The 49ers vs. Seahawks NFL Divisional round playoff matchup will be the third – and final – installment of this NFC West series. With Seattle laying 7 points as a home favorite and the total sitting at 45, what’s the smart bet in this 49ers vs. Seahawks playoff clash at 8:00 p.m. ET?
49ers vs. Seahawks Game Day Information
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📅 Date & Time: Saturday, January 17, 2026 — Evening kickoff on FOX
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📍 Location: Lumen Field — Seattle, WA (Seahawks host)
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Matchup: No. 1 Seattle Seahawks (14-3) vs. No. 5 San Francisco 49ers (13-5)
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This is the second meeting in three weeks between these NFC West rivals — and once again Seattle holds the home-field edge. The Seahawks claimed a decisive 13–3 win over the 49ers in Week 18, thanks to a stifling defense and efficient rushing attack.
Opening line: 49ers +7/Seahawks -7
📈 Storylines & Key Context
🔹 Seahawks Playoff Push After Return to Elite Status
Seattle earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC and hosts this divisional game with strong momentum. Their defense is among the league’s best at limiting scoring, and QB Sam Darnold has enjoyed a breakout 4,000-yard passing season. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been a major force on the outside — one of the top receivers in the NFL — while the ground game led by Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III keeps defenses honest.
🔹 49ers Battling Through Adversity
San Francisco’s season has been defined by overcoming injuries to stars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, but the offense remains potent under Brock Purdy, who has delivered several clutch moments in the postseason. Christian McCaffrey’s dual threat ability continues to be a focal point for the Niners’ attack.
🔹 Recent History Matters
Seattle’s Week 18 win shut down San Francisco’s offense, holding them to just 173 total yards and three points. The Seahawks’ run game was dominant, and the defense made life tough for Purdy and McCaffrey.
🔎 Injury & Team News
Seahawks:
• QB Sam Darnold — Questionable with an oblique issue, but optimistic about playing; backup Drew Lock has taken first-team reps in practice.
• Other role-players have minor designations but Seattle enters healthier overall.
49ers:
• Fred Warner (LB) — ruled out.
• Ji’Ayir Brown (S) — out.
• Several others (e.g., Dee Winters, Ricky Pearsall) are questionable.
San Francisco’s defense — already depleted — may struggle to contain Seattle’s versatile offense if these trends hold.
📊 Team Strengths & Matchups
Seahawks:
• Balanced offense with a strong run/pass mix; top-5 scoring unit.
• Defense ranks high in points allowed and run stops.
• Comfort at home in loud playoff environment.
49ers:
• Offense led by Purdy and McCaffrey has big-play potential.
• Coaching genius from Kyle Shanahan finding creative ways to compensate for injuries.
Public Betting Tickets
Numbers update frequently — check the latest on the NFL public betting chart and learn usage basics in our public betting guide.
🔥 Key Matchup to Watch
Seattle Front Seven vs. San Francisco Offensive Line — If the Seahawks’ defensive pressure disrupts Purdy early (as it did late in the regular season), San Francisco’s offense could struggle to sustain drives and keep up. This matchup looms large given the 49ers’ personnel losses on defense and at linebacker.
🏆 49ers vs. Seahawks Final Score Projection
This game shapes up as another physical, defensive-leaning battle. Seattle’s home crowd, defensive front, and balanced offense give them the edge, while San Francisco’s creativity and McCaffrey’s playmaking keep it close.
📊 Projection:
Seattle Seahawks 24 — San Francisco 49ers 20
Expect a tense, competitive contest where a couple of key stops or turnovers decide it late.
The Pick: 49ers +7
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