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The aura of the rivalry between the Seattle Seahawks (7-4) and the San Francisco (7-4) has certainly been a major talking point in recent matchups. This week's tilt has more tangible significance than bragging rights for the two powerhouses.

There are major playoff implications at stake for Thanksgiving Day's showcase game—the first of two contests between the teams in only 18 days. Russell Wilson encapsulated the accoutrement of the holiday game aptly.

"A Thanksgiving game where everybody will be watching," he told reporters. "Do you hype that up? Do you downgrade it? I don't know. It's going to kind of elevate the game in general, and it's the 49ers. It's one of those things you're gonna get pumped up for."

Neither team has appeared as dominant as it was a season ago, with Seattle already sporting more losses and San Francisco matching its loss total. The 49ers have won their last three games by a combined 13 points, while the Seahawks struggle with their offensive identity.

A win for Seattle would create a bit of breathing room in a push for the NFC's final playoff spot as the Seahawks hold the advantage in tiebreakers with the 49ers and Detroit Lions.

Seahawks' and 49ers' 2014 Season Stats