Three Seattle Seahawks to watch against the San Francisco 49ers on Thanksgiving

The Seattle Seahawks are looking to bounce back once again after a frustrating loss to the Rams in Week 11.

The 'Hawks' offense struggled throughout most of last Sunday's game, especially in the second half where they scored just three points. Seattle's offense will need to be much better in Week 12 against the 49ers if they are going to pull off the upset.

Here are three players to watch on Thanksgiving night, as the Seahawks take on the 49ers for first place in the NFC West.

Seahawks Player to Watch No. 1 - QB Geno Smith

Coming off an injury in last week's game, how effective Geno Smith is at QB could determine whether the Seahawks have a legitimate chance to upset the Niners. Geno needs to make quick decisions and get the ball out of his hands quickly against a Niners defense that features two great pass rushers in Nick Bosa and Chase Young. Smart decision-making will also be key for Geno since the Niners are first in the NFL with 14 interceptions this season.

Seahawks Player to Watch No. 2 - RB Zach Charbonnet

Kenneth Walker III suffered an oblique injury in Week 11 against the Rams and is unlikely to play in Thursday's game against the Niners. Rookie RB Zach Charbonnet should see the bulk of the carries against the Niners and the Seahawks will need a big game from him to take the pressure off Geno Smith. Charbonnet is averaging 4.9 yards a carry this season and has 261 yards rushing on 53 attempts.

Rookie RB Kenny McIntosh is likely to make his NFL debut on Thursday after dealing with a knee injury through most of the 2023 season. Both Charbonnet and McIntosh will be up against a tough Niners defensive front which has allowed the third-fewest rushing yards in 2023 giving up just 79.5 yards a game.

Seahawks Player to Watch No. 3 - WR DK Metcalf

The Seahawks need to take advantage of the 49ers' weaknesses in the passing game. The Niners have allowed the 17th most passing yards per game (221.4 yards per game). Even though the Niners secondary does a good job of taking the ball away, they are average in pass coverage. DK Metcalf needs to find ways to get open and provide explosive plays for the Seahawks in the passing game for this NFC West showdown. In the Seahawks' last game against the Niners in the postseason, Metcalf had two touchdown receptions and led the 'Hawks in receiving yards with 136. For Seattle to win, Metcalf will need to have a big game.

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