The first weekend of calendar year 2026 also marks the final one of the 2025 NFL regular season − and the league seems poised to ring in the new year properly.

Twelve of Week 18’s 16 games are set to have some level of impact on the largely fluid playoff field − whether they determine a divisional winner, home-field advantage and a first-round bye or simply postseason seeding. (The No. 1 pick of this year’s draft also remains unclaimed, so contests including the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants are hardly meaningless, either.)

As it pertains to setting up the Super Bowl 60 tournament, Saturday should be especially fun − starting in the afternoon, when the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers might decide who wins the NFC South … though an already eliminated squad might still get a say on that front. The prime-time game features the rematch of the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers − the winner to be crowned NFC West champions while earning the conference’s top seed. The vanquished will be relegated to the wild-card scrum.

Sunday afternoon won’t have as many tidy matchups, even as the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars jockey for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, while the Jags and Houston Texans continue trying to capture the AFC South throne.

However Sunday night, the 272nd and final game of the regular season, will have winner-take-all stakes as the archrival Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens vie for the AFC North title in the latest installment of their border way. The loser goes gets nothing.

How does this chaos resolve before 18 teams book their tee times? USA TODAY Sports’ crew of NFL experts break out their crystal balls:

(Odds provided by BetMGM)

Week 18 picks, predictions, odds

Panthers at Buccaneers
Seahawks at 49ers
Packers at Vikings
Browns at Bengals
Saints at Falcons
Cowboys at Giants
Colts at Texans
Titans at Jaguars
Chargers at Broncos
Chiefs at Raiders
Jets at Bills
Commanders at Eagles
Lions at Bears
Cardinals at Rams
Dolphins at Patriots
Ravens at Steelers

Amanda Serrano finished the night with a badly swollen right eye. Drenched in sweat. On a night she was expected to dominate.

But she also finished the night as the reigning WBO and WBA featherweight champion. She retained her titles with a victory over Reina Tellez by unanimous decision Saturday, Jan. 3 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Tellez, a 22-year-old who took the fight on two weeks’ notice, connected with enough punches to nearly shut Serrano’s right eye. Tellez got the call after Serrano’s originally scheduled opponent was removed from the card after an “atypical’’ drug test, stepping in despite inexperience.

“She’s a warrior,’’ Serrano said.

The two embraced before the final round and after the fight ended.

Serrano, 37, used her skill and experience during the 10-round fight. The judges scored the fight 98-92, 97-93, 97-93.

Serrano improved to 48-4-1. Tellez suffered her first loss and her record fell to 13-1-1.

What Amanda Serrano said after fight

Serrano not only was back on her home turf for her first bout of 2026, but also fighting at her preferred weight – the 126-pound featherweight division.

“It feels amazing,’’ Serrano said. “… It’s been two years since I fought this way (as a featherweight). So the next fights are going to be much, much better, but I feel good.”

She had to gain approximately 10 pounds for each of her three fights against Katie Taylor, and lost all three of those fights.

What Reina Tellez said after fight

For the first time, Tellez fought 10 rounds and, on top of that, three-minute rounds.

“I just did that with one of the best in the world,’’ she said. “Somebody I’ve idolized my whole life and I stood in there and I fought to the end.’’

Jake Paul provides update on jaw

Jake Paul, co-promoter for the boxing card, sat ringside and provided an update on his broken jaw during an interview on the DAZN broadcast. He had surgery Dec. 20, the day after Anthony Joshua broke the jaw in two places with a knockout punch.

“I got four (titanium) plates in my jaw but that’s part of the sport,’’ Paul said. “And the healing process has been a little bit tough. I’m a little bit tired. It’s hard to sleep. I go under the pillow and then my jaw torques up to the left when I wake up.’’

But Paul called his knockout loss to Joshua Dec. 19 “an amazing night and I learned a lot and gained a lot of experience and we’re on to more fights this year.’’

Paul provided no additional information about what fights might be in the works.

Amanda Serrano def. Reina Tellez by unanimous decision: Analysis

Round 1: Reina Tellez, who weighed in 0.6 pounds over the featherweight limit of 126 pounds, does not look fit. Amanda Serrano, as usual, looks to be in championship shape. Serran comes out behind the jab. Tellez looks a tad tentative. But she connects with a right. That is, as Serrao charges in and fires away. Serrano stalking, but Tellez catches her wit ha punch to the face. Tellez doesn’t look scared at all, although she just ate a hard left. Serrano 10, Tellez 9.

Round 2: Tellez might not be nearly as skilled as Serrano, but she looks game. Serrano is punching at a high rate, and Tellez is standing her ground. Serrano connects with two hard lefts. Now she’s charing forward, delighting the crowd. Serrano 20, Tellez 18.

