GREG COTE’S NFL WEEK 6 THURSDAY PICK

49ERS (2-3) at SEAHAWKS (3-2)

Line: SF by 3 1/2.

Cote’s pick: SF 27-24.

TV: 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Prime Video.

Seattle may have a better-than-average home-field edge, but San Fran has won five straight in this NFC West rivalry including the past two in the shadow of the Space Needle. Niners are NFL’s best losing-record team (sorry, Bengals) and due to begin justifying why they are — for now — still second or third depending on the sportsbook in Super Bowl betting odds. The 49ers big problem? A year ago Brock Purdy and the fellas led NFL in red-zone offense with a touchdown percentage of 68. They presently sit 30th at 41%, bogging down late despite being second in league in yards per game. The obvious easy answer is RB Christian McCaffrey’s continuing injury absence with Achilles/calf issues. (He is eligible to return from IR this week but won’t. However he is back practicing on a limited basis, a good sign.) Meantime the Seahawks’ generous D could be at least a temporary antidote after giving up 71 combined points in consecutive losses to the Lions and Giants. Hawks are only 1-4 covering the line this year but I like ‘em at home with that extra half point.

(Betting line courtesy ESPNBet as of midday Wednesday.)

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