Exploring Seahawks’ Playoff Battles Against Division Rivals
The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up for a crucial NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams, following a commanding 41-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round. This marks a significant moment for the Seahawks, as it is their first NFC title game appearance in over a decade. Seattle previously split their regular-season encounters with both the 49ers and Rams, setting the stage for an electrifying postseason showdown.
Seahawks’ Playoff History Against Division Rivals
The rivalry among NFC West teams has produced thrilling playoff battles through the years. Here’s a look back at some of the Seahawks’ memorable postseason contests against division opponents.
1983 Wild Card: Seahawks vs. Broncos
- Date: January 6, 1984
- Score: Seahawks 31, Broncos 7
- Key Players: Dave Krieg, Steve Largent, and Curt Warner
This marked the Seahawks’ first-ever postseason game, where they defeated the Broncos at the Kingdome. Despite a season filled with challenges, Seattle surged forward with its inaugural playoff win. The game established a strong foundation for future playoff appearances, highlighting the team’s evolution and competitiveness.
1984 Wild Card: Seahawks vs. Raiders
- Date: December 22, 1984
- Score: Seahawks 13, Raiders 7
- Notable Player: Kenny Easley
Seattle faced the Raiders in a rematch, keen to avenge their previous year’s defeat. The Seahawks triumphed, knocking out the defending champions and paving the way for another playoff run.
2004 Wild Card: Seahawks vs. Rams
- Date: January 8, 2005
- Score: Rams 27, Seahawks 20
In a closely contested battle, Seattle fell short against St. Louis, continuing their playoff win drought. Despite the loss, the team’s overall potential was evident.
2013 NFC Championship: Seahawks vs. 49ers
- Date: January 19, 2014
- Score: Seahawks 23, 49ers 17
This iconic matchup solidified the Seahawks’ place in history as they overcame their division rivals to reach Super Bowl XLVIII. It was a gripping encounter marked by intense defense, underscoring the fierce rivalry.
2020 Wild Card: Seahawks vs. Rams
- Date: January 9, 2021
- Score: Rams 30, Seahawks 20
In a playoff rematch, the Seahawks were defeated by the Rams in a game impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, showcasing the challenges faced by the team during that season.
2022 Wild Card: Seahawks vs. 49ers
- Date: January 14, 2023
- Score: 49ers 41, Seahawks 23
This game revealed the gulf in performance between the two teams, marking another disappointing playoff exit for Seattle.
2025 Divisional Round: Seahawks vs. 49ers
- Date: January 17, 2026
- Score: Seahawks 41, 49ers 6
- Significance: Seahawks return to NFC Championship
In their latest playoff appearance, Seattle dominated San Francisco, leading to a remarkable turnaround and reliving past glories.
The Road Ahead
The Seahawks’ history is rich with fierce rivalries that have shaped their identity in the NFL. As they prepare to face the Rams, the stakes have never been higher. A victory would not only mean reaching the Super Bowl for the fourth time but also reaffirming Seattle’s legacy among division foes in the postseason.
With a dynamic roster and strong leadership under head coach Mike Macdonald, fans are excited to see how the Seahawks will fare in this critical playoff encounter. History has shown that anything is possible in the playoffs—especially when division rivals meet for a chance to advance.