Round 3: Tellez scores with a left, but Serrano keeps firing. Tellez lands three punches and Serrano definitely felt it. Serrano is winning the output battle, but Tellez has Serrano’s attention. Serrano 30, Tellez 27.

Round 4: Tellez connecting, but not with the volume and consistency of Serrano. But the real question wasn’t if Serrano could wn the fight. It was whether she could get the knockout. And she lands some bic shots, only for Tellez to respond. Tellez cut under the right eye. Serrano 40, Tellez 36.

Round 5: Serrano remains the aggressor, and the crowd is ready for fireworks. Serrano is attacking the body and Tellez is backing away. Serrano really digging into the body. Those body shots clearly are doing damage. But she nailed Serrano with two lefts. Serrano 50, Tellez 45.

Round 6: Serrano showing significant swelling under her right eye. Yes, Tellez has connected. But Serrano on the attack again. Tellez still landing shots, but far fewer than Serrano. Serrano scoring with both hands and the crowd cheers. Serrano 59, Tellez 55.

Round 7: Serrano’s pace appears to slow. Tellez scores with a right and a left. Serrano’s right eye looks badly swollen. Tellez doing what she can to worsen it. Serrano closes strong. Serrano 69, Tellez 64.

Round 8: Serrano lands a couple of combinations, and with authority. Then she unfurls a straight left and looks to be in control. But Tellez fights back. Serrano 79, Tellez 73.

Round 9: She’s not known for her defense, but Serrano dodges a couple of big punches. Tellez still is swinging hard and at times connecting. But she’s yet to stun Serrano, who’s sticking to her game plan — fire away with the left, to the body and head. Serrano 89, Tellez 82.

Round 10: Serrano initiates a hug as the round begins. Serrano stalking again, with three minutes left to score the knockout. The two trade big shots and Serrano is pouring it on. Tellez backing up and trying to stay on her feet. TEllez fighting back, at risk of eating a KO punch. Tellez survies, and the two boxers embrace again as the crowd roars. Serrano 99, Tellez 91.

Stephanie Han def. Holly Holm by unanimous decision

Holm is a legendary fighter, but she’s not a champion.

Her bout with Han, the reigning WBA world lightweight champion, ended in the seventh round after an accidental headbutt. But Han, who was bleeding badly after the clash of heads, clearly won the fight.

The judges scored it 69-65, 69-64, 68-65 in favor of Han, who landed almost three times as many punches as Holm.

The fight ended at 1:44 of the seventh round after the ringside doctor examined the cut and ruled the bout should be halted.

Holm, 44, saw her record fall to 34-3-3. Han, a 35-year-old police officer, improved to 12-0.

Round 1: Holly Holm quick to fire a jab, and the two women mix it up early. Han lands an overhand right. And Holm answers with a straight left. Holm scores with a big right and shows aggression as he unloads again. Up goes the chant: ‘Holly! Holly!” Holm 10, Han 9.
Round 2: Han opens with a straight right. Holm riding bursts of energy toward Han. Han looks more measured. Nice exchange of shots. Trading more shots. Han gets hit and almost tumbles before regaining her footing. Holm 19, Han 19.
Round 3: Holm making good use of the left. But Han connects with a big counter It’s action packed, and Han landed the big shots. Han 29, Holm 28.
Round 4: Holm still attacking with the left, and Han is matching her power and energy. Holm finishes strong, but too late. Han 39, Holm 37.
Round 5: Holm is 44, but fighting like a much younger boxer. Unfortunately for her, she’s up against a worthy world champion. Han drills Holm with a right. Han 49, Holm 46.
Round 6: Holm looks a little more tentative. She knows she’s vulnerable when she throws her big punches. Han also stepping forward more behind her shots. Han 59, Holm 55.
Round 7: Holm comes out aggressive with her left. Han cut on the forehead as a result of a head cut. The ring doctor inspects the damage and halts the fight! The referee collects the scorecards, which will include scores from seventh and final round. Han 68, Holm 65.

Krystal Rosado vs. Tania Walters, bantamweight

Rosado returned to action after suffering the first loss of her pro career. She proved she was too much for Walters and still has star potential.

Scoring with power and speed, she beat Walters by unanimous decision in six-round bantamweight bout.All three judges scored it 60-54 in favor of Rosado, the 23-year-old Puerto Rican who improved to 7-1. Her only loss came in October against Shurretta Metcalf by unanimous decision.

Walters, a 38-year-old Canadian, fell to 7-4.

