(Photo: Clutchpoints)
NFC Divisional Playoff
(6) San Francisco 49ers at (1) Seattle Seahawks
49ers (13-5):
They always seem to find a way, and I’ll give them that much. Their motto this year feels like keep going, and they’ve done exactly that. If I needed a picture definition of “next man up,” I’d see the 49ers logo without question. I knew heading into South Philadelphia on Sunday that the odds were stacked against them, as expected. West Coast teams traveling east often struggle, and they were facing the defending Super Bowl champions. After how they played against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18, I wasn’t sure what to expect against the Eagles, but quite frankly, this was the best I’ve seen them look all year. It makes a massive difference when Christian McCaffrey is healthy — first and foremost. Next, I loved what their defense did. That was their best performance of the season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Unfortunately, George Kittle went down with a torn Achilles, and I feel terrible for him. He’s an energy guy, and I’ve often referred to him as the heart and soul of this entire 49ers football team. Yet, no matter who goes down, Kyle Shanahan finds a way to get the job done which is why I’ve been saying this is his best coaching job up to date and deserves serious consideration for Coach of the Year. This Saturday night, the 49ers head to Seattle looking for revenge.
Seahawks (14-3):
I’ll admit it — I didn’t expect them to be this good this year. Trading away DK Metcalf was shocking, but as I always say, expect the unexpected in this business. They signed Sam Darnold, brought in Cooper Kupp, and added a veteran presence on defense with DeMarcus Lawrence. Over the last few weeks on the radio, the Coach of the Year discussion has come up, and this is one of those seasons where one man can win it and no one would argue. I’ll admit Mike Vrabel was my pick back in Week 1, but I think Mike Macdonald is going to take it. Other teams were expected to be better, and yet after ushering in a new quarterback and trading away their best offensive weapon, the Seahawks finished with the best record in the NFC and clinched the No. 1 seed along with home-field advantage. To me, that’s a direct reflection of coaching. Mike has instilled a brand-new confidence in this locker room. I think this is the best team remaining in the tournament. They run the ball consistently, control the line of scrimmage, Sam makes throws when his number is called, and the defense has delivered all season. The last time Seattle clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC, Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, Doug Baldwin, and Richard Sherman were all still part of the franchise. The bye week is now history, and the Seahawks return to the field Saturday night for a divisional playoff showdown.
49ers X-Factor: Jauan Jennings
With George Kittle out, this becomes Brock Purdy’s first read. Jauan has complete trust from his quarterback, and that matters — if Brock doesn’t trust you, you’re not getting the football. Jauan is a third-down assassin who consistently wins on money downs. If Seattle focuses too much attention on taking away Christian McCaffrey, this is the guy who will keep drives alive. He’ll be a physical challenge for Seattle’s defensive backs, which the 49ers can absolutely use to their advantage. He’s excellent in space, and when plays break down, he finds a way to keep them alive.
Seahawks X-Factor: Kenneth Walker III
I’m thrilled that the Seahawks have committed to running the football again, especially with a two-headed monster in Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III. To beat the 49ers, you have to be more physical than they are, and that’s where the man known as “KW3” comes into the picture. Walker can turn what looks like a routine run into a 20–30 yard gain. If he plays with control and is effective early, it allows the Seahawks offense to stay balanced and avoid obvious passing downs. He’s also a tone-setter — a physical runner who forces defenses to key on him for all 60 minutes.
Final Thoughts:
We got a divisional matchup last weekend in the NFL Playoffs, and we get another one here in the Divisional Round. These two teams opened the season against one another, with the 49ers winning on the road in Seattle. Then, just a few weeks ago in Week 18, they met again with the NFC West and home-field advantage on the line, and Seattle handled business. Now we get the rubber match — with a trip to the NFC Championship on the line. When these two met on December 27th, the Seahawks imposed their will on the 49ers. Their defense never allowed San Francisco to find a rhythm. Watching that game reminded me of the Christmas night matchup in 2023 between the Ravens and 49ers, when Baltimore’s defense completely teed off. And who was Baltimore’s defensive coordinator back then? Seattle’s current head coach, Mike Macdonald. I’ll be watching the 49ers offense against this Seattle secondary, especially on third down, where San Francisco lives in third-and-manageable situations — which is why Jennings is the X-factor. On the other side, it’s Seattle’s ground attack versus the 49ers defensive front. If that matchup tilts Seattle’s way, the Seahawks will dictate the pace instead of chasing. These are two teams that know each other extremely well, and I expect this to be a street fight — my kind of game. For the 49ers, the keys are winning first down, staying ahead of the chains, containing Kenneth Walker, putting the game in Sam Darnold’s hands, and playing clean football. No mistakes. No forced or hurried throws. For Seattle, it’s about getting off the field on third down, preventing long, methodical 49ers drives, hitting explosive plays, and embracing the chaos. The Seahawks thrive when games get messy — big hits, sudden momentum swings, and a crowd fully engaged. So… who’s taking part three?
