{"numbering":"asc","slides":[{"index":1,"title":"One-sided 'rivalry'","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/09/23/1ap_0.jpg","caption":"

The word “rivalry” is no longer used to describe 49ers-Seahawks games. That’s because the 49ers have failed to remain competitive with their NFC West opponents to the north. Seattle has won the previous five head-to-head meetings, beginning with its 23-17 victory over the 49ers in the NFC Championship game in January 2014. The Seahawks have also won the past five meetings in Seattle. Moreover, the 49ers have not scored 20 points or more in any of their past 10 games against Seattle... -- Matt Maiocco

"},{"index":3,"title":"5) Rolling the dice","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/09/23/2ap_6.jpg","caption":"

The 49ers have created six takeaways in their first two games. Defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil wants his players to be aggressive. Sometimes, that backfires. Case in point was the play in which safety Antoine Bethea anticipated one route and got another while Carolina’s Greg Olsen got behind him for a 78-yard touchdown. “We want our guys to play fearless,” O’Neil said. “We don’t want our guys to play scared.” The 49ers must win the turnover battle to have a chance to pull off the upset. -- Matt Maiocco

"},{"index":5,"title":"4) Controlling the tempo","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/09/23/3ap_4.jpg","caption":"

Chip Kelly is known for his up-tempo offense. But sometimes the 49ers’ offense proceeds at a much slower pace while still employing a no-huddle attack. The 49ers need to be able to get into a rhythm. They need to string first downs together. With some success, the 49ers can then speed things up and apply pressure. Otherwise, they have to slow down the pace to shorten the game and give their defense a breather from chasing around Russell Wilson. -- Matt Maiocco

"},{"index":7,"title":"3) Taking some shots","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/09/23/4usa_2.jpg","caption":"

The 49ers face a secondary that Kelly considers tops in the NFL. While the Seahawks’ defense shows no signs of vulnerability, there will be an opportunity or two to make a big play during the course of the game. And when that occurs, 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert must be on target. Torrey Smith is the 49ers’ deep threat. He might catch only two or three passes in the game, but one of them has to be the kind of big play that shifts momentum. -- Matt Maiocco

"},{"index":9,"title":"2) Containing Wilson","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/09/23/5usa_1.jpg","caption":"

Wilson sustained a high-ankle sprain in the Seahawks’ Week 1 victory over Miami. His mobility is a big key to Seattle’s offense, especially with Marshawn Lynch in retirement and Thomas Rawls’ availability in question due to a shin injury. The Seahawks’ offensive line is poor. The 49ers have to apply pressure and bring Wilson down, rather than allow him to scramble around and buy time to hit big pass plays down the field. -- Matt Maiocco

"},{"index":11,"title":"1) Patience, patience, patience","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/09/23/6ap_2.jpg","caption":"

The 49ers might try using more play-action passes on first down to keep the Seahawks’ defense honest. But the 49ers’ game plan must focus on getting the run game going. Carlos Hyde is coming off a poor showing against the Panthers, in which his fumble was returned for a touchdown. After that play, he got too eager and did not allow his linemen time to set up their blocks. Patience is the key. Kelly must be patient with the run game, and Hyde needs to show patience when the ball is in his hands. -- Matt Maiocco

"}]}

Top 5 storylines to watch in 49ers-Seahawks Week 3 matchup