San Francisco @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 26, 2017 ) Seattle 24, San Francisco 13

Richard Sherman makes his return to Seattle for the first time as an opposing player when the San Francisco 49ers visit the Seahawks on Sunday. Sherman was released in March while recovering from an Achilles injury after seven seasons and two Super Bowl appearances with the team.

Sherman ridiculed Seattle for its recent decline, offered that he has no relationship with Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and criticized the manner in which he was released while meeting with reporters Thursday. "You just expect after you've done so much for a franchise that they wouldn't cut you while you're hurt," Sherman said. "It's kind of more a respect thing than anything, but they did, so you've kind of got to roll with the business. They've rarely ever cut anybody while they were hurt. We hadn't honestly seen that very often." While the Seahawks are part of the NFC playoff chase, Sherman's new team is far out it and has lost eight of its last nine games. Sherman has yet to record his first interception with San Francisco after accumulating 32 and earning four Pro Bowl bids as the headliner of Seattle's 'Legion of Boom' defense.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Seahawks -10. O/U: 46

ABOUT THE 49ERS (2-9): Quarterback Nick Mullens will make his fourth straight start but is on a short leash after throwing two interceptions in the team's sluggish 27-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend. "I don't think he played very well," coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters of Mullens. "Just looking at some of our situations but it wasn't all him. No one played very well, especially in the pass game. All around we didn't do good enough." San Francisco ranks 10th in defending the run (102.7 yards per game) and will be challenged by a Seattle offense that leads the NFL in rushing at 147.1.

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (6-5): Seattle has won its last two games to perk things up after the team was unable to find a sustained groove earlier this season. "There is just a real upbeat aura about this team," Seattle coach Pete Carroll told reporters. "They're real hungry to learn, they're hungry for the challenges. They keep looking to the future and what's up and what's coming. It's just been a really good group to work with." Wilson is enjoying a strong season with 2,531 yards and 25 touchdowns against only five interceptions, while defensive end Frank Clark has been a standout with 10 sacks.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Seahawks have won the past nine meetings - playoffs included.

2. San Francisco is 0-6 on the road, with three of the defeats coming by three or fewer points.

3. Seattle LB K.J. Wright (knee) will miss the contest -- the former Pro Bowler has played in only three games this season.

PREDICTION: Seahawks 30, 49ers 17