Quick Read
- Seattle Seahawks defeated San Francisco 49ers 41-6 in NFC Divisional Round.
- Seahawks secured the NFC No. 1 seed and will host the NFC Championship Game.
- Their next opponent will be the winner of the Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears game.
- The NFC Championship Game is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. ET.
- The game will be played at Lumen Field in Seattle and broadcast on FOX.
The Seattle Seahawks cemented their status as the NFC’s top team, steamrolling the San Francisco 49ers with a commanding 41-6 victory in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. This decisive win, secured on Saturday, January 17, 2026, propels Seattle to the NFC Championship Game, where they will enjoy home-field advantage at Lumen Field. The Seahawks are now set to host the winner of Sunday’s pivotal matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Dominant Performance Secures Home Field
Seattle’s path to the NFC Championship was paved with a comprehensive dismantling of their division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers. From the opening kickoff, which Pro Bowl return specialist Rashid Shaheed returned 95 yards for a touchdown, the Seahawks dictated the pace and tone of the game. Shaheed, a recent acquisition, immediately showcased the impact of General Manager John Schneider’s strategic roster moves, setting an electrifying precedent for the evening.
The Seahawks’ defense, often referred to as ‘The Dark Side’ and drawing comparisons to the legendary ‘Legion of Boom,’ delivered a suffocating performance. They forced three turnovers and held the high-powered 49ers offense to a mere 236 total yards. All-Pro linebacker Ernest Jones IV, acquired in October 2024, was instrumental, forcing a fumble and intercepting a pass. Free-agent signee DeMarcus Lawrence also contributed with a forced fumble in the fourth quarter, highlighting the success of Seattle’s recent acquisitions in bolstering their front seven.
Offensively, Kenneth Walker III spearheaded Seattle’s potent rushing attack, amassing 116 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries. Quarterback Sam Darnold, despite nursing an oblique injury, managed the game effectively, completing 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. The Seahawks’ commitment to running the ball and their elite defense took immense pressure off Darnold, allowing him to operate with poise and control throughout the contest.
49ers’ Struggles and Key Injuries
For the San Francisco 49ers, it was a night to forget, marking their most lopsided playoff loss in the Kyle Shanahan era. The team’s secondary, which had been a strength, struggled significantly. Rookie safety Marques Sigle, praised just last week, endured a particularly rough outing, committing a pass interference penalty that led to Seattle’s first offensive touchdown and missing key tackles. Cornerback Renardo Green was momentarily benched, and backup Darrell Luter Jr. was beaten for a touchdown. These struggles highlighted a potential offseason priority for the 49ers: reinforcing their receiver corps.
Compounding their defensive woes, the 49ers’ special teams, typically a reliable unit, faltered at the worst possible time, conceding the opening kickoff return touchdown. Star running back Christian McCaffrey was also sidelined by a left shoulder stinger, returning briefly before exiting again in the fourth quarter with his arm dangling, a concerning sight for 49ers fans. Despite finishing with 74 total yards, McCaffrey was largely contained by Seattle’s dominant run defense, managing only 35 yards on 11 carries.
Quarterback Brock Purdy, who had overcome injuries and led a battered 49ers team to the Divisional Round, faced relentless pressure, being sacked twice and losing a fumble. While Purdy’s individual resilience was evident, the Seahawks’ defense proved too talented and physical for his team to overcome on this particular night.
Anticipating the NFC Championship Matchup
As the top seed, the Seattle Seahawks will host the NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field, a significant advantage given their 6-2 home record during the regular season. The game is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast nationally on FOX.
The Seahawks’ opponent will emerge from the NFC Divisional Round clash between the No. 5 seed Los Angeles Rams and the No. 2 seed Chicago Bears. This game is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2026, on NBC.
Speculation is already rife regarding Seattle’s preferred opponent. According to FanDuel lookahead lines, the Seahawks would be heavy favorites against the Bears in a hypothetical matchup. The Bears represent more of an unknown for Seattle, with their last encounter being a low-scoring 6-3 Seahawks victory in 2024. Conversely, Seattle split their regular-season series with the Rams, most recently notching an improbable 38-37 overtime comeback victory in December. Given Sam Darnold’s ‘treacherous history’ against the Rams’ defense, as noted by Heavy.com, some analysts suggest the Seahawks might prefer to face the Bears.
The Road Ahead: AFC Championship and Super Bowl 60
The NFC Championship Game winner will advance to Super Bowl 60, scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Meanwhile, the AFC Championship Game will also take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET on CBS. The Denver Broncos, who defeated the Buffalo Bills in their Divisional Round matchup, will host the AFC Championship, awaiting the winner of the Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots game.
Seattle’s dominant performance against the 49ers underscores their readiness for a deep playoff run. The team’s ‘winning formula’ – a relentless four-man pass rush, an explosive and sharp secondary, a committed run-first offense, and a quarterback capable of making big throws when necessary – mirrors the success of recent Super Bowl contenders. This comprehensive approach, combined with the crucial home-field advantage, positions the Seahawks as a formidable force entering the conference championship.
The Seahawks’ transformation into a physically dominant team, particularly in their front seven, has been a defining characteristic of their season. Their ability to not only contain but overwhelm a talented 49ers offense for the second time in three weeks demonstrates a profound shift in their competitive identity, making them a genuine threat to represent the NFC in Super Bowl 60.