SEATTLE — Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor and Doug Baldwin overvalued the famed “twelfth Man” crowd in Seattle, offering a throwback to the Seahawks’ fearsome “Legion of Increase” groups from the 2010s.
Then, of their first playoff sport in entrance of residence followers in almost a decade, the Seahawks discovered a brand new degree of dominance.
Rashid Shaheed returned the returned the opening kickoff for a landing, Kenneth Walker III rushed for 3 scores and Seattle compelled three turnovers in a never-in-doubt 41-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night time that despatched the top-seeded Seahawks to the NFC championship sport.
“Certainly one of our most full video games, for certain,” defensive lineman Leonard Williams mentioned. “(Shaheed) beginning the sport off like that set the tone.”
Sam Darnold threw a landing go and acquired his first profession playoff win in his first season with the Seahawks (15-3), who will host both the Chicago Bears or the Los Angeles Rams subsequent Sunday with a visit to the Tremendous Bowl at stake.
The Seahawks led 7-0 13 seconds into the sport due to Shaheed, who fielded the opening kick and took it 95 yards to the top zone. It was the fourth kickoff return for a landing to open a playoff sport since 2000 and the longest postseason kick return in franchise historical past.
“I used to be so hyped,” defensive lineman Byron Murphy II mentioned. “I wasn’t anticipating that, however when he did it, I knew the sport was over then. I already knew.”
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold reacts in the course of the second half of an NFL soccer divisional playoff sport in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Seattle. Credit score: AP/Lindsey Wasson
Darnold, who had been listed as questionable due to an indirect damage, guided the Seahawks on two extra scoring drives earlier than San Francisco acquired on the board with the primary of its two subject targets. As he has all season, Darnold impressed his teammates along with his toughness.
“He advised us he was going to do no matter it takes to get again and play for us,” offensive lineman Gray Zabel mentioned. “That was a gutsy efficiency by him, not feeling his finest. He continues to simply be a frontrunner within the huddle, on the sphere, on the sidelines.”
After he flopped in his playoff debut final season with the Minnesota Vikings by taking 9 sacks in a 27-9 loss to the Rams, Darnold accomplished 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and linked with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a landing within the star receiver’s playoff debut.
Seattle hadn’t performed within the postseason because the 2020 season, when it misplaced at residence to the Rams with no followers within the stands due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seattle Seahawks defensive sort out Leonard Williams (99) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) in the course of the second half of an NFL soccer divisional playoff sport Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Seattle. Credit score: AP/Lindsey Wasson
The 49ers (13-6) have been by no means aggressive within the second-most lopsided playoff loss in franchise historical past. San Francisco misplaced 49-3 to the New York Giants within the divisional spherical within the 1986 season.
The Niners have been lacking three injured All-Professionals: tight finish George Kittle, linebacker Fred Warner and defensive finish Nick Bosa. Star left sort out Trent Williams, who performed by a hamstring damage, was happy with his staff for getting as far within the playoffs because it did.
“Once you’re taking part in with guys you’re signing off the apply squad,” Williams mentioned, “guys (you’re) taking off the road — you bought to mood expectations a bit.”
Brock Purdy accomplished 15 of 27 passes for 140 yards with an interception and a misplaced fumble in opposition to the Seahawks’ “Darkish Aspect” protection. Seattle additionally recovered a fumble by tight finish Jake Tonges.
“The whole lot’s working for us, to be sincere,” security Nick Emmanwori mentioned. “The whole lot’s working. We fly to the ball, we’ve acquired (a) nice scheme, nice coaches, nice gamers. I (suppose) it’s onerous for groups to discover a approach to rating on us or beat us straight up.”
Walker waltzes to profession night time
Walker’s three speeding touchdowns tied him with Shaun Alexander for probably the most in a playoff sport in franchise historical past. Two of the scores got here after halftime, and he celebrated one by chucking the ball into the group.
“I’d do it extra,” Walker mentioned, “however I’d get fined for it.”
Walker completed with 116 yards speeding, his most since his rookie yr in 2022, and he picked up the slack after Zach Charbonnet was injured in the course of the sport. The Seahawks ran for 175 yards, their third most this season.
“You may see it, how they’re respiratory, they’re drained, they’re gradual to stand up,” Walker mentioned. “You may see it’s demoralizing to them.”
Pursuit of Purdy
The Seahawks’ entrance seven made life troublesome for Purdy, chasing him throughout the sphere whereas sacking him twice. With the Niners skinny at receiver, Purdy scrambled 5 instances for 37 yards and steadily threw on the run.
“It’s no secret when it comes to their fashion of play,” Purdy mentioned. “Making an attempt to make a quarterback examine it down and play deep to quick. Then inside that, have a very good go rush. That’s a very good protection, man.”
Accidents
49ers: RB Christian McCaffrey (stinger) was injured within the second quarter and returned within the third quarter earlier than exiting the sport for good. Tonges injured a foot and didn’t return.
Seahawks: Charbonnet injured a knee within the second quarter and didn’t return. LT Charles Cross injured a foot within the third quarter and didn’t return.
Up subsequent
49ers: Heal and reload for subsequent season.
Seahawks: Are one victory away from the fourth Tremendous Bowl look in franchise historical past and first in 11 years.
