If you were sleeping or just didn't have the stomach to watch another NFC West slugfest, you missed a total demolition. Honestly, the final number is almost hard to believe given how these two teams usually play each other. If you're wondering what was the score on the seahawks game yesterday, here is the short version: Seattle Seahawks 41, San Francisco 49ers 6.
Lumen Field was literally shaking. It wasn't even a contest after the first thirteen seconds. When Rashid Shaheed took that opening kickoff 95 yards to the house, you could see the soul leave the 49ers' sideline. Seriously. It was the first opening kickoff return for a touchdown in the NFL playoffs since 2015.
The Seahawks game score and why it got so ugly
Nobody expected a 35-point gap in a Divisional Round playoff game. Not in this rivalry. But Mike Macdonald’s defense has turned into a legitimate nightmare for Kyle Shanahan. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement that the hierarchy in the NFC has officially shifted.
Seattle’s defense didn't just stop the Niners—they bullied them. They forced three turnovers and stopped San Francisco on three different fourth-down attempts. Imagine being a 12-win team and not scoring a single touchdown. That’s what happened to Brock Purdy and company. They were held to 236 total yards. For a team that usually moves the ball at will, that is basically offensive flatlining.
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Why the 41-6 scoreline matters for Seattle
- The Run Game was Relentless: Kenneth Walker III ran like he was mad at the grass. He put up three touchdowns and 116 yards on the ground.
- Sam Darnold Played "Clean": Despite an oblique injury that had everyone worried all week, Darnold was efficient. He went 12-of-17. He didn't need to be a hero because the defense and special teams were doing all the heavy lifting.
- The 12s Were Nuclear: Players after the game said they could feel the stadium vibrating. It’s a cliché, sure, but it clearly rattled the Niners' communication.
A complete breakdown of how it happened
The first quarter was a blitzkrieg. Seattle hung 17 points on them before San Francisco could even catch their breath. When you're asking what was the score on the seahawks game, you have to look at the "hidden" points. Special teams weren't just good; they were the catalyst.
Ernest Jones IV deserves a statue outside the stadium at this rate. He forced a fumble early and then snagged a back-breaking interception in the second half. He’s the heartbeat of that linebacker core now. He and Demarcus Lawrence (who had a sack and two forced fumbles) made Brock Purdy’s life miserable. Purdy finished with just 140 yards and was under fire every single dropback.
On the other side, Jaxon Smith-Njigba—the NFL's leading receiver this year—had a quiet night statistically, but he caught a crucial 4-yard touchdown. It just shows the depth. When your All-Pro receiver only needs 19 yards because your running back is scoring three times, you're in a very good place.
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The 49ers' Injury Woes
Let's be real for a second. San Francisco was a shell of themselves. No George Kittle. Christian McCaffrey was clearly hurting, dealing with a stinger that kept him on the sidelines for chunks of the game. He only managed 35 rushing yards. When CMC is held to under 40 yards, the Niners' offense usually falls apart. Saturday night was no exception.
Looking ahead to the NFC Championship
So, what happens next? Since the Seahawks are the No. 1 seed, the road to the Super Bowl goes through Seattle.
They are hosting the NFC Championship game for the first time since 2014. That was the year they went to the Super Bowl after that legendary comeback against Green Bay. The energy feels eerily similar. They’ll face the winner of the Rams-Bears game, which kicks off tonight.
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If you are a betting person, keep an eye on that oblique injury for Sam Darnold. He looked fine on Saturday, but a week of soreness could change things. However, with the way the defense is playing—allowing zero touchdowns over the last eight quarters against San Francisco—it might not even matter who is under center.
Vital stats from the win:
- Time of Possession: Seattle dominated the clock, keeping their defense fresh.
- Turnover Margin: +3 for the Seahawks. You don't lose many games with that stat.
- Third Down Efficiency: The Niners couldn't stay on the field, while Seattle converted 50% of theirs.
If you’re planning on going to the next game, get your tickets now. The "ticket-waiting" queues are already thousands of people deep.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep a close watch on the injury report for the upcoming week, specifically focusing on Sam Darnold's oblique and whether the Rams or Bears emerge as the opponent. If you're looking for tickets, stick to verified resale sites like Ticketmaster or SeatGeek, as the "12s" are currently driving prices to record highs for the NFC Championship at Lumen Field.