The Seattle Seahawks delivered a stunning 41-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers to advance to the NFC championship game. Rashid Shaheed set the tone with a 95-yard opening kick-off return for a touchdown, a rare playoff feat. Kenneth Walker III rushed for three scores, and the defense forced multiple turnovers in a never-in-doubt win at home.

The win marks Seattle's first playoff victory in front of fans since the 2020 season, ending a long postseason drought. For the 49ers, the loss was their second-most lopsided in playoff history, compounded by a plague of injuries. Key All-Pros like George Kittle, Fred Warner, and Nick Bosa were sidelined, forcing the team to rely on practice squad players.

Quarterback Sam Darnold, playing through an oblique injury, earned his first career playoff win after a rough debut last year. His gritty performance, including a touchdown pass, helped seal the game. The Seahawks now host either the Chicago Bears or Los Angeles Rams next Sunday with a Super Bowl berth on the line.