The NFC West rivalry takes center stage in Week 18 as the Seattle Seahawks travel to face the San Francisco 49ers in what promises to be a thrilling regular season finale. This January 3rd showdown at Levi's Stadium features two teams with contrasting styles but similar hunger to finish strong.
Seahawks vs 49ers Week 18 Picks and Predictions
Seattle enters this matchup riding momentum from their defensive resurgence under head coach Mike Macdonald, while the 49ers look to capitalize on their methodical offensive efficiency. The Seahawks bring a high-powered attack averaging 29.0 points per game, led by their explosive passing game. Meanwhile, San Francisco counters with surgical precision on offense, featuring elite playmakers Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle who've helped the team convert an impressive 51.0% of third-down attempts.
This classic divisional rivalry carries extra weight as both teams eye playoff positioning, with Seattle's ferocious pass rush that's recorded 44.0 sacks this season set to test San Francisco's ball control offense in a game that could swing on crucial third-down conversions.
Sign up with the BetMGM bonus code to win $150 in bonus bets or use a $1,500 first bet.
Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers Betting Odds
Date: January 3, 2026
Kickoff: 8:00 PM EST
Venue: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Broadcast: ABC/ESPN
The oddsmakers are treating this NFC West clash as essentially a coin flip, with the visiting Seahawks installed as slight road favorites.
- Moneyline: Seattle Seahawks (-118) | San Francisco 49ers (-102)
- Spread: Seattle Seahawks -1.5 (-110) | San Francisco 49ers +1.5 (-110)
- Total: Over/Under 47.5 (Over -110 | Under -110)
Betting odds courtesy of MGM.
Despite playing away from home, Seattle's slight favoritism at -118 reflects confidence in their recent form. The razor-thin 1.5-point spread indicates bookmakers view this as nearly a pick 'em game, while the 47.5-point total suggests expectations for a competitive, moderately high-scoring affair between these familiar foes.
Key Statistical Matchups: Offense vs Defense
This matchup presents a fascinating chess match between Seattle's explosive scoring ability and San Francisco's methodical ball control approach. The Seahawks hold the edge in raw scoring power, averaging 29.0 points per game compared to the 49ers' 26.9, but San Francisco actually outgains Seattle in total offense with 362.6 yards per game versus 350.8.
The most telling stat favoring the 49ers is their elite third-down conversion rate of 51.0%, which absolutely demolishes Seattle's middling 39.4% mark. This efficiency allows San Francisco to sustain drives and control game tempo, potentially keeping Seattle's high-octane offense on the sidelines.
However, the Seahawks' defense presents serious problems for any opponent. Their pass rush has been devastating with 44.0 sacks this season, more than doubling San Francisco's modest 18.0 sacks. Seattle has also been opportunistic with 17 interceptions compared to the 49ers' six picks.
Both teams have struggled with ball security, posting negative turnover differentials of -5 for Seattle and -6 for San Francisco. The team that protects the football better will likely control this game's outcome, especially given how close the talent levels appear on paper.
New users can claim the DraftKings promo code to bet $5 and win a $200 NFL bonus.
Seahawks vs 49ers Week 18 Prediction and Best Picks
This rivalry game comes down to a classic battle of styles: Seattle's big-play potential versus San Francisco's surgical precision. While the Seahawks can strike quickly with their 29.0 points per game average, the 49ers' incredible 51.0% third-down conversion rate gives them the perfect weapon to neutralize Seattle's explosiveness.
San Francisco's ability to move the chains consistently will allow them to control the clock and keep Seattle's offense off the field. In a game this evenly matched, field position and time of possession become critical factors that favor the home team's methodical approach.
The 49ers also benefit from having elite playmakers in McCaffrey and Kittle who can create mismatches even when drives bog down. Their experience in high-pressure divisional games at home provides an additional edge in what should be a tight contest throughout.
Best Bet: San Francisco 49ers +1.5 (-110)
Taking the points with San Francisco at home makes perfect sense given their superior third-down efficiency. The 49ers' 51.0% conversion rate will allow them to sustain drives and control game flow, while getting points in what's essentially a pick 'em game provides excellent value.
Best Player Prop: Brock Purdy Over 0.5 Interceptions (-154)
Seattle's aggressive pass rush and ball-hawking secondary have combined for 44.0 sacks and 17 interceptions this season. That relentless pressure creates turnovers, and Purdy will face constant duress in the pocket. The Seahawks' defensive playmakers should force at least one costly mistake in this divisional showdown.