Round 1: The fighters are letting their fists fly early. Tania Walters showing more aggression and Krystal Rosado showing composure. Rosado looks more measured and strategic. Rosado starting to find the right distance. Rosado 10, Walters 9.
Round 2: Walters comes out with the same energy, and Rosado responds with more quickness and power. Rosado looks sharp as she fires counter punches and then goes on the attack. Rosado 20, Walters 18.
Round 3: Walters remains feisty, but Rosado looks truly elite as she fires back a flurry of punches. She attacking Walters with bursts of punches and looks to have slowed down Walters. Walters, under a hailstorm of punches, snuck in a nice shot. Notable but not nearly enough to win the round. Rosado 30, Walters 27.
Round 4: Walters willing to mix it up despite the fury coming her way. Rosado slows down. Well, for about three seconds. No zip on Walters punches. Rosado 40, Walters 36.
Round 5: The action subsides. But Rosado is getting the best of it, of course. She closes the round with fury. Rosado 50, Walters 45.
Round 6: Walters walks toward Rosado and pays the price. Rosado’s left and right are serious weapons. Walters strikes with a left, but Walters unable to follow it up. Rosado unloads as the bell sounds. Rosado 60, Walters 54.

Alexis Araiza def. Ebanie Bridges by unanimous decision

It was the mother of all battles, an eight-round brawl between two moms.

Bridges, who put her stellar boxing career on hold for motherhood, fought for the first time in two years. She ran into another tough mom.

Araiza pummeled Bridges, who fought back – but not well enough. After the fight, she held her young son in her arms. Araiza turns out to be a mom of three children and was a big winner after the bantamweight bout.

The judges scored it 80-72, 78-74, 78-74 for Araiza, s 35-year-old American. Bridges, the 39-year-old Australian, saw her record fall to 9-3.

Round 1: Ebanie Bridges, who put her boxing career on hold after having a baby, returns to the ring for the first time in more than two years. Alexis Araiza looks to send her back to full-time parenthood. Bridge bulls forward behind an assortment of punches and Araiza fires back with more precision and power. Araiza 10, Bridges 9.
Round 2: Araiza getting through Bridges guard and connecting with Bridges head. But now Araiza is bleeding from the nose. Araiza 19, Bridges 19.
Round 3: The blood is flowing and so is Araiza. She lands a couple of nice uppercuts and a right hook. She lands a few more big shots as the round comes to an end. Araiza 29, Bridges 28.
Round 4: This is an active fight, and they two women come out swinging again. Bridges keeps marching forward — right into Araiza’s punches. Bridges getting in shots, too. The slugging continues, with Araiza landing the best shots. Araiza 39, Bridges 37.
Round 5: Bridges herself early, but Araiza slows her down with a right hook. The fight turns furious with a big exchange at the end. Araiza 49, Bridges 46.
Round 6: Almost non-stop action, and Araiza connects with a big uppercut. Another exhange and Araiza getting the best of it, including a sharp left as the round ended. Araiza 59, Bridges 55.
Round 7: There’s no letup here. Araiza’s face looks like a mess with that bloodied nose, but Bridges is the one taking a beating. She’s getting rocked midway through the round before Bridges finally responds. Araiza 68, Bridges 65.
Round 8: It’s rock ’em sock ’em and the crowd loves it. Bridges bulling foward behind big punches. Araiza looks exhausted, but both find the energy for aa big finish — especially from Araiza. Araiza 78, Bridges 74.

Jonathan Gonzalez def. Yankiel Rivera by unanimous decision

Gonzalez had a chance to end the fight early. Instead, he let it go the distance – and still walked away with the WBA interim world flyweight championship belt.

Gonzalez knocked down Rivera in the second round and Rivera looked to be in trouble. But he kept marching toward Gonzalez. His courage exceeded his ability, as Gonzalez relied on his counter punching.

The judges scored it 14-113, 116-111, 117-110 in favor of Gonzalez, the 34-year-old Puerto Rican who improved to 29-4-1. Rivera, a 28-year-old Puerto Rican, suffered his first loss and his record fell to 7-0-1.

