The Seattle Seahawks have not performed well in rematches over the past two years. This trend may continue in Week 17 of the 2019 season against the San Francisco 49ers.
It began in 2018 when Seattle played the division rivals 49ers, Rams and Cardinals, along with the Cowboys twice, including the postseason. The Seahawks were 3-1 in the first matchups and 1-3 in the rematches.
This season, Seattle defeated both the Rams and Cardinals the first time around but fell to both opponents the second time. They were also blown out in both rematches this year, a rarity in the Pete Carroll era. They were victorious over San Francisco in Week 10, but they barely scratched that one out.
With the return of 49ers’ George Kittle and several key players still missing from Seattle’s defense despite the return of Jadeveon Clowney and Shaquill Griffin, the Seahawks could see themselves lose the NFC West crown to their bitter rivals.
Of course, there is a chance that the Seahawks will upset the 49ers. The phrase “any given Sunday” rings true every season and 2019 is no different. However, despite concerns about the 49ers’ pass defense, Carroll and his team will likely have to put on their best performance of the season to overcome San Francisco with Kittle this time around.
