Seahawks Soar Past 49ers: A Dominant 41-6 Playoff Victory
In a stunning display of dominance, the Seattle Seahawks crushed the San Francisco 49ers 41-6 in the NFC Divisional Playoffs on January 17, 2026, at Lumen Field. This victory not only secured Seattle's spot in the NFC Championship Game but also marked one of the most lopsided playoff losses in 49ers history, second only to their 49-3 defeat to the New York Giants in 1986.
Game Summary and Key Scoring Plays
The Seahawks wasted no time establishing their dominance, jumping ahead 7-0 just 13 seconds into the game. Rashid Shaheed electrified the crowd with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, marking the longest opening kickoff return in Seahawks postseason history and the fourth such return in playoff history since 2000.
Seattle's offense continued to roll, with quarterback Sam Darnold, despite being questionable due to an oblique injury, throwing a touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This game marked Darnold's first career playoff win in his debut season with Seattle. The Seahawks quickly built a 17-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Quarter
49ers
Seahawks
1st
0
17
2nd
6
7
3rd
0
10
4th
0
7
Total
6
41
The 49ers managed to score only through two field goals by Eddy Pineiro in the second quarter, as Seattle's defense, known as the "Dark Side," stifled their offense, holding them to a mere 236 total yards and forcing three turnovers.
Key Performances and Highlights
- Seahawks stars: Darnold's efficient drives, Kenneth Walker III's three rushing touchdowns (tying Shaun Alexander's franchise playoff record), and Shaheed's 95-yard kickoff return.
- 49ers struggles: Limited to field goals, with Christian McCaffrey struggling to find any rhythm on the ground.
- Pre-game hype included appearances from Seahawks legends Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and Doug Baldwin, energizing the "12th Man" crowd in Seattle's first home playoff game in nearly a decade.
Injuries
In a game that saw its share of injuries, the Seahawks lost Zach Charbonnet to a knee injury and Charles Cross to a foot injury, while the 49ers were missing key players including George Kittle, Fred Warner, and Nick Bosa.
Pre- and Post-Game Context
Leading up to the game, the only major drama revolved around Darnold's injury status. Post-game, the Seahawks celebrated their dominant win, with players like Byron Murphy II calling the early kickoff return a game-ender. The atmosphere evoked memories of the 2010s "Legion of Boom" era.
Implications and Outcomes
Team/Figure
Outcome and Meaning
Seahawks (15-3, top seed)
Advance to host NFC Championship vs. Chicago Bears or Los Angeles Rams; one win from fourth Super Bowl appearance; boosts Darnold's playoff cred.
49ers (13-6)
Season ends; signals need for roster health and defensive fixes; offseason focus on "heal and reload".
Coaches/QB
Seahawks coach gains momentum; Darnold cements his role; 49ers coach faces pressure after blowout.
This victory positions the Seahawks as favorites in the NFC, while the 49ers must address their injuries and defensive issues heading into the offseason.