Round 1: Jonathan Gonzales opens with a fury, and Yankiel Rivera is under seige but hanging in — or hanging on. Gonzalez lands a hard straight right. Gonzalez 10, Rivera 9.
Round 2: Gonzalez drops Rivera with a hard left. Rivera is up but looks to be in trouble. He survives the round. Gonzales 20, Rivera 17.
Round 3: Rivera emerges with some risking taking as he goes at Gonzalez. It seems to help neutralize Gonzalez’s power but not reverse the momentum. Gonzalez 30, Rivera 26.
Round 4: Rivera comes out aggressively and goes after Gonazalez’s body. It’s a worthy effort even though Gonzalez possesses the more impressive power. Gonzalez 39, Rivera 36.
Round 5: This is no longer a one-sided fight. But Rivera will have to turn things up even more if he’s got any chance to win it. Gonzalez lands a hard right. Gonzalez 49, Rivera 45.
Round 6: Rivera’s left eye is swollen, evidence that Gonzalez’s punches have landed. Yet he continues to show newfound aggressiveness. Gonzalez content to throw effective counter punches. Gonzalez 59, Rivera 54.
Round 7: Gonzalez again letting Rivera stalk and setting up for counterpunches. But he’s no longer got Rivera on the ropes — figuratively. But Rivera fails to capitalize. Gonzalez 69, Rivera 63.
Round 8: Gonzalez unleashes his power again, and Rivera feels it. Rivera fights back with a flurry of punches, but Gonzalez lands two hard left. Down goes Rivera, but the punch landed on the back of Rivera’s head and the refere waves off the knockdown. Gonzalez 79, Rivera 72.
Round 9: Rivera not backing down and lands a flurry of shots. But Gonzalez responds with heavier punches. He connects wit ha hard left and manages to stay on his feet. Gonzalez 89, Rivera 81.
Round 10: Gonzalez back to retreating and setting up the counterpunches. Am I alone and wanting Gonzalez to exert some dominance and dispatch Rivera. Intead, Rivera is loading another flurry of punches — none rock Gonzalez but many that score. Gonzalez 98, Rivera 91.
Round 11: Rivera lands a strong shot early as Gonzalez is back up against the ropes. But the threat fades pretty quickly. Gonzalez slips a few punches and then lands a few of his own. Gonzalez 108, Rivera 100.
Round 12: It’s more of the same, with Rivera stalking and Gonzalez fighting (well) off his back foot. He connects with a laser left as he tries to load up. They trade punches in a corner, and Rivera needs a miracle. No miracles, but he wins the round with energy and output. Gonzalez 117, Rivera 110.

Jan Paul Rivera def. Alfredo Cruz by majority decision

Jan Paul Rivera stayed undefeated at 14-0 with a victory over Alfredo Cruz by majority decision. And he had to earn it in the eight-round featherweight bout.

Rivera, the 24-year-old Puerto Rican, fell behind early as Cruz stayed on the move and landed more punches. But Rivera picked up the pace – and showed more power as the fight progressed.

One judge scored the fight 75-75 and the two other judges scored it 77-75 for Rivera.

Cruz, a 24-year-old from Puerto Rico, fell to 10-4-1.

Round 1: Alfred Cruz on the move and strikes with a jab, as Jan Paul Rivera stalks. Cruz connecting early with the jab. Rivera picks up the pace and connects with hard right hands. Cruz fights back with the jab and Rivera misses with big overhand. Cruz 10, Rivera 9.
Round 2: Cruz stays on the move and Rivera leans in and wraps him up. Cruz scores with the jab, but Rivera landing combinations. Rivera marches in and pushes down Cruz’s head. But the punches are flying — and landing. Cruz’s is winning the war of punching output. Cruz 20, Rivera 18.
Round 3: Cruz stays busy with the jab. Rivera exhibits power but has yet to stun Cruz. But he breaks through the high guard and scores. Then lands a couple of solid shots and smothers Cruz. Cruz swinging and missing before landing a big right. But Rivera landed more power shots. Cruz 29, Rivera 28.
Round 4: Spirited fight with both fighters landing punches, and Rivera asserts himself behind power shots. He attacks Cruz to the body as the two exhange meaningful shots. Cruz 39, Rivera 37.
Round 5: Cruz snaps back Rivera’s head with a left, but Rivera keeps marching forward. Fatigue may be setting in, but suddenly they’re trading punches again. Cruz finishes strong. Cruz 49, Rivera 46.
Round 6: Cruz still on the move and you got wonder how long those legs will hold up. Rivera lands a bevvy of combinations. Things are heating up again as the two trade shots. Crus hits the gas, but Rivera sufficently dominated the round early. Cruz 58, Rivera 56.
Round 7: Cruz scores to the body, and Rivera responds with a firestorm of punches. Cruz looks weary as Rivera pounds away. Cruz still running — and maybe not fast enough to evade Rivera. Cruz 67, Rivera 66.
Round 8: Cruz slips and hits the canvas. But he’s up and trying to elude Rivera again. Cruz hits the deck again, apparently pushed. Rivera attacking and Cruz holding on to Rivera — and for dear life. Cruz landsd a big right and unloads, only to get caught by a big right from Rivera. Cruz 76, Rivera 76.

