The Seahawks head to the Bay Area this weekend for a huge Week 18 showdown with the San Francisco 49ers. The winner will earn the NFC's top seed, which comes with a bye and homefield advantage, while the losing team will have to go on the road to start the playoffs. To help you get ready for this week's game and learn more about the 49ers, we reached out 49ers.com team reporter Briana Jeannel with five questions about the Seahawks' Week 18 opponent:
From a big-picture perspective, how have the 49ers gotten to this point, one win from the top seed and a division title, while dealing with so many significant injuries, coming of a 2024 season where injuries were a big reason they slipped to 6-11?
Jeannel: The 49ers ability to reach this point comes down to experience and leadership. The veterans on this roster, injured or not, have lived both ends of the spectrum, from Super Bowl runs to lopsided seasons, and they understand what it takes to sustain success. That leadership starts at the top with John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan and extends throughout the locker room. A team that many wrote off because of injuries is now one win away from a division title, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage, a testament to the resilient culture that's been built in Santa Clara.
As far as what's changed from 2024, depth, preparation, and funny to say, but "good vibes" have filled in the gaps. I credit Lynch for assembling a roster where many rookies and second (or sometimes third)-string players are ready when their moment arrives, particularly on a shorthanded defense. For the offense, additions like QB Mac Jones and WR Kendrick Bourne have provided valuable depth and carry on the Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy story, no one prepares as "just a backup." This is a locker room that understands opportunity, stays connected, and plays with energy. When players across the roster are empowered to seize their moment, winning has become the byproduct.
The 49ers have won six straight after losing two of three midway through the season, is it as simple as saying it's because they got Brock Purdy back from injury, or did anything else change to help them get on a roll?
Jeannel: I'd have to say that getting Purdy back was certainly the biggest game-changer. Purdy returned in Week 11 against Arizona and immediately elevated the offense, throwing for three touchdowns and 200 yards. That Cardinals game also marked the first time Purdy and TE George Kittle were back on the field together since Week 1, reestablishing one of the offense's most important connections and opening things up for the rest of the unit.
There have been a few other areas that have also contributed to the 49ers recent success. Special teams, in particular, emerged as a legitimate weapon. Shanahan's approach has evolved from simply avoiding mistakes to actively creating advantages through field position, explosive returns, and dependable kicking. Contributions from players like Skyy Moore and Luke Gifford have turned a former weakness into a game-impacting strength, taking on the identity of the team's offense and defense.
In light of all the players who have missed time this year, what has a healthy Christian McCaffrey meant to the team?
Jeannel: A healthy McCaffrey has meant everything to this team. Last season, when McCaffrey rarely saw the field, the 49ers finished 6–11. This season, he's rarely coming off the field, and the result is a team sitting at 12 wins and a spot in the postseason. In a year that's been plagued by injuries, McCaffrey's health and elite playmaking has been one of the biggest reasons the 49ers are positioned where they are right now.
Aside from the obvious big names, what player or players could you see being an X-factor for San Francisco in this game?
Jeannel: I think Kendrick Bourne is a true X-factor in this matchup. He's 49 yards away from reaching the 600-yard mark, which would trigger another contract incentive. Bourne has the kind of relationship with Purdy where, if the offense is in rhythm, he isn't afraid to ask for a few targets. Another X-factor is tight end Jake Tonges, particularly depending on Kittle's availability. Tonges stepped into a bigger role last week and delivered, finishing with seven receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown. On the season, he's totaled 34 catches for 293 yards and five touchdowns.
What matchup or matchups are you most looking forward to seeing play out on Saturday night?
Jeannel: Watching Purdy going up against Seattle's defense is the matchup I'm most excited to see. The Seahawks hold the NFL's top third-down defense in 2025, while the 49ers lead the league in third-down conversion percentage at 50.98. Over their last three games, the 49ers have played some of the most efficient football of the season, converting an impressive 63.89 percent of their third downs while scoring 37 points against the Titans, 48 against the Colts, and 42 against the Bears. That momentum, and the battle on third down, could very well determine who walks away with the NFC West title and the No. 1 seed.
Seahawks players practiced on December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center as they get ready for the Week 18 matchup vs. the 49ers.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Rylie Mills (98) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Pili (95) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jamie Sheriff (50) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) and tight end Eric Saubert (81) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Cam Akers (30) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde at practice on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Bubba Thomas (69) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) and Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Bubba Thomas (69) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) at practice on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Pili (95) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Tyler Hall (35) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs (37) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Cam Akers (30) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Cam Akers (30) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs (37) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Velus Jones Jr. (32) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) and running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak at practice on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) and safety Julian Love (20) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
