At a Glance
- Seattle Seahawks 13-3 win over San Francisco 49ers in Week 18
- Seahawks secure first-week bye and No. 1 NFC seed heading to 2026 Super Bowl
- 49ers drop to No. 6 seed after a 3-point performance
Why it matters: The Seahawks’ dominant run game and the 49ers’ injury woes lock the NFC title and set the playoff landscape.
The Seattle Seahawks earned the coveted first-week bye with a 13-3 road victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18. Their powerful ground attack and the 49ers’ key injuries kept the game one-way, cementing Seattle’s No. 1 seed and a tough playoff path for rivals. The win also highlights the 49ers’ struggle, as they finish 12-5 and likely slide to the No. 6 seed.
Seahawks Dominate on the Ground
Seattle’s rushing attack was the story of the game, with Kenneth Walker III amassing 97 yards on 16 carries and Zach Charbonnet adding 74 yards on 17 carries, including a 27-yard touchdown. The run game kept the 49ers’ offense off balance and controlled the clock.
- 97 yards on 16 carries
- 74 yards on 17 carries
- 27-yard touchdown
49ers Struggle Without Key Players
The 49ers were hampered by the absence of Trent Williams and Ricky Pearsall, which left their offense stifled. They managed only 3 points, the lowest under head coach Kyle Shanahan since 2017 Week 1, and fell to a 12-5 record.
- Trent Williams out
- Ricky Pearsall out
- 3 points scored
Turnovers Shift Momentum
A pivotal turnover came when Drake Thomas recovered a tipped pass from Christian McCaffrey in the red zone, preventing a potential score. The play helped seal the Seahawks’ victory and showcased the defense’s opportunistic play.
- Thomas recovery
- McCaffrey tipped pass
- Seattle’s defense forced 2 fumbles
| Team | Record |
|---|---|
| Seahawks | 14-3 |
| 49ers | 12-5 |
With the Seahawks at the top of the NFC, the 2026 Super Bowl road will run through the Pacific Northwest, while the Rams may find an easier path with the 49ers’ loss.
Key Takeaways
- Seahawks secure first-week bye and No. 1 NFC seed
- 49ers’ injuries lead to a 3-point loss and lower seed
- Turnovers and run dominance were decisive factors
The Seahawks’ performance cements their playoff advantage, while the 49ers face a tougher road ahead.