Serrano vs Tellez fight results: prelims

Caleb Tirado def. Justin Hill by TKO, bantamweight
Yandiel Lozano def. Johniel Ramos Cotto by unanimous decision, super featherweight
Abner Figueroa def. Edwin Rodriguez by unanimous decision, bantamweight
Elise Soto def. Liliana Martinez by TKO, super featherweight
Alexis Chapparo def. Augusto Leal by unanimous decision, middleweight
Chris Echevarria def. Gabriel Bernardi by unanimous decision, super bantamweight
Henry Lebron def. Juan Tapia by TKO, super featherweight

What time is Amanda Serrano vs Reina Tellez fight card?

Serrano vs Tellez starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 3.

When is the Serrano vs Tellez main event ring walk?

The main event between Serrano and Tellez has an estimated start time of 11 p.m. ET.

Amanda Serrano vs Reina Tellez price: How much to watch fight

The fight available on DAZN with a monthly plan of $29.99.

Amanda Serrano stats

Amanda Serrano is 47-4-1 with 31 KOs. She has lost her last two fights, both to Katie Taylor by way of decision.

Amanda Serrano vs Reina Tellez fight card, odds

Amanda Serrano (-3000) vs. Reina Tellez (+900); Featherweight, for the WBA and WBO title
Stephanie Han (+160) vs. Holly Holm (-225); Lightweight, for the WBA title
Krystal Rosado vs. Tania Walters; Bantamweight
Ebanie Bridges vs. Alexis Arazia; Bantamweight

Amanda Serrano age

Amanda Serrano is 37. Her opponent, Reina Tellez, is 22.

Holly Holm fight

Holly Holm, the legendary boxer and MMA fighter, will be making her second appearance in the boxing ring since signing with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. This time, the 44-year-old Holm will be fighting for a world title against Stephanie Han, the reigning WBC lightweight champion.

In June, Holm boxed in her first pro bout since 2013 and defeated previously unbeaten Yolanda Vega by unanimous decision.

Anthony Joshua friends honored

The main card event opened with a 10-bell salute for Latif Ayodele and Sima Ghami. They were the close friends close friends of Anthony Joshua and members of the boxer’s training team who died in a car accident Dec. 29 in Nigeria while riding with the former heavyweight champion.

The names of Ayodele and Ghami also were embossed on canvas of the boxing ring at Coliseo Roberto Clemente, site of MVP’s 13-fight card.

Amanda Serrano chasing history

Before she retires, Serrano said this week, she has two goals. One: break the record for all-time knockouts for a woman. Entering the fight against Tellez, Serrano has 31 knockouts heading into her fight with Tellez. The record is 32, held by Hall of Famer Christy Martin. The second goal: 50 all-time victories. Serrano had 47 before fighting Tellez. Martin has 49 and Regina Halmich, a retired boxer from German, had 54 victories.

During the second period between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Islanders, Leafs captain Auston Matthews scored two goals.

Both his tallies have a place in Maple Leafs history as his first goal equalled Mats Sundin’s 420 goals in the Blue and White. Later in the period, Matthews fired home a one-timer to take sole possession of first place on the franchise’s all-time goal list.

All of his teammates cleared the bench to congratulate him on the milestone.

His one-timer was set up by Bobby McMann, and Max Domi provided the crucial secondary helper with a puck battle at the blue line to keep the puck alive. Matthews’ two goals gave the Leafs a 2-1 lead going into the third period.

Matthews’ latest goal was his 20th of the campaign. That puts him on pace to score around 43 goals, which is 10 more than what he recorded last season. 

There’s a little more to the story of his offensive production. Matthews wasn’t at his best to start this season, but he’s been red-hot as of late. In his past four games, the 28-year-old center has six goals and 10 points.

In 317 fewer games than Sundin, Matthews now has the most goals by any Maple Leaf. With 421 goals, Matthews has 760 career points in 664 NHL games. 

Following Matthews’ record-breaking goal, Sundin left a video message, congratulating him on the historic milestone.

‘What a treat for all Maple Leafs fans, around the world, to have a player like yourself,’ Sundin said in the video.

In the points department, Matthews still has to surpass four legendary Maple Leafs to own that title. That includes Borje Salming, Dave Keon, Darryl Sittler and Sundin.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The red-hot San Francisco 49ers offense has finally discovered its Kryptonite. It comes in the form of a Seattle Seahawks defense that stymied it in a 13-3 Week 18 victory.

Mike Macdonald’s stop unit kept San Francisco’s offense off-balance all night at Levi’s Stadium. Brock Purdy and Co. racked up just 173 total yards in addition to their three points after averaging 373.2 yards per game and 35.7 points over their six-game winning streak.

As a result, the Seahawks clinched the NFC West title, their first since 2020, and secured the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC playoff race. That will give Seattle a much-needed first-round bye and a chance to recharge as the team looks to make the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2014-15 NFL playoffs.

