At a Glance
- Seahawks win 13-3 over 49ers in Week 18.
- Seahawks earn No. 1 NFC seed and first-week bye.
- 49ers drop to likely No. 6 seed after the loss.
Why it matters: The result sets the playoff path for the NFC, giving Seattle a smoother road to the 2026 Super Bowl.
The Seattle Seahawks secured the coveted first-week bye with a decisive 13-3 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, cementing their No. 1 spot in the NFC and setting a clear path toward the 2026 Super Bowl.
Game Overview
The game was dominated by Seattle’s ground attack, with the 49ers’ offense stalling due to key injuries. The Seahawks’ run game produced 171 total yards, featuring a 27-yard touchdown by Zach Charbonnet.
Key Performances
- Kenneth Walker III – 97 yards on 16 carries.
- Zach Charbonnet – 74 yards on 17 carries, 27-yard score.
- Trent Williams & Ricky Pearsall – absences hurt the 49ers’ offense.
Implications for the Playoffs
The 13-3 win locks Seattle into the first-week bye and a 14-3 record, while the 49ers fall to a 12-5 record and a projected No. 6 seed. Seattle has reached the NFC Championship game each time it clinched the top seed (2005, 2013, 2014), raising questions about another deep run.
Key Takeaways
- Seahawks earn first-week bye with dominant run game.
- 49ers drop to likely No. 6 seed after low-scoring loss.
- Seattle’s run success sets up a smoother playoff path.
With the NFC playoffs now on the horizon, Seattle’s strong finish positions them well for a potential Super Bowl run.
