garropolo was a big factor in winning the game, throwing four touchdowns and no interceptions. Another reason the 49ers have been so good this season is their defense. In the four games before their game against the Arizona Cardinals, they allowed 23 points total, including a shutout against the Washington Redskins on the road a couple weeks ago.

The Seahawks recently added a well-known name at the wide receiver position, Josh Gordon. Gordon passed his physical and head coach Pete Carroll said earlier this week that the receiver is “ready to go” for the monday night matchup. Gordon has been all over the league in his eight seasons in the NFL, mainly due to suspensions and injuries. Gordon was most recently cut by the New England Patriots before being picked up by the Seahawks. Gordon adds a dimension to the wide receiver core on the team and with Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf beside him, the Seahawks passing game looks scary good on paper. 

A feeling of nostalgia might wash over you if you’re a fan of either of these teams. This game gives off vibes of the previously hyped-up matchups between these two teams earlier this decade. The last time both of these teams felt this good at the same time was the 2013 season, when the Seahawks finished 13-3 and the 49ers finished 12-4. It was the season the two teams met in the NFC Championship game and the Seahawks won it with “The Tip” and proceeded to make and win the Super Bowl after beating the Niners. After the 2013 season, the Niners began to decline. A season later, the Seahawks began their decline. Since then, both teams haven’t both been great at the same time, with the Los Angeles Rams showing dominance in the NFC West for awhile. Now, entering this week, both teams are finally both in a situation where a win could potentially result in winning the division or even home field advantage in the playoffs. 

This is the biggest game of the season for the Seahawks, without a doubt. Russell Wilson will need to have another MVP game, running back Chris Carson will have to be able to find gaps created by a young and banged up offensive line and the defense will have to find ways to stop the Niners’ relentless offense. I believe whoever has the ball last in this game will win. I also believe that team will be the Seahawks. Final score prediction: 31-28 Seahawks.