49ers’ red-zone woes meet Seahawks’ shaky defense Thursday night to kick off NFL Week 6. Our pick

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 percent, 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.