If you’re scrambling to find out what was the score of the 49ers game that just wrapped up, you probably caught the tail end of a absolute heart-stopper. The San Francisco 49ers just pulled off a gutsy 23–19 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. This wasn't just any regular-season win, though. It was a Wild Card playoff battle on January 11, 2026, and honestly, it felt like a heavyweight fight that went all twelve rounds.
They did it.
The Niners went into Lincoln Financial Field—one of the most hostile environments in the NFL—and knocked off the defending Super Bowl champs. If you're a Niners fan, you’re likely still catching your breath. If you’re an Eagles fan, well, it’s going to be a long winter.
Breaking Down the 23–19 Victory
The game started out sort of slow, with both defenses looking like brick walls. Early on, it felt like we were in for a low-scoring defensive slog. San Francisco took an early 7–0 lead when Demarcus Robinson hauled in a 2-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy. But the Eagles, being the champs, didn't just sit there. They clawed back, and by the third quarter, Philly actually held a 16–10 lead.
That’s when things got weird. And awesome.
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Coach Kyle Shanahan reached deep into his bag of tricks. Jauan Jennings—yes, the wide receiver—took a pitch and actually threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Christian McCaffrey. It was a "Philly Special" style play executed right in the Eagles' house. That trick play flipped the momentum entirely.
The Fourth Quarter Chaos
The final frame was a total rollercoaster. Philly kicked a field goal to go up 19–17. The clock was ticking. The season was literally on the line.
Brock Purdy looked incredibly poised, leading a 10-play, 66-yard drive. He eventually found McCaffrey again for a 4-yard touchdown. Even though the extra point was missed—giving Niners fans a collective heart attack—the defense held firm. Jalen Hurts had one last shot, but a turnover on downs ended the Eagles' hopes.
- Final Score: 49ers 23, Eagles 19
- Key Player: Christian McCaffrey (2 TDs, 114 total yards)
- The Turning Point: The Jennings-to-McCaffrey TD pass
Looking Back at the 2025 Regular Season
To really understand what was the score of the 49ers during this run, you have to look at how they got here. They finished the regular season at 12–5. It wasn't always pretty. In fact, they actually lost their regular-season finale to the Seattle Seahawks 13–3 just a week before the playoffs started.
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That loss to Seattle was a wake-up call. It was their lowest-scoring game of the entire Shanahan era. People were worried. Analysts were saying the offense had finally figured out Purdy. Clearly, those people were wrong.
The Niners had some wild scores throughout the year:
- A massive 48–27 blowout against the Colts in Week 16.
- A 42–38 shootout victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 17.
- That frustrating 42–26 loss to the Rams earlier in November.
Basically, this team has been a box of chocolates all year. You never quite knew if you were getting a defensive masterclass or a high-flying aerial circus.
What’s Next for San Francisco?
So, now that the Wild Card is in the books, the 49ers are heading back to a familiar place. They are scheduled to play the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
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This is the rubber match.
Seattle won the division and the No. 1 seed by beating the Niners in Week 18. San Francisco won the first meeting back in Week 1. This third meeting at Lumen Field is going to be massive. The winner goes to the NFC Championship, and the loser goes home to start thinking about the draft.
Keep an eye on George Kittle’s health, too. He left the Eagles game with a lower leg injury and didn't come back. The Niners are a different team without him blocking and opening up the middle of the field.
If you're looking to follow the next game, it's a 5:00 PM PST kickoff on FOX. Make sure your Saturday is clear.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the injury report for George Kittle on Wednesday; his status changes the entire betting line.
- If you're a fan, look for tickets early, as Lumen Field is expected to be a sell-out with record-breaking noise levels.
- Watch the film from the Week 18 loss to see how the Seahawks' "Dark Side" defense managed to hold Purdy to just 127 yards.