Tony Avelar/Associated Press
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers’ 8-0 start, doubling their win total from last year, has changed expectations in an instant, and it was the team’s hope that a victory Monday night would show the N.F.L. their legitimate claim as front-runners.
Instead, the 49ers showed why their team is still a work in progress after losing, 27-24, to their N.F.C. West rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, in overtime. Despite the loss, the 49ers remain a half-game atop the league’s most competitive division. But Seattle, with quarterback Russell Wilson at the helm, displayed the poise and creativity of a team that has made the playoffs six out of the past seven seasons, and will probably continue to chase the 49ers.