2025/26 NFL Week 18 Seattle vs. San Francisco Preview: Which team will claim the NFC's top seed? January 2, 2026 by Marc Jerbs

The Week 18 regular-season finale delivers a blockbuster NFC West showdown as the Seattle Seahawks visit the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Few regular-season games carry stakes this high. The winner claims the NFC West title, the NFC's No. 1 seed, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, while the loser is forced onto the more treacherous Wild Card path. With both teams riding six-game winning streaks, this matchup feels less like a finale and more like an early postseason elimination game.

Team Status and Stakes

Seattle (13-3) and San Francisco (12-4) enter Week 18 tied for the longest active winning streak in the NFC. The Seahawks currently sit atop the conference standings, while the 49ers trail closely behind in both the NFC West and overall seeding. This contest is effectively a division title game wrapped in playoff implications, with everything on the line in a single, high-pressure setting. There is no margin for error—win and rest, lose and survive.

Seattle Seahawks Outlook
Seattle arrives playing its most disciplined football of the season, particularly on the defensive side. The Seahawks allow just 18.1 points per game, ranking second in the league, and over the past five weeks that number has dropped to 14.4 points per contest. Since Week 8, Seattle leads the NFL in EPA per play allowed and ranks third in defensive success rate, a testament to their consistency and adaptability.

Offensively, quarterback Sam Darnold has posted strong numbers—completing 67.2% of his passes for 3,850 yards and 25 touchdowns—but turnovers remain a lingering concern, with 14 interceptions ranking among the league's highest totals. The offense leans heavily on Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads the NFL in receiving yards (1,709) while adding 10 touchdowns. Defensively, Leonard Williams anchors the pass rush with seven sacks, and Ernest Jones IV leads the team in tackles with 121.

San Francisco 49ers Outlook
San Francisco counters with momentum and firepower. The 49ers are 5-2 at home and boast the NFL's highest-scoring offense during their six-game win streak, averaging an eye-popping 35.7 points per game. They have topped 37 points in each of their last three outings, showing an offense capable of overwhelming opponents early.

Quarterback Brock Purdy, since returning from injury, has been efficient and composed, completing 69.3% of his passes with 20 touchdowns and a 104.2 passer rating across eight games. He also adds value as a runner near the goal line. Christian McCaffrey remains the engine of the offense, leading the league in touches while producing over 2,000 total yards and 17 touchdowns combined.

Defensively, however, San Francisco shows vulnerability. Since Week 8, the unit ranks near the bottom of the league in EPA per play allowed and rushing success rate, raising concerns against a balanced Seattle attack.

Seattle vs. San Francisco Sports Bet Odds

The Seahawks are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Seahawks are favored by 1.5 points, with a money line of -125.
• The 49ers are the underdogs by 1.5 points, with a money line of +105.
• The Total is set at 47 points, with the over at -112 and the under at -108.

Player Injury Report

Seattle enters short-handed along the offensive line with Charles Cross ruled out, while safety Coby Bryant is doubtful. San Francisco faces more uncertainty, with Trent Williams, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall all listed as questionable, though Christian McCaffrey is expected to play despite managing a back issue.

Head-to-Head History

The 49ers claimed a narrow 17-13 victory in Week 1 and have largely controlled the rivalry, winning seven of the last eight meetings, including three victories during the 2024 season. Across those three games, San Francisco won by an average margin of 10.3 points, underscoring their recent dominance in the series.

Final Thought

This game is a clash of contrasting strengths—Seattle's suffocating defense against San Francisco's explosive offense-with championship-level stakes attached. One team earns rest, control, and the inside track to the Super Bowl; the other must fight for survival on the road. In every sense, this is winner-take-all football, and the result may well shape the entire NFC playoff picture.

2025-26 Seattle vs. San Franciso Team Stats

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS	VS	SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
1st NFC West (13-3) Away (7-1) | STRK W6	Standings	2nd NFC West (12-4) Home (5-2) | STRK W6
231.0	Passing Yards Per Game	252.3
119.8	Rushing Yards Per Game	110.3
29.4	Points Per Game	27.1
198.6	Passing Yards Allowed Per Game	235.6
94.4	Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game	104.1