The Seattle Seahawks delivered a statement victory on the road, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 13–3 to secure the NFC West title and finish the regular season as the top seed in the NFC. The result guarantees Seattle a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFL play-offs, a major boost as they chase Super Bowl ambitions.

The Seahawks’ triumph at Levi’s Stadium was built on a dominant defensive display, shutting down one of the league’s most potent offenses and extending Seattle’s winning streak to seven games.

Seahawks Defense Shines in Crucial Division Clash

In a tense, low-scoring contest, Seattle’s defense proved decisive. The unit limited the 49ers to just three points, repeatedly disrupting their rhythm and forcing stalled drives at key moments.

“Our defence picked us up,” Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold said after the game.
“They’ve been doing it all year. They’ve been doing a great job.”

Seattle’s defensive effort capped an impressive season in which they have been particularly formidable away from home, winning eight of nine road games during the regular campaign.

Charbonnet Scores Only Touchdown as Seahawks Control the Game

Offensively, the Seahawks did just enough to get the job done. Zach Charbonnet scored the game’s only touchdown, while kicker Jason Myers added two field goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Darnold finished with 198 passing yards, managing the game effectively and avoiding costly mistakes. The Seahawks’ rushing attack also played a vital role, with:

• Kenneth Walker III rushing for 97 yards
• Zach Charbonnet adding 74 yards on the ground

“Incredible. We worked so hard from day one,” Walker said.
“We’ve been grinding up till now, but we’ve got a lot of work to do. We can’t get satisfied.”

Seattle’s balanced approach allowed them to control possession and tempo, preventing the 49ers from mounting any sustained comeback.

Seahawks Secure NFC West and Top NFC Seed

The victory improved Seattle’s record to 14–3, confirming them as NFC West champions and the No.1 seed in the NFC. This coveted position means:

• A first-round bye during Wildcard Weekend
• Home advantage in every round of the NFC play-offs

Finishing top of the conference significantly improves Seattle’s path to the Super Bowl, as they will avoid the opening round and force opponents to travel to one of the league’s toughest venues.

49ers’ Winning Run Ends at Critical Moment

For the San Francisco 49ers, the defeat brought an abrupt end to a six-game winning streak. Dropping to 12–5, they now miss out on a bye week and will have to play on the road in the wildcard round.

Despite entering the game with momentum, the 49ers struggled to cope with Seattle’s defensive pressure and failed to find the end zone, a rare off-night for their offense.

Buccaneers Keep Play-Off Hopes Alive in NFC South Drama

Elsewhere in the NFC, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers kept their postseason hopes alive with a 16–14 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Carolina, who needed a win to clinch a play-off spot, scored a late Jalen Coker touchdown, but Tampa Bay’s defense held firm to seal the win.

Both the Buccaneers and Panthers now sit at 8–9, meaning their play-off fate depends on the result of the game between the already-eliminated Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints:

• A Falcons win sends Carolina to the play-offs
• A Saints win puts Tampa Bay through

Why the No.1 Seed Matters in the NFL Play-Offs

Finishing as the top seed in the NFC offers a major competitive edge. The No.1 seed:

• Skips Wildcard Weekend
• Hosts every play-off game until the Super Bowl
• Faces the lowest remaining seed in each round

For the Seahawks, this position reflects a season defined by consistency, defensive excellence, and strong performances in high-pressure moments.

Seahawks Enter Play-Offs as Serious Super Bowl Contenders

With a seven-game winning streak, elite defense, and home-field advantage secured, Seattle head into the play-offs full of confidence. While players and coaches insist there is “a lot of work to do,” few teams will relish the prospect of facing the Seahawks in their own stadium.

Their victory over the 49ers not only secured silverware in the NFC West but also sent a clear message to the rest of the conference: Seattle are peaking at the right time.