49ers vs Seahawks 2026: Game Overview

The matchup, held on a crisp Saturday night in Seattle, was billed as a clash between two titans of the division. However, it quickly turned into a “nightmare at Lumen Field” for the 49ers. Suffering from a depleted roster due to major injuries and facing a relentless Seahawks defense, San Francisco was never able to establish a rhythm.

Final Score

• San Francisco 49ers: 6
• Seattle Seahawks: 41

Key Game Information

• Date: January 17, 2026
• Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET (Local time in Seattle)
• Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
• Attendance: Capacity crowd (12th Man in full force)
• Broadcaster: FOX

Game Summary: A Three-Phase Masterclass

The Opening Spark

The game began with a play that would set the tone for the entire night. Seahawks return specialist Rasheed Shaheed took the opening kickoff 95 yards to the house. In just 13 seconds, Seattle had a 7–0 lead, and the stadium noise reached deafening levels. It was the longest postseason kick return in Seahawks franchise history and immediately put the 49ers on their heels.

Defensive Dominance

Mike Macdonald’s defense, which finished the 2025 regular season as a top-ranked unit, proved why they are feared. They held the 49ers to just 236 total yards and 15 first downs. More impressively, they kept the 49ers out of the end zone for the entirety of the game, limiting them to just two field goals.

Linebacker Ernest Jones IV was the standout on defense. Despite dealing with an illness earlier in the week, Jones recorded an interception and a forced fumble, both of which led to Seattle scoring drives. Defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence added a sack and forced two fumbles, while Leonard Williams capped off the night with a crucial fourth-down sack on Brock Purdy.

The Running Game: Kenneth Walker III’s Record Night

While quarterback Sam Darnold was efficient (12-of-17 for 124 yards and 1 TD), the story of the offense was Kenneth Walker III. Walker decimated the 49ers’ front seven, rushing for 116 yards and tying a franchise playoff record with three rushing touchdowns. His physical running style wore down a San Francisco defense that was missing stars like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa.

Key Stats & Box Score

Team Stats	San Francisco 49ers	Seattle Seahawks
Total Yards	236	299
Rushing Yards	73	175
Passing Yards	163	124
Turnovers	3	0
First Downs	15	18
Time of Possession	27:45	32:15

Individual Performance Leaders

Seattle Seahawks

• QB Sam Darnold: 12/17, 124 Yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
• RB Kenneth Walker III: 19 Carries, 116 Yards, 3 TDs
• WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 4 Receptions, 48 Yards, 1 TD
• LB Ernest Jones IV: 8 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 FF

San Francisco 49ers

• QB Brock Purdy: 18/31, 178 Yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
• RB Christian McCaffrey: 11 Carries, 31 Yards (Limited by stinger)
• WR Ricky Pearsall: 5 Receptions, 62 Yards

The Turning Points

1. The Opening Return: Shaheed’s 95-yard touchdown was a psychological blow that San Francisco never recovered from.
2. The First Quarter Fumble: Ernest Jones IV ripped the ball away from 49ers TE Jake Tonges early in the game, setting up a short field that Walker converted into a touchdown.
3. Injuries to Key Players: Already missing Kittle, Warner, and Bosa, the 49ers saw Christian McCaffrey briefly leave the field with a stinger. Though he returned, he was largely ineffective against the Seahawks’ front.
4. Fourth-Down Stands: The Seahawks’ defense stopped the 49ers on fourth down four separate times, effectively killing any potential momentum for the visitors.

Post-Game Reactions

Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald:

“This was one of the most complete games we’ve played all year. When you start a game with a return like that, it fuels the defense. We played our style of football fast, physical, and disciplined.”

49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan:

“We’re disappointed. We didn’t have it today, and credit to them, they capitalized on every mistake we made. I’m proud of how our guys battled through injuries all season, but tonight we just ran out of gas.”

Key Takeaway: The NFC Championship

With this victory, the Seattle Seahawks (15-3) advance to host the NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. They will face the winner of the Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams matchup. Having won their last three home NFC Championship games, the “12th Man” is already preparing for another historic night in Seattle.

For the 49ers, a season that began with Super Bowl aspirations ends in heartbreak. The front office will now turn its attention to the 2026 offseason, focusing on getting their star-studded roster healthy for another run next year.

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