Seahawks Dominate 49ers As Walker Shines In Playoff Rout

Seattle’s Lumen Field was alive with energy Saturday night as the Seahawks delivered a commanding 41–6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, punching their ticket to the NFC Championship. But amid the celebration, the storylines ran deeper than the scoreboard. The win was not just about the points—it was a testament to resilience, depth, and the unpredictable twists that define the NFL playoffs.

Heading into this divisional-round showdown, all eyes were on quarterback Sam Darnold. After being listed as questionable with an oblique injury sustained during Thursday’s practice, uncertainty swirled around his availability. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, however, exuded confidence in the days leading up to kickoff. “Right now, we’re going through all the protocols out of caution, making sure we are ready to go,” Macdonald told reporters Friday afternoon. Darnold himself echoed that optimism, stating after Thursday’s practice, “I plan to play.” And play he did, marking his second career playoff start and his first in Seattle colors.

Darnold’s readiness was a sigh of relief for the Seahawks faithful, especially given the high stakes. Backup Drew Lock had taken over first-team reps in practice as a precaution, but Macdonald made it clear: “I don’t think we’d put him out there if he couldn’t do his job.” Darnold, feeling better than on the day of the injury, entered the game determined to make an impact. This was a moment of redemption, too—his only previous playoff start, while with the Minnesota Vikings last season, ended in disappointment. This time, the stakes and the crowd were different. For the first time since the 2016 season, Seahawks fans packed Lumen Field for a home playoff game, bringing a raucous energy that had been sorely missed during the COVID-affected 2021 postseason.

The rivalry between the Seahawks and 49ers was already at a boiling point. The teams had split their regular-season series, with each winning on the road. Seattle’s gritty 13-3 victory in Week 18 clinched the NFC West crown, home-field advantage, and set the stage for this high-stakes playoff clash. The city buzzed with anticipation—could the Seahawks continue their march toward a Super Bowl berth for the first time since 2014?

The game’s opening moments set the tone for a night of explosive plays and relentless momentum. Rashid Shaheed electrified the crowd with a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown, immediately putting the 49ers on the back foot. The special teams spark ignited the Seahawks’ sideline, and the offense wasted little time capitalizing on the early lead.

Yet, the night was not without its anxieties. Running back Zach Charbonnet, a vital part of Seattle’s bruising ground attack, exited the game in the second quarter after taking a hard hit on a 3rd-and-2 rush. After a brief stint in the blue medical tent, Charbonnet walked to the locker room under his own power but would not return. Before his injury, he had impressed with five carries for 20 yards, including a 15-yard burst that showcased his power and vision. January knee injuries are always cause for concern, but there was a silver lining. Head coach Mike Macdonald, in his postgame remarks, offered hope: “They’re optimistic. They believe it is structurally intact,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. Charbonnet was scheduled for an MRI to determine the full extent of the damage, and if the results are clean, he could return in time for the NFC Championship at Lumen Field next Sunday.

With Charbonnet sidelined, the Seahawks leaned heavily on Kenneth Walker III—and did he ever deliver. Walker tore through the 49ers’ defense, racking up a sensational 116 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His performance was nothing short of historic, as he joined Shaun Alexander as the only players in franchise history to score three rushing touchdowns in a playoff game. Walker’s explosive runs and nose for the end zone kept the pressure on San Francisco, ensuring that the Seahawks never lost their grip on the contest.

Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s game plan was executed to near perfection. The Seahawks’ offensive line opened up lanes, and Darnold managed the game with poise, distributing the ball efficiently and avoiding costly mistakes. The defense, meanwhile, suffocated the 49ers’ attack, limiting them to just six points and forcing multiple turnovers. It was a complete team effort, with contributions from every phase of the game—offense, defense, and special teams.

For the 49ers, it was a night of frustration and missed opportunities. The Seahawks’ home crowd, finally back in full force for a playoff game, created a hostile environment that seemed to rattle the visitors. San Francisco’s inability to capitalize on key drives, combined with Seattle’s relentless pressure, made the difference. The loss marked the end of the line for the 49ers’ season, while Seattle’s dreams of another Super Bowl appearance remained very much alive.

Looking ahead, the Seahawks face several crucial questions. The status of Zach Charbonnet will be closely monitored throughout the week. His physical, downhill running style is a perfect complement to Walker’s explosiveness, and his return would give Seattle another weapon as they prepare for their next opponent. The MRI results will be pivotal—not just for Charbonnet’s future, but for the team’s game plan as they eye the NFC Championship.

Coach Macdonald’s leadership has been a defining factor in Seattle’s resurgence this season. His steady hand amid injuries and adversity has kept the team focused, and his willingness to trust young players like Walker and Charbonnet has paid dividends. The Seahawks’ first NFC West title since 2020 and home playoff advantage for the first time since 2014 are testaments to a culture of resilience and belief.

As the city of Seattle basks in the glow of a dominant playoff win, the anticipation for next Sunday’s NFC Championship showdown is palpable. With the possibility of Charbonnet’s return and Walker firing on all cylinders, the Seahawks have momentum—and the support of a fanbase hungry for another shot at Super Bowl glory. The journey continues, and if Saturday’s performance is any indication, the Seahawks are ready to seize the moment.

For now, all eyes turn to the MRI results and the practice reports in the days ahead. One thing is certain: the Seahawks, battered but unbowed, are marching on. The NFC Championship awaits, and Seattle’s football faithful wouldn’t have it any other way.