Including the 1997-2012 season in The Post, Cat’s record in print stands at 480-408 (54 percent) against the spread.
SUNDAY
49ers (+3 ½) over SEAHAWKS: The negative effects of a wound-up-too-tight Jim Harbaugh are mitigated by the Niners underdog status. San Francisco owes ‘Hawks plenty for previous disappointments at CenturyLink, and is finally fully-equipped in the passing department, with Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis providing a variety of options after Anquan Boldin.
San Fran rushing defense was second-best overall in raw numbers, allowing 95 yards per game during the regular season, and it’ll need every bit of that against Marshawn Lynch. Field-goal machine Phil Dawson aids visitors’ cause greatly, and 49ers are reminiscent of their dominant Joe Montana teams, which sustained exceptional road-performance standards. The modern version has missed on one cover away from Candlestick Park in their last 11 tries against teams with winning home records.
Seattle’s 12th Man will matter. So will the officials. But expect the Red and Gold to get off to a respectable start and take Seattle to the wire. ’Niners (+3 ½) for one unit.
LAST WEEK: 1-0. Scratching and clawing until the gun, Bolts didn’t quit (Chargers, plus one unit).
SEASON: 20-17-2.
To contact Cat, write P. O. Box 739, Hightstown, N. J. 08520, or visit www.playbook.com