Niners vs. Seahawks: Ultimate Rivalry Rematch

The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks are poised for a high-stakes divisional-round playoff game, with the winner advancing to the NFC championship. This marks the third encounter between these NFC West rivals this season, each team having secured a victory in their previous matchups. The Seahawks' defense showcased its prowess in their Week 18 meeting, limiting the formidable 49ers offense to a mere 3 points, a performance that tied for the lowest output during Kyle Shanahan's tenure.

The coaching duel between San Francisco's Kyle Shanahan and Seattle's Mike Macdonald is anticipated to be pivotal. Macdonald, known for his defensive acumen, has faced Shanahan five times since 2023, with San Francisco holding a 2-3 record in those contests. Seattle's success has been significantly bolstered by its dominant run defense, which has not allowed a 100-yard rusher since Week 8 of the 2024 season, even limiting Christian McCaffrey to modest yardage in their regular-season games.

Conversely, the 49ers' defense, under Robert Saleh, aims to stifle Seattle's run-heavy attack, which proved effective in their Week 18 loss. Despite talent deficiencies in their rematch, Seattle's offensive line exploited the 49ers' weakened defensive front. With both teams priding themselves on their defensive schemes and emphasizing ball security, this playoff clash promises a strategic battle where execution and adaptability will be paramount for advancing.