49ers Defeat Eagles; Face Seahawks in Divisional Round
The San Francisco 49ers have secured a vital victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC wild-card round. This win sets up a crucial matchup against their longtime rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, in the upcoming divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
49ers’ Victory and Upcoming Matchup
On January 11, 2026, the 49ers rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat the Eagles, the defending Super Bowl champions. This marked the 49ers’ advance as the sixth seed in the NFC playoffs, becoming the lowest seed to win over wild-card weekend.
They will face the top-seeded Seahawks at Lumen Field next weekend. This clash is set for Saturday, January 17, with kickoff times still to be determined—either at 1:30 PM or 5 PM.
NFC Divisional Round Context
- NFC divisional games are traditionally held on the Saturday of the playoffs.
- The Seahawks, with a record of 14-3, boast home-field advantage.
- The 49ers enter the game with a record of 13-5.
This matchup highlights the strong competition within the NFC West division, which has produced three teams in the divisional round this postseason. This is historically significant, as three teams from the same division have made it this far in the playoffs before.
Season Review: 49ers vs. Seahawks
In their past two encounters this season, the teams split victories. In their first meeting in September, the 49ers triumphed 17-13. A critical fumble by Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold sealed their loss.
However, in their latest match on January 3, the Seahawks dominated the 49ers, winning 13-3. The 49ers managed only 127 yards—their lowest offensive output in nine years.
Injuries Impacting the 49ers
In addition to their season struggles, the 49ers are dealing with significant injuries. All-Pro tight end George Kittle has been lost for the playoffs due to a torn Achilles tendon, a blow to the team’s morale. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk expressed the team’s concern over Kittle’s injury, noting his vital role on the team.
Seahawks’ Confidence Heading Into the Game
On the other hand, the Seahawks are coming off a rare bye week as the top seed. Veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp emphasized the team’s determination and eagerness to prepare. “We’re still under construction. We’re still working towards something,” he stated, highlighting their focused mindset as they approach the divisional round.
As the NFC playoff picture continues to evolve, the matchup between the 49ers and the Seahawks promises to be a thrilling encounter, rich with history and rivalry. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating this clash of titans in the NFL playoffs.
