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The Seattle Seahawks have to feel good about 3-1 so far, especially considering Sam Darnold missed two of those games. However, Week 5 will be the team’s toughest test yet, as they take on the undefeated San Francisco 49ers.
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The last time these divisional rives faced off, the Seahawks dominated and walked away with a 41-6 victory. But that was last year, and the 49ers look like one of the best teams in the league.
If the Seahawks play like they did at the end of last week, or in Week 3, they will lose this game. Now, let’s talk about the three players who are most important for the Seahawks this weekend.
Sam Darnold
It’s not exactly a bold take to say the quarterback is going to be important in this one. Brocky Purdy has been playing great for the 49ers, so the Seahawks need Darnold to play closer to how he played for most of 2025.
In Week 3, Darnold threw for a career-high in yards, but also turned the ball over twice. In Week 4, Darnold only threw for 168 yards. That type of showing isn’t going to get it done this week. The Seahawks need Darnold to take care of the ball, because turnover will be killer.
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Emanuel Wilson
Last time the Seahawks played the 49ers, Kenneth Walker III dominated on the ground. Walker rushed for 116 yards and three scores, which meant Darnold didn’t even have to do much in the dominant victory.
Walker is not here anymore, though, and the 49ers’ run defense has been much better so far. Emanuel Wilson is in place as the RB1 due to injuries, and he’s had two decent games this season. Will he be able to make an impact against the 49ers? If he can, that could end up being the difference in this game.
Leonard Williams
One of the most impressive stats of the season is that Brocky Purdy has not been sacked one time through four games. The 49ers’ pass protection has been excellent, which allows Purdy to pick defenses apart.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks’ pass rush has been underwhelming all season. Leonard Williams has been great, though, and he has a team-high three sacks. Can Williams be the first person to sack Purdy in 2026? Williams will also be crucial to the run defense.
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This story was originally published October 8, 2026 at 1:28 PM.