49ers and Seahawks Clash Again in NFC West Divisional Round
The stage is set for an exciting NFC West Divisional Round as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks. This anticipated matchup occurs on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. PT at Lumen Field. It marks the third time these teams will clash this season, with a coveted spot in the NFC Championship up for grabs.
Season Recap: 49ers and Seahawks Face Off
This season, the 49ers and Seahawks split their regular-season contests. San Francisco won the season opener in Seattle 17-13. However, in their last encounter in Week 18, Seattle secured a 13-3 victory, allowing them to clinch the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
Historically, this is an unprecedented situation; it is the first time in NFL history that two teams have met in Week 1, Week 18, and the postseason in the same year. The postseason rivalry is tied at 1-1, with the home team victorious in both previous matchups.
Matchup Details
- Game Time: Saturday, 5:00 p.m. PT
- Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle
- 49ers Playoff Record Under Kyle Shanahan: 7-0 in Wild Card and Divisional Rounds
- Seahawks Regular Season Record: 14-3
Key Storylines Ahead of the Clash
- Brock Purdy’s Performance: The 49ers quarterback looks to lead his team to another NFC Championship appearance.
- Seahawks’ Defensive Strength: Seattle boasts the top-scoring defense in the league, allowing just 17.2 points per game.
- 49ers’ Offensive Adjustments: San Francisco prepares to adjust without tight end George Kittle, who suffered a season-ending injury.
- McCaffrey’s Impact: Running back Christian McCaffrey continues to be the focal point of San Francisco’s offense.
49ers Outlook
The 49ers enter this high-stakes game following a gritty Wild Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Under head coach Kyle Shanahan, they’ve consistently excelled in the postseason, having reached the NFC Championship every year he has led the team. Quarterback Brock Purdy is particularly effective against Seattle, holding a 6-2 record against them, including a perfect 4-0 at Lumen Field.
With Kittle’s absence, tight end Jake Tonges is expected to play a larger role. McCaffrey, who has consistently performed well in playoff games, remains essential for the 49ers’ success. Meanwhile, tackle Trent Williams returned to full practice, while linebacker Fred Warner has been ruled out.
Seahawks Outlook
The Seahawks approach this game well-rested after earning a first-round bye and securing home-field advantage. This marks the fourth occasion Seattle has claimed the No. 1 seed since joining the NFC, with their last appearance being in 2014.
Quarterback Sam Darnold is coming off a productive season, surpassing 4,000 passing yards. However, he must improve his performance, as he’s struggled with turnovers late in the season. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who set a franchise record for receiving yards, is crucial for Seattle’s passing attack, especially as they face the formidable 49ers defense.
What’s at Stake
This third clash between the 49ers and Seahawks this season carries significant stakes, as both teams vie for a trip to the NFC Championship. San Francisco aims to maintain its recent playoff success, while Seattle looks to protect its home turf. The winner will move on to face either the Los Angeles Rams or the Chicago Bears in the next round of the playoffs.
