Seahawks Advance to NFC Championship After 41‑6 Victory Over 49ers
Updated (50 articles)
Seahawks rout 49ers, Darnold plays through oblique injury Seattle blasted San Francisco 41‑6 in the divisional round, with Sam Darnold completing 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown before exiting in the fourth quarter despite an oblique strain [1][4][5]. Rashid Shaheed’s 95‑yard kickoff return opened scoring, the longest postseason kickoff return in franchise history [4][5]. Kenneth Walker III recorded three rushing touchdowns, tying Shaun Alexander’s playoff record for Seattle [4][5].
Charbonnet’s knee injury reshapes running‑back depth Zach Charbonnet suffered a severe knee injury that will require surgery, ending his postseason [1][2]. Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Charbonnet is out for the remainder of the playoffs and highlighted Kenneth Walker III as the only healthy back, while evaluating veteran options such as Velus Jones Jr., Cam Akers, and the recently activated George Holani [1][2].
NFC Championship set for Jan 25, Seahawks host Rams Seattle will meet the Los Angeles Rams at home on Sunday, Jan 25, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. on FOX, entering the game as 2.5‑point favorites [3][5]. The Rams, a 14‑5 team making their 12th conference‑title appearance, arrived after a blustery win over Chicago [3]. Macdonald plans limited practice for Darnold ahead of the title game, evaluating his health daily [1].
Historical backdrop and minor reporting variance This marks Seattle’s fifth conference‑title appearance, the first in 11 years, and the franchise holds a 3‑1 record in such games [3][5]. The regular‑season series with the Rams split, each team winning at home, including Seattle’s overtime 38‑37 victory in Week 16 [3]. The BBC report notes backup quarterback Mac Jones finished the 49ers’ game, whereas other sources list Brock Purdy as the starter, indicating a reporting discrepancy [5][4].
Sources (5 articles)
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[1]
King5: Seahawks QB Darnold says oblique injury feels ‘really good’ after divisional win: Details Darnold’s performance through injury, his rehab outlook, and depth‑chart moves including Holani and Charbonnet’s season‑ending knee surgery .
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[2]
King5: Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet out for remainder of playoffs with knee injury: Announces Charbonnet’s surgery‑requiring injury, his regular‑season production, and the impact on Seattle’s running‑back options ahead of the NFC Championship .
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[3]
King5: Seahawks host Rams in NFC Championship on Jan 25 with Seattle favored: Provides opponent background, game logistics, betting line, and historical playoff context for both clubs .
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[4]
King5: Seahawks advance to NFC title game with 41‑6 win over 49ers: Highlights Shaheed’s kickoff return, Darnold’s debut playoff win, Walker’s three TDs, and the 49ers’ missing All‑Pros .
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[5]
BBC: Broncos and Seahawks reach Conference Championships after dramatic wins: Summarizes Seattle’s dominant win, mentions Mac Jones finishing for the 49ers, and outlines the upcoming championship matchups and Super Bowl schedule .
Stories about this story (8 stories)
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Seahawks Quarterback Sam Darnold Plays Through Oblique Issue En Route to NFC Title Game (5 articles)
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Seahawks Lose RB Zach Charbonnet to Knee Injury Before NFC Championship (2 articles)
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Seahawks and Broncos Clinch Conference Championship Berths Ahead of Jan. 25 Showdowns (21 articles)
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Seahawks Crush 49ers 41-6, Secure Home NFC Championship Spot (12 articles)
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King5 (Seattle, WA): Walter Jones raises 12 Flag atop Space Needle ahead of Seahawks playoff showdown
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Lil Jon‑Led Halftime Show Highlights Seahawks’ No. 1 Seed Divisional Playoff at Lumen Field (3 articles)
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All related articles (50 articles)
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King5 (Seattle, WA): Seahawks QB Darnold says oblique injury feels 'really good' after divisional win
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King5 (Seattle, WA): Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet out for remainder of playoffs with knee injury
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King5 (Seattle, WA): Seahawks host Rams in NFC Championship on Jan 25 with Seattle favored
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King5 (Seattle, WA): Seahawks advance to NFC title game with 41-6 win over 49ers
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King5 (Seattle, WA): Seahawks roll past 49ers 41-6 to reach NFC title game
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