Analyzing an NFL game when it's unclear who will be playing quarterback for one of the teams is difficult at best. But that's where we are around just hours before kickoff with the 49ers and Seahawks.

Alas, there is risk involved in wagering on this game in almost every capacity, though there are ways to approach it that can mitigate the impact that the QB of the 49ers – whether a banged-up Brock Purdy or a just-got-there Josh Johnson – will have on certain particular results and outcomes. So we will focus there and drill down on a few things that are known quantities – specifically that dominant 49ers defense against a Seattle offense that has been teetering lately and is deep down the depth chart at running back, a position of vital import to their old-school coach, Pete Carroll.

We'll take a look at a bit of everything ahead of this prime time game, as we always do, but I feel strongest about fading the Seahawks offense here, leaning into the proposition of a low-scoring game (even though Seattle's defense is a total joke right now), and avoiding plays on the 49ers offense (most props aren't even up yet at the time of writing due to the uncertainty at quarterback).

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Spread: 49ers -3

I like the spread much more at this spot than where it was lingering on Tuesday (-3.5 at Caesers). Seattle has not been good at home lately, the 49ers are on a nice winning streak and seeding matters for them. They drubbed the Seahawks 27-7 in Week 2, when Geno Smith had a full cast around him and before the 49ers defense had fully rounded into the elite unit it now is. San Francisco can pound the ball on the ground no matter who the QB is, and with Deebo Samuel out they'll get creative with touches for plenty of guys in the run game. This is the No. 1 defense in the NFL in terms of scoring and yardage. No one can run the ball on them and Smith has some more turnovers in him. They are built to win ugly, low-scoring games, and this the exact defense you wouldn't want to face on a short week with QB woes (Bears, Vikings would also apply). I see San Francisco winning this game 17-10, 21-10, something like that. The 49ers have covered in four straight.

Total: Under 43.5

You can see where I'm going here. Short weeks can bring out the worst in offenses, even ones not dealing with QB injuries. There's a lot of familiarity here. These are two teams that want to run the ball and bleed the clock. They didn't combine for 35 points in the first meeting. The 49ers have allowed 17 points or fewer in six straight games. Smith was under pressure on almost half his dropbacks in the first meeting and will be under fire again Thursday night.

Seahawks Team Total Under 20.5 Points (-120)

I got on this Tuesday at 19.5 (+105), and, well, I guess a lot of other people did too. There's not as much value here but I also don't see Seattle getting above 17 points unless we're talking about multiple defensive or special teams scores. The 49ers defense looks like it is motivated to pitch a shutout every week and they are coming quite close to it. They know they need to be at their best with the unusual QB situation. Seattle's offense is running out of ideas and players.

Same-Game Parlay (+450)

• Geno Smith Interception
• Christian McCaffrey Over 79.5 Rushing Yards
• Robbie Gould Over 1.5 Field Goals

Player Props

Geno Smith Over 33.5 Passing Attempts (-127)

You cannot run the ball on the 49ers and Seattle's run game is a slog right now anyway. Look how many times Tom Brady threw short against this unit last week. That's the game script San Francisco forces teams into.

Christian McCaffrey Over 79.5 Rushing Yards (-115)

The Niners can do what the Panthers did on Sunday, only with even more burst. They'll take pressure off the quarterback. Seattle is allowing more than 200 rushing yards the last four games and I don't see that changing here.

Robbie Gould Over 1.5 Field Goals (+100)

I see some 49ers drives bogging down in the redzone. They have a weird QB situation and they're on the road. They won't have Deebo Samuel. I see at least two short field goals for the veteran.

Brandon Aiyuk Anytime TD (+175) 

Aiyuk is the top dog in the receiving game without Sameul, and George Kittle has never really taken off this season. Aiyuk is adroit in tight spaces and is tough to cover. I could also see him being activated in the run game more with Deebo out (just one carry this season to date).

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