Seahawks open as double-digit underdogs vs. 49ers for wild card game

Their reward is facing the toughest defense to come along in several years.

The Seahawks finished their season strong and got a little bit lucky last night, clinching a playoff berth thanks to the Lions defying recent history and upsetting the Packers in Green Bay. Thanks to that and their own win over the Rams Seattle has snuck into the playoffs, clinching the NFC’s last seed.

Their reward is facing the toughest defense to come along in several years – one that has already embarrassed them twice this season. On Saturday afternoon, the Seahawks will travel to Santa Clara and face the freight train 49ers, who have won 10 straight games going into the postseason.

According to USA TODAY Sports Data, the Niners are favored by 10 points. The over/under is set at 43.5 points and the money line is San Francisco -550 and Seattle +425.

The NFL tends to schedule their least-compelling playoff matchup in the Saturday afternoon timeslot, usually reserved for whoever crawls out of the AFC South. That the Seahawks are competing in that spot is a reflection on what the league thinks of their chances.

Kickoff is 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbycpfe4qgv9nf6 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

[vertical-gallery id=99220]