Seahawks advance to NFC Championship Game with 41-6 rout of 49ers

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 41-6, advancing to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 2014. The game opened with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Rashid Shaheed, marking his third return touchdown since joining the Seahawks from New Orleans. Kenneth Walker contributed significantly to the victory with three rushing touchdowns and 116 rushing yards.

Seattle's defense, ranked first in the NFL for scoring, limited the 49ers to six points, forced three turnovers, and recorded two sacks. Key defensive performances included DeMarcus Lawrence with a sack and two forced fumbles, and Ernest Jones with a forced fumble and an interception. The Seahawks capitalized on 49ers' errors, scoring on multiple short-field drives.

Sam Darnold, playing despite an oblique injury, completed 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown for the 49ers. Brock Purdy struggled without tight end George Kittle, completing