Section 400’s Week 6 Thursday Night Football Roundtable

Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season begins Thursday night with a suddenly huge NFC West showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. With plenty of fun story lines to break down heading into the week six opener, the guys are back again to deliver their weekly Thursday Night Football roundtable.

In this week’s roundtable, Brian, Jack, and Zach talk playoffs, offensive superstars, and best bets for tonight’s game, before ending with their prediction of which team takes control of the NFC West as we head towards the second half of the season. Make sure to check back every Thursday and Monday throughout the season for our takes on each primetime NFL contest!

Changes

The 49ers have struggled find consistency through five games in 2024. With Christian McCaffrey’s status up in the air and defensive problems throughout the roster, could this team be in danger of missing the NFC Championship for just the second time in five seasons?

BH: If there is anything this Mets run has taught me about sports, it’s not to right a team off early in the season. San Francisco has been bad, but so has the entire NFC, and most of the NFL for that matter. The Lions, and maybe the Vikings, are the only teams in the conference that have shown signs of dominance, making me believe the 49ers should still find a way to end up in the final four in January. This team is not winning a Super Bowl unless they show signs of massive improvement however.

JA: The NFC Championship game is such a high bar to set, but yes they are in trouble. The 49ers are not as good as they have been in previous years, and other teams in the NFC are closing in.

ZM: I mean, yes. McCaffrey out sucks for them and it’s not a secret that Brock Purdy is “mid”.

If It Ain’t Ruff

Seattle opened the season with three straight victories but has now fallen to 3-2 after a shocking home loss against the Giants in week five. Will this team make the playoffs?

BH: I want to believe in offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb after he helped our Washington Huskies future get all the way to the National Championship last year, but it seems like he is trying to bring PAC 12 football into the NFL. Like the now disbanded conference, that won’t work long term. Just because I picked Seattle to do well in the preseason I’ll say yes, but my confidence is waning.

JA: I’m slightly more optimistic than Brian. Seattle will make the playoffs this year as a wildcard team in the NFC.

ZM: Yes, but only because the NFC sucks.

The Next Episode

This contest features a myriad of talented pass catchers on both sides. If you had to start a franchise today by choosing a wide receiver, or tight end, playing in this game, which player would you roll with?

BH: Jaxon Smith-Njigba has improved in every game since he was drafted a year ago. I think fantasy managers that drafted him this year are going to be kicking themselves when he breaks out as a top pass catcher in the game in 2025. I’d go with “JSN”, although Deebo Samuel is a close second.

JA: It’s gonna be DK Metcalf for me. It would’ve been Brandon Ayiuk if not for all this drama this past offseason.

ZM: My answer is Deebo Samuel. When healthy, he is the most underrated, valuable, player in the league.

I Get The Bag

Let’s sweep the board tonight boys. Give me your best bet(s) tonight!

BH: Kenneth Walker was given the ball just 5 times on the ground last week. That is an issue, and I think the Seahawks know that. I’ll take Kenneth Walker OVER 14.5 rushing attempts (-120) in the hopes Seattle tries to over correct the mistake from last week.

JA: I’ll give you four. 49ers to cover (-3.5), Jordan Mason 80+ rushing yards (-130), Geno Smith OVER 14.5 rushing yards (-112), and DK Metcalf OVER 4.5 receptions (-120).

ZM: Jauan Jennings any time touchdown (+320). The dude is a stud and comes up big in prime time.

Prediction Time

Which of these teams is winning tonight, and will be the score?

BH: This feels like a spot where Kyle Shanahan and San Francisco know they need to get right. I’ll take the 49ers in a close game, 26-22.

JA: 49ers win in a shootout, 31-27.

ZM: 49ers in a close one, 25-21.