Who do Seahawks play next? Explaining potential opponents in 2026 NFL playoff bracket

Griffin Missant

Who do Seahawks play next? Explaining potential opponents in 2026 NFL playoff bracket image

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With their win over the San Francisco 49ers, the Seattle Seahawks didn't just clinch the NFC West, but the top overall seed as well. 

Seattle's defense shut down the Niners, completely suffocating all options for Brock Purdy. As a result, Seattle will get a bye in the first round of the NFL playoffs. 

Not only does this mean rest, but it also means extra preparation for whoever the Seahawks may face in the divisional round.

With that being said, here's a look at the potential opponents for Seattle after their bye in the playoffs.

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NFL playoff bracket 2026

Who do the Seahawks play next?

With Seattle's success, they will now reap the reward of the No. 1 seed. The Seahawks will face the lowest remaining NFC seed in the divisional round.

No. 4 Carolina Panthers

With the Atlanta Falcons defeating the New Orleans Saints, the Panthers were pushed into the playoffs by an NFC South foe. If Carolina were to beat the Rams in the wild-card round, and the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears won their matchups, the Panthers would travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks. 

No. 5 Los Angeles Rams

After the 49ers lost on Saturday to the Seahawks, the Rams propelled themselves to the No. 5 seed with a win over the Cardinals. This is undoubtedly a favorable matchup with the Panthers. Similarly to Carolina, if the Rams win in the wild-card, and the Eagles and Bears win their matchups, the Rams would head to Seattle to face the Seahawks. 

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No. 6 San Francisco 49ers

If the 49ers win in Philadelphia, the only scenario that would prevent San Francisco from facing Seattle is if the Green Bay Packers beat the Bears in the wild-card.

No. 7 Green Bay Packers

No matter what happens in the other matchups, if the Packers beat the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round, they would automatically face the Seahawks because Green Bay is the lowest seed. 

Fantasy Football Intern

Senior Editor