In a dramatic Week 18 showdown at Levi’s Stadium on January 3, 2026, the San Francisco 49ers’ hopes for a smooth playoff journey were dashed in a 13-3 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. The loss not only snapped the Niners’ six-game winning streak but also handed the NFC West title and the coveted No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs to their longtime rivals from Seattle. For a team that had seemed nearly unstoppable in December, the sudden reversal was as jarring as it was consequential.
Coming into the regular-season finale, the 49ers (12-4) had their sights set on clinching home-field advantage and a first-round bye. Instead, the Seahawks (14-3) seized control, forcing San Francisco to face the daunting prospect of three likely road games if they hope to reach Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara. The final whistle left the 49ers and their fans anxiously awaiting the results of other NFC matchups—namely those involving the Rams, Bears, Eagles, and Falcons—to determine their wild-card destination next weekend.
The game itself was a tale of missed opportunities and untimely setbacks for the Niners. The offense, which had averaged at least 37 points in each of its previous three wins, struggled mightily against a suffocating Seattle defense. Quarterback Brock Purdy, who had been a steady hand throughout the season, completed 19 of 27 passes but managed just 127 yards, no touchdowns, and threw a costly interception. His 64.9 passer rating was a stark contrast to his performances during the team’s winning streak.
Christian McCaffrey, the team’s offensive workhorse all year, found himself bottled up for much of the contest. Seattle’s defense held him to just 23 rushing yards on eight carries and 35 receiving yards on four catches. For a player who had amassed over 1,200 rushing yards and nearly 1,000 receiving yards on the season, the Seahawks’ ability to neutralize McCaffrey was a turning point. In the fourth quarter, with the 49ers trailing but still within reach, McCaffrey bobbled a Purdy pass near the Seahawks’ goal line. The ball popped up and was intercepted by linebacker Drake Thomas, effectively sealing San Francisco’s fate. As The Sporting News reported, "McCaffrey’s fourth-quarter drop effectively sealed the outcome of a 13-3 loss that will send San Francisco on the road to open the postseason next weekend."
It wasn’t just the offense that faltered. The 49ers’ defense, while stout in the passing game—holding Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold to 198 yards with no touchdowns—was gashed on the ground for 180 rushing yards and a touchdown. Seattle’s Kenneth Walker delivered a back-breaking 19-yard run on third-and-17, extending a drive that ended with a Jason Myers field goal and a 13-3 lead for the Seahawks. San Francisco’s inability to capitalize on a potential fumble recovery earlier in the drive only added to the frustration.
Injuries compounded the 49ers’ woes. Brock Purdy suffered a stinger on the team’s final offensive snap after absorbing a heavy hit while attempting a desperation throw. Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media postgame, stating, "Purdy suffered a stinger on the final offensive series of the game for San Francisco... Purdy should be fine." Nevertheless, his status will be closely monitored as the team prepares for the playoffs. The defense also lost two starting linebackers, Tatum Bethune (groin) and Dee Winters (ankle), whose availability for the postseason opener is now in question.
The 49ers were already shorthanded before kickoff, with starting left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall both sidelined. Pearsall was ruled out just 90 minutes before the game, further limiting San Francisco’s offensive options and forcing Shanahan to dig deep into his playbook. The coach’s aggressive approach—calling a deep-shot play-action on fourth-and-1 and attempting a double-pitch trick play—was a reflection of the team’s desperation against a disciplined Seahawks defense that refused to bite on fakes or leave openings downfield.
Despite the adversity, the 49ers had their chances. Seattle missed two field goals, and a few self-inflicted mistakes by the Seahawks kept San Francisco within striking distance. Yet, every time an opportunity presented itself, the Niners came up empty. As the first half wore on, Seattle outgained San Francisco by 127 yards (196-69), ran 14 more plays, and held the ball for nearly nine extra minutes. The 49ers managed just three first downs and three points before halftime—a far cry from their explosive December outings.
San Francisco’s three points marked their lowest output since a 23-3 defeat to the Carolina Panthers in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s debut in 2017. The offensive struggles were evident as the team failed to find the end zone, and the defense, though resilient at times, couldn’t overcome the ground assault led by Seattle’s running backs.
Postgame, Shanahan’s demeanor reflected the frustration of a team that had let a golden opportunity slip away. According to The Sporting News, "Regardless, his status will obviously be something to monitor ahead of San Fran’s first playoff game next week." The coach’s focus now shifts to regrouping a battered roster and preparing for a challenging playoff road.
For the Seahawks, the victory was a statement. Under head coach Mike Macdonald, Seattle not only captured the division crown but also claimed the top seed in the conference, ensuring that the road to the Super Bowl will run through the Pacific Northwest. The Seahawks’ defense set the tone, limiting McCaffrey and pressuring Purdy into mistakes, while the offense did just enough to keep the 49ers at bay.
As the dust settles on a disappointing night at Levi’s Stadium, the 49ers face a crossroads. Injuries to key players, a sputtering offense, and a more challenging playoff path have raised the stakes for a team that once looked poised for a deep postseason run. Yet, with stars like Purdy and McCaffrey, and a defense capable of making big plays, San Francisco’s story is far from over.
The next week will be critical as the 49ers await their playoff opponent and monitor the health of their quarterback and linebackers. The road ahead is steeper than they’d hoped, but in the NFL, anything can happen. For now, all eyes are on the 49ers as they prepare for a postseason that promises to test their resilience and resolve.