Purdy’s Playoff Path: 49ers Quarterback Readies for Seahawks Redemption Bid
SAN FRANCISCO, 18 January 2026 – Fresh from exorcising his Philadelphia demons, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy now faces a familiar and formidable hurdle: the Seattle Seahawks’ top-ranked defence. The NFC Divisional Round showdown, set for 17 January at Lumen Field, presents Purdy with a chance at personal redemption and a place in the NFL record books alongside legends Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes.
Gritty Win Sets Stage for Seattle Rematch
Purdy engineered a resilient 23-19 road victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round. Despite throwing two interceptions, the 26-year-old signal-caller led a decisive 66-yard, fourth-quarter drive, culminating in a 4-yard game-winning touchdown pass to running back Christian McCaffrey. The win was bittersweet, as the 49ers lost star tight end George Kittle for the remainder of the playoffs with a torn Achilles.
“Brock had a couple mistakes, obviously, with his two picks and stuff, but to come back on that last drive and get us in the end zone, lead us all the way down there… I’m real proud of the guys,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game.
The Seattle Challenge: A Defence That Has His Number
The victory sets up a swift rematch with the NFC West champion Seattle Seahawks, who secured the conference’s No. 1 seed by stifling Purdy and the 49ers’ offence just two weeks prior. In a Week 18 loss, Purdy was held to a season-low 127 passing yards with one interception in a 13-3 defeat.
Purdy acknowledged the unique challenge posed by Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald’s defensive scheme. “He just does a good job of making the quarterback have to earn everything,” Purdy said. “I feel like there’s not a lot of easy gimme plays out there… You have to go earn every single yard.”
Historically, Macdonald-led defences have troubled Shanahan’s offence. Since Macdonald took over in Seattle, the 49ers have averaged just 18.3 points per game against them, Shanahan’s lowest average against any coach he has faced at least three times.
Brock Purdy: Key Facts & Career Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position & Team | Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers (#13) |
| Age & Experience | 26 years old, 4th NFL season |
| 2025 Regular Season | 9 games: 1,967 pass yards, 20 TD, 10 INT, 100.5 passer rating |
| 2025 Wild-Card Performance | 18/31, 262 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT, 80.3 rating; Game-winning TD drive |
| Career Playoff Record | 5-2 (A win vs. SEA would be his 6th, tying Brady & Mahomes through 4 seasons) |
| Draft Pedigree | 2022: Round 7, Pick 262 (“Mr. Irrelevant”) |
Historical Context and Rising Stakes
A victory on Saturday would mark Purdy’s sixth playoff win, tying him with Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes for the second-most postseason victories by a quarterback in their first four NFL seasons. Only Russell Wilson (seven) has more. The achievement would be a remarkable capstone for a player once considered an afterthought, drafted with the final pick of the 2022 draft.
Purdy’s journey stands in stark contrast to his pre-draft scouting reports, which pegged him as a “backup-caliber player” with a “skill set” unsuited for an NFL starter. His poise, accuracy, and leadership have since made him one of the league’s most compelling stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 49ers vs. Seahawks Divisional Round game?
The San Francisco 49ers will face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round on Saturday 17 January 2026. The game will be played at Lumen Field in Seattle.
What is Brock Purdy’s record against the Seahawks?
Purdy holds a 4-1 career record against the Seattle Seahawks in the regular season. However, he is 0-1 against them in the 2025 season, suffering a 13-3 loss in Week 18 where he was largely contained by their defence.
Can the 49ers win without George Kittle?
The loss of All-Pro tight end George Kittle (torn Achilles) is a significant blow to the 49ers’ offensive versatility and run blocking. The team will need other pass-catchers like Jauan Jennings and Demarcus Robinson, along with a heavy reliance on Christian McCaffrey, to compensate for his absence against a stout Seattle defence.