Seahawks Clinch NFC Top Seed, Earn First‑Round Bye and Home Divisional Game
Updated (2 articles)
Seahawks lock No. 1 seed with 13‑3 win over 49ers Seattle’s Week 18 victory over San Francisco secured the NFC West title, the conference’s No. 1 seed and a first‑round bye, guaranteeing a home divisional matchup at Lumen Field on Jan. 17 or 18 [1][2]. The win also positions the Seahawks to face the lowest‑seeded wild‑card survivor, which could be the Panthers, Rams, 49ers or Packers [2]. The team will enjoy nearly two weeks of rest before the postseason resumes [1].
Defense limits opponents to roughly 17 points per game Seattle’s unit has allowed about 17 points per contest, a rate comparable to the franchise’s championship‑era defenses and a key factor in achieving the top seed [1]. Consistent defensive pressure helped hold the 49ers to just three points in the clinching game [2]. The low points‑allowed metric underscores the Seahawks’ balanced strength on both sides of the ball.
Coach Macdonald praises effort; odds favor Super Bowl run Head coach Mike Macdonald highlighted the squad’s hard work and cohesion after the win, attributing the top‑seed finish to collective performance [1]. Sportsbooks have responded by listing Seattle as early Super Bowl favorites with odds near +350 [1]. The betting market reflects confidence in the team’s ability to repeat past postseason success.
Divisional‑round logistics and financial details confirmed Ticket listings for the home playoff game have risen to approximately $600, indicating strong demand [1]. The exact kickoff time will be set after the wild‑card weekend, with Sunday Night Football slated for the Chargers‑Patriots game [2]. The postseason runs Jan. 10–Feb. 8, culminating in Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara [2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
King5: Seahawks clinch NFC top seed, earn first-round bye – Details the 13‑3 win, home‑field advantage, defensive stats, coach’s comments, betting odds, ticket prices, and the Jan. 17/18 divisional date .
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[2]
Newsweek: Seahawks secure No. 1 seed after Week 18 win, set for divisional‑round options – Highlights the clinching victory, bye, possible opponents, playoff schedule, and Super Bowl 60 location .
Timeline
Jan 4, 2026 – Seattle defeats the San Francisco 49ers 13‑3 in Week 18, clinching the NFC West and the conference’s No. 1 seed while earning a first‑round bye. Coach Mike Macdonald declares, “We played incredibly hard and together,” highlighting the effort that secured the top spot. [1][2]
Jan 5, 2026 (early) – The win locks the Seahawks into a first‑round bye, allowing the team two weeks to rest while wild‑card games unfold, and guarantees home‑field advantage for the divisional round at Lumen Field. [1]
Jan 5, 2026 (mid‑day) – Seattle records its fourth franchise top‑seed in NFC history; in each of the three prior top‑seed seasons the Seahawks advanced to the Super Bowl, underscoring the historical significance of the achievement. [2]
Jan 5, 2026 (afternoon) – Betting markets list Seattle as early Super Bowl favorites at roughly +350 odds, and divisional‑round tickets already appear near $600, reflecting strong fan demand and confidence in the team’s championship prospects. [2]
Jan 5, 2026 (evening) – The postseason schedule is set for Jan 10 – Feb 8, with Super Bowl 60 slated for Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara; the Seahawks will host the lowest‑seeded wild‑card winner on Jan 17 or 18, pending the outcomes of the wild‑card weekend. [1][2]
External resources (2 links)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MSLi6ZBN2M (cited 1 times)
- https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401772961/seahawks-49ers (cited 1 times)