CHARLOTTE—The Seahawks made headlines on Sunday with their impressive 13th win, a milestone they’ve only hit twice before. Those other seasons? They led to Super Bowl appearances in 2005 and 2013, with the latter ending in a championship victory. Sunday night’s game saw the 49ers also claim victory, setting the stage for the Seahawks’ crucial Week 18 match-up. This game will impact the NFC West standings and determine if Seattle secures the NFC’s No. 1 seed, which brings a first-round bye and homefield advantage in the playoffs.
What a difference a year makes! Last season, the Seahawks were on the outside looking in, missing the playoffs by a slim margin. Now, they’ve clinched a playoff spot and are riding high on a six-game winning streak—their best since 2014.
This final showdown against the 49ers feels significant for Seattle. They started the season with a tough loss to San Francisco, and now they’re ready to face them again. “It feels like it’s been a long time coming,” said Leonard Williams. The team has been eager for this moment—a chance to redeem that opening game.
Head coach Mike Macdonald emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present. “We’ve been saying to take it one game at a time. Now that Week 17 is behind us, we can shift our eyes to the 49ers,” he shared. He believes that staying grounded has been key to their success. “Winning the division is a priority. If we win this game, we take the division,” he noted.
Rookie Nick Emmanwori is also pumped about the upcoming game. “Whatever it is for—whether it’s the one seed or something else—we’re just looking to get that win.” His energy resonates throughout the locker room, even among veterans eager for a shot at the playoffs.
As the Seahawks look forward, they should also consider the larger picture. According to recent statistics from the NFL, teams with a strong finish heading into the playoffs have a higher chance of advancing further. History shows that momentum can be a powerful ally. If Seattle can harness their winning streak and channel this excitement, they just might make a deep playoff run.
For more insights, you can explore this [NFL report on playoff chances](https://www.nfl.com/stats/playoff-chances) that breaks down how teams can maximize their odds as the postseason approaches.
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