Seattle’s victory will also be a monkey off the back of Sam Darnold, who failed to deliver in a similar divisional battle for the NFC’s No. 1 seed last season with the Minnesota Vikings. Darnold completed 20 of 26 passes for 198 yards, but most importantly, did not turn the ball over in the victory.

Darnold got a lot of support from his running game, as Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet combined to rack up 171 yards on 33 carries. If the talented duo can perform similarly in the postseason, Seattle’s all-around balance will make it a very tough out in a wide-open playoff bracket.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates, highlights and more from the 49ers-Seahawks game on Saturday in Week 18.

49ers vs. Seahawks takeaways Week 18

Sam Darnold did exactly what was needed in win. Nobody will call Darnold’s performance against the 49ers flashy. He threw for less than 200 passing yards and didn’t log a touchdown, after all. But after coming up short in a similar spot with the Vikings last season, Darnold did well to learn from his shortcomings and avoided turnovers and negative plays while delivering a key win for the Seahawks. Darnold acknowledged in a postgame interview with ESPN his ability to ‘stay calm in the pocket’ made a difference for him in this one. So long as he can keep doing that, Seattle will have a chance to enjoy a solid playoff run.
Seattle’s defense is championship-caliber. San Francisco has been one of the NFL’s best offenses this season when Brock Purdy has been healthy. The Seahawks have been able to stymie them in both meetings, holding the 49ers to an average of 10 points per game while limiting Purdy to an 80.3 passer rating. Seattle has elite talent at all three levels and plays as a connected, tough-to-beat defense under Macdonald. Much like the Seahawks’ ‘Legion of Boom’ days, this unit is plenty good enough to get Seattle through an open playoff field and into the Super Bowl.
Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet are an underrated running back duo. Seattle’s one-two punch at running back doesn’t get enough love for what it’s able to do. Walker and Charbonnet are both good runners with explosive playmaking abilities, as they showed against the 49ers. Walker showed off his shiftiness on a key, 19-yard reception that allowed the Seahawks to continue their crucial field goal drive, while Charbonnet showed off good vision and burst on a 27-yard touchdown that proved to be a game-winner for Seattle. If they can continue to support Darnold while keeping each other fresh, the Seahawks should sport one of the better-balanced offenses of the 2025 NFL playoffs.
The 49ers need Trent Williams back. The 49ers aren’t going to play a pass rush as great as that of the Seahawks every week, but it was clear they missed Williams on Saturday. Austen Pleasants had trouble holding up in Williams’ stead, and Brock Purdy was sacked a season-high three times as a result. Expect the 49ers to do everything they can to get Williams back before their wild-card game.

Brock Purdy stats vs. Seahawks

19-of-27 (70.3% completion rate)
127 passing yards
0 passing touchdowns
1 interception
64.9 passer rating
2 rushing attempts, 21 rushing yards

Sam Darnold stats vs. 49ers

20-of-26 (76.9% completion rate)
198 passing yards
0 passing touchdowns
0 interceptions
97.9 passer rating
6 rushing attempts, 9 rushing yards

Christian McCaffrey stats vs. Seahawks

8 rushing attempts
23 rushing yards
0 total touchdowns
6 receptions (7 targets)
34 receiving yards

Seahawks clinch No. 1 seed in NFC

Seattle finished the job, collecting a victory over the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks are the top seed in the NFC, earning home-field advantage and a first-round bye.

49ers vs. Seahawks final score: Seattle 13, San Francisco 3

49ers vs. Seahawks highlights

Seahawks force turnover on downs to seal win on Saturday night

The 49ers couldn’t get a first down in their last-gasp effort to get back into the game against the Seahawks. Brock Purdy’s final pass fell harmlessly to the ground, and Seattle will win the NFC West after taking a few kneel-downs to end a 13-3 victory.

Jason Myers doinks 26-yard field goal off the upright

After intercepting Purdy, the Seahawks marched 89 yards over 16 plays to set Myers up for a short-distance field goal. For the second time tonight, Myers missed to the right, as his kick curved right and doinked off the upright.

Myers’ miss will allow the 49ers to remain down just 10 points. However, just 2:20 remains in the game after Seattle’s long drive, and San Francisco has no timeouts left. That means the 49ers will likely need to attempt an onside kick to have any chance to win.

Drake Thomas intercepts pass that glances off Christian McCaffrey’s hands

The 49ers were in the midst of their best offensive drive of the game and had a goal-to-go opportunity when Brock Purdy tried to throw a pass to McCaffrey at the 5-yard line. Edge rusher Boye Mafe appeared to barely deflect the pass at the line of scrimmage, and the veteran running back wasn’t able to corral it.

The result? The ball glanced off McCaffrey’s hands and into the arms of Thomas. The red-zone takeaway ensured Seattle would remain up by 10 points with about 10 minutes remaining in regulation.

