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1:38 p.m. update: The 49ers removed the tarp with the rain stopping. It is expected to pick back up, so the removal of the tarp means the field could get a little soggy by kickoff.
The tarp is off the field at Levi’s and the rain has stopped for a few. It is forecasted for the rain to resume but for now, it’s pretty perfect pic.twitter.com/VLkZAMsCcj
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) January 14, 2023
11:29 a.m. update: Matt Maiocco provided an update from Levi’s Stadium. He reported the rain is expected to be steady through at least the first quarter. That coupled with wind gusts will make for a messy start to the game.
Live weather update: Be safe out there. pic.twitter.com/7x1cm3JTVP
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) January 14, 2023
10:51 a.m. update: The rain has picked up considerably. It is expected to stop by kickoff, but the field could still be pretty soggy even after getting the tarp down ahead of it. The bigger concern at kickoff is wind. At 1 p.m. PT, just before kickoff, wind is expected to be up to 22 mph with gusts of 32 mph. It is expected to stay consistently windy throughout the game.
So the rain has picked up *quite* a bit here #SEAvsSF pic.twitter.com/AiI2qrizRZ
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) January 14, 2023
The Wild Card round for this year's NFL playoff kicks off Saturday. At 4:30 p.m. ET, the Seattle Seahawks are set to take on the San Francisco 49ers at Levis Stadium in Santa Clara. This will be the third time they’ve faced off this season, with the 49ers winning both previous matchups.
Weather for Seahawks vs. 49ers in Wild Card round
Forecast
It looks like there is some rain in the forecast. The percentages are right around 50% from 4 p,m. ET to 7 p.m. ET. I would fully expect this weather to have a bit of an impact on this outcome. The wind gusts are expected to be 10 mph. It won't be too cold as the temperature will be right around 53 degrees for the majority of the game.
Fantasy/betting implications
Both teams should rely on their running back a bit more. Both quarterbacks are starting their first career playoff game, but Purdy is much less experienced. With how good the 49ers' run defense is, I think the Seahawks will be forced to pass more than they would want. For the 49ers, I expect a big day from Christian McCaffrey on the ground.