San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks

The NFC West rivalry between the 49ers and Seahawks opened the 2025 season with drama, grit, and late-game chaos at Lumen Field. San Francisco escaped with a tense 17–13 victory, a result that felt improbable after a day filled with injuries, special teams mishaps, and two Brock Purdy interceptions. The game remained tight from the opening whistle, with both defenses forcing punts and red-zone stops before George Kittle found the end zone in the first half. His exit with a hamstring injury left the Niners scrambling for offensive rhythm and gave Seattle an opening to claw back into the game.

The Seahawks, led by new starting quarterback Sam Darnold, steadily chipped away at San Francisco’s lead with long, patient drives. Jaxon Smith-Njigba became Darnold’s top target, hauling in nine receptions for 124 yards, including a highlight-reel 40-yard catch that set up a Jason Myers field goal. Those three points, plus another late in the fourth quarter, gave Seattle a 13–10 lead and sent the home crowd into a frenzy. For a moment, it looked like the Seahawks might steal the opener from their division rivals.

But with the game hanging in the balance, Brock Purdy showed why Kyle Shanahan trusts him in clutch situations. He orchestrated a methodical late-game drive, hitting rookie Ricky Pearsall for a 45-yard gain to flip the field and set up the deciding play. On a 4-yard pass into traffic, the ball deflected off Riq Woolen’s hands before landing perfectly in the grasp of third-string tight end Jake Tonges, who secured his first career touchdown. That score with 1:34 left stunned the Seattle faithful and gave San Francisco a 17–13 edge they would not relinquish.

The 49ers’ defense then sealed the win in signature fashion. Nick Bosa delivered the decisive moment, bursting around the edge for a strip-sack on Darnold inside the red zone. Fred Warner and Dee Winters helped stifle Seattle’s ground game all afternoon, while rookies like Marques Sigle made timely stops to keep the Seahawks from turning yards into touchdowns. Even with kicker Jake Moody missing one short field goal and having another blocked, the defense held firm when it mattered most.

This game was far from a clean performance, but it highlighted San Francisco’s depth and mental toughness. Christian McCaffrey totaled 142 scrimmage yards despite a recent calf concern, Pearsall emerged as a reliable big-play threat, and Tonges became the unlikeliest of heroes. For Seattle, the narrow defeat showed promise under Darnold but also frustration, as their final chance slipped away on the fumble. As opening-week statements go, this was a message from San Francisco that they can survive adversity and still leave hostile territory with a win.