Seattle destroys the 49ers’ home field advantage with a win in Week 18

Seattle The Seahawks broke the hearts of the San Francisco 49ers fans on their way to clinch the NFC’s top spot on Saturday night.

Entering Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season, the Seahawks controlled the No. 1 seed as they needed a win over the 49ers to secure it for the playoffs. Fortunately for them, they got the job done as they defeated San Francisco 13-3 away from home.

That marks the fourth time in franchise history that Seattle will control the top seed in the NFC. Not only that, but there is a distinct trait that Seattle controls home field advantage in the NFC standings, according to NFL insider Tom Pelliser.

“The Seahawks are the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the fourth time in franchise history. They went to the Super Bowl the first three times. Now they’re two wins away from doing it again, and have a shot at their second Lombardi Trophy,” Pelissero wrote.

The Seahawks are the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the fourth time in franchise history.

The first three times they went to the Super Bowl.

They are now two wins away from doing it again, and have a shot at their second Lombardi Trophy. pic.twitter.com/kTAIif2oI9

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 4, 2026

How the Seahawks played against the 49ers

The Seahawks put on a defensive masterclass to take down the 49ers on the road and win the NFC in convincing fashion.

Seattle reached the end zone in the first quarter, scoring the final points on field goals in the second and fourth periods. San Francisco was unable to make explosive plays while committing turnovers that proved costly.

Sam Darnold enjoyed a solid performance leading the offense as he was efficient throughout the night. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 198 yards.

Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet torched San Francisco’s defense. The duo combined for 33 rushes for 171 yards and a touchdown. Jakon Smith-Njigba led the offense with 6 catches for 84 yards. Walker was next with four receptions for 36 yards, Cooper Kupp had two catches for 29 yards, while Charbonnet caught three passes for 23 yards.

Seattle finishes the season at 14-3, in first place in the NFC West division, as well as in the conference. They will be looking forward to their first round bye in the playoffs before preparing for the Divisional Round.