Saturday, January 17, 2026 — NFC Divisional Round
SEATTLE — In one of the most decisive performances of the 2026 NFL Playoffs, the Seattle Seahawks demolished the San Francisco 49ers 41–6 on Saturday night at Lumen Field, advancing to the NFC Championship Game with authority. The top-seeded Seahawks dominated from the opening kickoff, overpowering their NFC West rivals on both sides of the ball in front of a raucous home crowd.
Seattle set the tone immediately when wide receiver Rashid Shaheed electrified the stadium by returning the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, putting the Seahawks on the board just 13 seconds into the game. That early special-teams explosion ignited Seattle’s offense and defense alike, setting the stage for a lopsided playoff victory.
Seahawks Take Control Early
After Shaheed’s historic return — one of the few kickoff return touchdowns to open an NFL playoff game — Seattle continued to impose its will. A subsequent 31-yard field goal by Jason Myers extended the lead, and quarterback Sam Darnold connected with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 4-yard touchdown pass later in the first quarter, making it 17–0.
The Seahawks’ defense was relentless, forcing turnovers and creating short fields for their offense. San Francisco managed just two field goals in the first half — from 40 and 56 yards — and Seattle took a commanding 24–6 lead into halftime.
Walker and Seahawks Keep Pressure On
Running back Kenneth Walker III spearheaded the ground attack, scoring Seattle’s first rushing touchdown from 7 yards out just before halftime. Walker continued to dominate in the second half, adding two more rushing touchdowns — one late in the third quarter and another early in the fourth — giving Seattle a 41–6 advantage that effectively ended any hopes of a 49ers comeback.
Walker’s performance was a masterclass in efficiency and power, as he racked up 116 rushing yards and three touchdowns, punctuating the Seahawks’ offensive balance and explosive potential.
Defense Shines, 49ers Struggle
Seattle’s defense, led by standout playmakers such as linebacker Ernest Jones IV and safety Nick Emmanwori, continually disrupted 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and forced multiple turnovers throughout the night. The Seahawks pressured San Francisco’s offense into mistakes, thwarting any chance of building sustained drives.
By limiting the 49ers to just six points — all from field goals — Seattle’s defense sent a clear message about its dominance in the postseason. San Francisco’s lone scores came from those two second-quarter kicks, far short of mounting any real offensive threat.
Seahawks Head to NFC Championship
With the convincing 41–6 victory, the Seahawks advance to the NFC Championship Game, their first appearance at that stage since the 2014 season. Seattle will host the winner of the Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams divisional matchup next weekend at Lumen Field, with a chance to reach Super Bowl LX.
The Seahawks’ performance on Saturday night — highlighted by special teams spark, relentless defense, and an efficient offense — showcased a balanced championship formula that could propel them deep into the postseason.
Meanwhile, the 49ers’ season ends abruptly after a stunning defeat. San Francisco, which had earlier won a Wild Card game in this postseason, was unable to keep pace with Seattle’s multifaceted attack. The lopsided result marks one of the most decisive playoff losses in 49ers history.