At a Glance
- Seattle Seahawks secure first-week bye with a 13-3 road win over the San Francisco 49ers.
- Dominant run game: Kenneth Walker III (97 yards) and Zach Charbonnet (74 yards, 27-yard touchdown).
- Key turnovers and a 3-point score sealed the victory, moving the Seahawks to a 14-3 record.
Why it matters: The win cements the Seahawks as the No. 1 seed and sets the stage for a potential Super Bowl run.
In Week 18, the Seattle Seahawks clinched a coveted first-week bye with a decisive 13-3 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, a result that reshaped the playoff landscape and highlighted the Seahawks’ powerful rushing attack.
Road to the Super Bowl
The win pushes the Seahawks to a 14-3 record, securing the top seed in the NFC. The 49ers fall to a 12-5 record, likely dropping to the No. 6 seed after Sunday’s results.
Key Players and Plays
Seattle’s offense ran heavy, with Walker and Charbonnet producing 97 and 74 yards respectively. A 27-yard touchdown from Charbonnet early in the game set the tone.
- Walker: 97 yards on 16 carries
- Charbonnet: 74 yards on 17 carries, 27-yard TD
- Drake Thomas: Recovered tipped pass from Purdy to Christian McCaffrey
Implications for the 49ers and Rams
Coach Kyle Shanahan struggled with offensive play-calling, and the 49ers’ 3-point total is the lowest under his tenure since 2017. The loss gives the Los Angeles Rams an easier path, potentially securing the No. 5 seed if they beat the Cardinals.
| Team | Record |
|---|---|
| Seahawks | 14-3 |
| 49ers | 12-5 |
| Rams | 8-9 |
With the Rams likely in the No. 5 spot, they would face either the No. 4 Panthers or Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round.
Key Takeaways
- The Seahawks’ dominant run game and turnovers secured a first-week bye and the top seed.
- The 49ers’ offensive struggles drop them to the No. 6 seed, impacting their playoff path.
- The Rams’ win over the Cardinals could set up a smoother wild-card matchup.
The Seahawks’ dominant performance and the 49ers’ struggles set the stage for a playoff season that could see Seattle reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 2014.
