As the 2026 NFL playoffs kicked off with unexpected twists and dramatic finishes, the Seattle Seahawks found themselves firmly entrenched in a fierce NFC West rivalry scenario once again. Saturday’s wild card results—highlighted by the Los Angeles Rams’ late-game heroics over the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears’ improbable comeback against the Green Bay Packers—have decisively shaped Seattle’s path forward, ensuring the Seahawks will face an NFC West foe rather than a weaker conference opponent.
Rams’ Narrow Escape and Seahawks’ Fate
The Los Angeles Rams’ thriller against the Panthers ended with former Seahawks tight end Colby Parkinson sealing a 34-31 victory in the dying minutes, preserving their playoff hopes against a Carolina squad that once held a commanding 31-27 lead after storming back from a 14-0 deficit. This victory wasn’t just dramatic — it strategically closed the door on a potential Seahawks matchup with the Panthers.
Simultaneously, the Bears’ stunning comeback over the Packers—who squandered a significant halftime lead—eliminated Green Bay from contention as Seattle’s first-round opponent. Had the Packers prevailed, Seattle would have likely enjoyed a more straightforward introductory playoff game. Instead, these results locked the Seahawks into another high-stakes division clash.
The Seahawks’ Divisional Round Scenarios
Seattle secured the NFC West crown and the coveted number one seed by holding off the San Francisco 49ers 13-3 in the season’s final game. As a result, the Seahawks await the outcome of the Eagles vs. 49ers game to determine who they will face in the Divisional Round:
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If the Eagles upset the 49ers, Seattle will host the Los Angeles Rams, rekindling their Week 16 overtime thriller that saw Seattle narrowly edge LA 38-37. That earlier nail-biter win effectively clinched control over the NFC West, though the Rams had prevailed in their Week 11 meeting.
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If the 49ers prevail against Philadelphia, the Seahawks will instead square off against San Francisco, setting the stage for yet another grudge match in one of football’s most heated divisional rivalries.
Implications for Seattle’s Playoff Journey
Despite the desire of many fans for a “easier” first-round opponent outside the division, Seattle’s playoff road will involve one more gritty chapter against familiar foes. Facing the Rams or 49ers again means bracing for another series of close, emotionally charged battles.
Saturday’s results underscored the unpredictable nature of NFL postseason football—where leads evaporate, comebacks abound, and every game can pivot on a single play. For the Seahawks, the stakes have never been higher as the team prepares to capitalize on momentum and experience to chart a successful course through the NFC West trilogy toward the ultimate goal: a Super Bowl appearance.
Fans will want to keep a close eye on the Eagles-49ers showdown, as that outcome will finalize Seattle’s playoff opponent and kickoff schedule—expected to be announced during Sunday Night Football. Until then, the Seahawks can only prepare for a fierce divisional duel that promises intensity, history, and playoff drama in equal measure.
