Seahawks Dominate 49ers in NFC Divisional Round, Advance to Championship

The 2026 NFL playoffs witnessed a masterclass performance from the Seattle Seahawks as they dismantled the San Francisco 49ers 41-6 in a one-sided NFC Divisional Round showdown. Hosted at the raucous Lumen Field, the game was a testament to Seattle's preparation and execution, leaving no doubt about the superior team on the field. This article breaks down the key moments and performances that defined this decisive playoff victory.

A Game Defined by Early Momentum

The tone for the evening was set immediately, eliminating any notion of a slow start. According to the FOX Sports live blog, the Seahawks electrified their home crowd by returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown. This explosive start provided an instant 7-0 lead and placed immense early pressure on the visiting 49ers. The momentum generated from this special teams play cascaded throughout the first half, allowing Seattle's defense to play aggressively and its offense to operate with a comfortable lead.

Seahawks' Offensive and Defensive Dominance

Seattle's victory was built on a foundation of complementary football. The offense, led by quarterback Sam Darnold, played efficient, mistake-free football. Darnold connected with receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN) for a touchdown pass, showcasing the chemistry within the passing attack. However, the true engine of the offense was running back Kenneth Walker III, who delivered a phenomenal performance. Walker rushed for 116 yards and scored three touchdowns, consistently gashing the 49ers' defense and controlling the game clock.

Equally impressive was the Seahawks' defense, which was described as being "in full control" for the majority of the contest. They set the physical tone early by forcing a fumble on one of San Francisco's initial possessions. This unit generated two total turnovers, stifled the 49ers' rushing attack, and consistently pressured quarterback Brock Purdy, never allowing the San Francisco offense to find a rhythm or sustain drives.

49ers' Struggles and Injury Concerns

The San Francisco 49ers, who finished the regular season with a strong 12-5 record, were simply outmatched. Their offense managed only two field goals throughout the entire game, failing to reach the end zone. The live coverage also noted ongoing injury updates for San Francisco during the game, suggesting that health may have been a compounding factor in their struggles. Beyond the scoreboard, the 49ers were unable to establish any counter-punch to Seattle's early strikes, leading to a lopsided affair by halftime with the score 24-6.

Path Forward: NFC Championship Awaits

With this comprehensive 41-6 victory, the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks (14-3) have successfully advanced to the NFC Championship round. They await the winner of the other NFC Divisional matchup to determine their opponent for a chance to play in Super Bowl LX. The performance served as a powerful statement to the rest of the league, demonstrating a complete team capable of winning in all three phases of the game. For the 49ers, the offseason begins abruptly after a promising season concluded with a disappointing playoff exit.

The Seahawks' divisional round triumph was a blueprint for playoff success: start fast, establish the run, play suffocating defense, and protect the football. As they prepare for the NFC Championship, they carry not only momentum but also the confidence of a team that has proven it can deliver under the bright lights of the postseason.