49ers vs. Seahawks score update: Jason Myers makes 31-yard chip shot to extend Seattle’s lead

The Seahawks looked like they were going to go three-and-out before Kenneth Walker turned a screen-pass dump-off on third-and-17 into a 19-yard gain and a first down. From there, Seattle moved into short field goal range before stalling out.

Myers was called on to attempt the 31-yarder. He made it with ease, giving the Seahawks a 10-point lead with 14:15 remaining in regulation.

Seahawks 13, 49ers 3

When was the Seahawks’ last Super Bowl win?

The Seahawks have just one Super Bowl win in their history. That came in Super Bowl 48, when their ‘Legion of Boom’ defense thrashed Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense in a 43-8 rout.

Seattle also played in Super Bowl 49. The Seahawks lost to the New England Patriots when Malcolm Butler famously intercepted Russell Wilson on the goal-line in the final minute of a 28-24 Patriots win.

49ers forced to punt on first drive of second half

The 49ers weren’t able to mount back-to-back scoring drives. Brock Purdy and Co. managed to get themselves out from being backed up after Brian Robinson struggled to handle a kickoff, but San Francisco couldn’t get to midfield before Seattle found a way to stop it.

Rashid Shaheed was able to return Thomas Morstead’s 44-yard punt 20 yards to give Seattle solid field position as it looks to build on its 10-3 lead.

49ers vs. Seahawks score at halftime: Seattle leading 10-3

The Seahawks have just a seven-point lead, but they have dominated the 49ers in the first half. Seattle has outgained San Francisco 196-69 and has run 34 plays compared to the 49ers’ 20, as Sam Darnold and the offense have performed well.

Seattle’s offense has been balanced. Darnold has taken a couple of sacks but has otherwise been efficient, completing 10 of 13 passes for 98 yards over the first 30 minutes. The Seahawks have also run the ball well, as Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker have combined for 110 yards on 18 carries while Charbonnet scored the lone touchdown of the first half on a 27-yard run.

The 49ers will need to get Christian McCaffrey more involved in the second half, as he had just six touches for 25 yards in the first half. Brock Purdy has matched Sam Darnold, completing 10 of his 13 passes, but has turned them into just 47 yards.

San Francisco will get the ball first coming out of halftime. Expect Kyle Shanahan to try to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers as the 49ers try to come from behind to win the NFC West.

49ers vs. Seahawks score update: Eddy Pineiro makes 48-yard field goal to get San Francisco on board

The 49ers will not be shut out in the first half. Brock Purdy made a nice throw on the run to convert a third-and-11 before San Francisco stalled out shortly thereafter. Pineiro was called on to attempt a 48-yard kick, and he was able to tuck it inside the right upright.

The 49ers now trail by just one possession and will look to stop the Seahawks with a minute remaining in the first half.

Seahawks 10, 49ers 3

Where did Sam Darnold go to college?

Darnold went to USC. He spent three seasons with the Trojans and was a two-year starter for them. He completed 64.9% of his passes for 7,229 yards, 57 touchdowns and 22 interceptions across 27 games with the team.

Darnold’s performance was good enough to make him a first-round talent. The New York Jets selected him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

49ers vs. Seahawks score update: Jason Myers makes 45-yard field goal to extend Seattle lead

After missing from 47 yards earlier in the quarter, Myers was able to make a 45-yard kick after Seattle’s drive stalled out. That gave the Seahawks a two-possession lead for the first time in the game.

The Seahawks have dominated the 49ers thus far, outgaining them 193-39 and running 32 plays compared to San Francisco’s 12. The 49ers will now have 5:19 remaining in the first half to try to get on the board against Mike Macdonald’s stingy defense.

Seahawks 10, 49ers 0

Who is the Seahawks coach?

Mike Macdonald is the Seahawks’ head coach. He is in his second season with Seattle and has posted a 23-10 record across his first 33 games with the franchise.

Macdonald cut his teeth with the Ravens and turned Baltimore’s stop unit into one of the NFL’s best during his two seasons as the team’s defensive coordinator. The 38-year-old has enjoyed similar success with the Seahawks and is one of the youngest head coaches in the league.

Jason Myers misses 47-yard field goal, snapping streak of 18 straight makes

The Seahawks were once again able to get into scoring range against the 49ers’ defense. However, Myers wasn’t able to make the 47-yard kick, as it drifted right of the upright.

The Seahawks remain ahead 7-0, but Seattle has to be kicking itself after coming up empty in scoring range twice in the first half of the de facto NFC West championship game.

What is Sam Darnold’s salary?

