Seahawks Beat 49ers to Claim NFC West Championship and Top Seed

Seahawks Defeat 49ers, Secure Top Seed in NFC Playoffs

SANTA CLARA — In a decisive matchup, the Seattle Seahawks triumphed over the San Francisco 49ers with a score of 13-3, clinching the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. This victory, marked by a 27-yard touchdown run from Zach Charbonnet in the first quarter, also awarded Seattle its first division title since 2020.

With a final record of 14-3, the Seahawks now find themselves just two home wins away from a return to Levi’s Stadium for the upcoming Super Bowl. The 49ers, who concluded their season at 12-5, now face a wild-card round game next weekend, with their opponent to be decided after Sunday’s matchups.

Coach Mike Macdonald’s defensive strategy proved effective against a 49ers offense that had been dominant since quarterback Brock Purdy’s return in Week 11. The Seahawks started strong, not allowing a single first down in the opening quarter. Key moments included three sacks and an interception by Drake Thomas early in the fourth quarter on a pass that deflected off running back Christian McCaffrey’s hands.

Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold managed the game well, going 20 for 26 with 198 yards and no turnovers. The Seahawks leaned heavily on their running game, with Kenneth Walker III contributing 97 yards and Charbonnet notching the pivotal touchdown.

In contrast, the 49ers struggled offensively, with Purdy completing 19 of 27 passes for just 127 yards and an interception. McCaffrey was held to a mere 23 yards on eight carries, marking San Francisco’s lowest scoring output since a 23-3 defeat against Carolina in 2017, the year Coach Kyle Shanahan took the helm.

Despite controlling much of the first half with a 127-yard advantage and allowing only three first downs, Seattle led by just 10-3 at halftime. The Seahawks had earlier stalled on a fourth-and-goal attempt from the four-yard line but quickly responded by forcing a three-and-out, setting up Charbonnet’s score.

Kicker Jason Myers had a difficult night, converting two of four field goal attempts, including a missed 47-yarder and another from 26 yards late in the game.

As the playoffs approach, the Seahawks look to maintain their momentum, while the 49ers aim to regroup for their upcoming wild-card challenge.