Darnold has a base salary of just $5.3 million in 2025, but that’s because he got a $32 million signing bonus for his first season with the Seahawks.

The better measure of Darnold’s worth? He signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seahawks in free agency. That gives him an average annual value (AAV) of $33.5 million, which ranks 18th among NFL quarterbacks.

49ers vs. Seahawks score update: Seattle strikes first with 27-yard Zach Charbonnet TD

The Seahawks are on the board first in the battle for the NFC West. Sam Darnold handed the ball to Charbonnet on a third-and-2, and the third-year back found space after cutting to the left side of the line. He was able to just get around the last defender and scamper into the end zone for a touchdown.

Jason Myers makes the extra point, and Seattle is leading by seven in the first quarter.

Seahawks 7, 49ers 0

Seahawks fail to convert fourth-and-goal on first drive of game

Seattle did something it doesn’t often do to open its Week 18 game against San Francisco. The Seahawks went for it on fourth-and-goal from the 4-yard line, allowing Sam Darnold to try to throw a touchdown on the opening drive of the game.

Darnold couldn’t connect with Cooper Kupp, and as a result, Seattle had nothing to show for its game-opening drive, which spanned 12 plays, 66 yards and 7:37 of game time.

What happens if 49ers win today?

A 49ers win over the Seahawks in Week 18 would allow San Francisco to win the NFC West and clinch the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC.

Conversely, a loss would guarantee the 49ers would remain a wild-card team. They would earn either the No. 5 or No. 6 seed, pending the result of the Rams vs. Cardinals game on Sunday.

How to watch the 49ers vs. Seahawks game?

TV channel: ABC, ESPN

The 49ers-Seahawks matchup on Saturday will be broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN. Joe Buck (play-by-play) and Troy Aikman (analyst) will be on the call.

What time is the 49ers vs. Seahawks game?

Start time: 8 p.m. ET

The 49ers and Seahawks are scheduled for kickoff at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday night.

49ers vs. Seahawks stream

Live stream: ESPN+, fuboTV, NFL+

The 49ers-Seahawks game will stream on ESPN+ and fuboTV as well as the league’s streaming service, NFL+.

Catch NFL action with a fubo subscription

49ers vs. Seahawks prediction, picks

Here’s what the experts at USA TODAY think will happen in the 49ers vs. Seahawks matchup in Week 18:

Jarrett Bell: 49ers, 24-20
Nick Brinkerhoff: 49ers, 38-31
Chris Bumbaca: 49ers, 29-28
Nate Davis: Seahawks, 30-24
Tyler Dragon: Seahawks, 28-25
Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: 49ers, 31-28

49ers vs. Seahawks odds, moneyline, O/U

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Over/Under (O/U): 48 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Moneyline (ML): Seahawks -135 (Bet $135 to win $100) | 49ers +115 (Bet $100 to win $115)
Against the spread (ATS): Seahawks -2.5 (-110) | 49ers +2.5 (-110)

NFC West standings

The Seahawks lead the NFC West standings entering the season finale. Here’s a full look at the division:

Seattle Seahawks (13-3, 3-2 NFC West)
San Francisco 49ers (12-4, 4-1)
Los Angeles Rams (11-5, 3-2)
Arizona Cardinals (3-13, 0-5)

NFC playoff picture: NFC bracket

Seattle Seahawks (13-3, NFC West leaders)*
Chicago Bears (11-5, NFC North winners)*
Philadelphia Eagles (11-5, NFC East winners)*
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9, NFC South leaders)
San Francisco 49ers (12-4, wild card No. 1)*
Los Angeles Rams (11-5, wild card No. 2)*
Green Bay Packers (9-6-1, wild card No. 3)*

In the hunt:Carolina Panthers (8-9)

49ers uniforms today vs. Seahawks

For the first time, the Niners will be in monochrome black as they also wear black helmets − which they’ve never had since joining the NFL in 1950. The dome is matte black, adorned with a pair of red stripes down the centerline, the familiar interlocking ‘SF’ logo and gold-coated facemasks intended to sparkle under Levi’s Stadium’s lights. ‘Faithful’ is scripted on the headgear’s back bumper.

The red jersey numbers are outlined in gold and presented in a saloon-like font derived by the franchise’s classic wordmark. A cursive ‘Faithful’ is etched above the numbers on the chest, enabling the franchise to express its ‘steadfast appreciation for the unwavering dedication of 49ers fans across the globe.’ “Faithful to the Bay,’ the club motto, is stitched inside the collar. Per Nike, the look is ‘inspired by the Gold Rush era that once defined San Francisco.’ – Nate Davis

49ers inactives today vs. Seahawks

LT Trent Williams (hamstring)
WR Ricky Pearsall (knee)
RB Isaac Guerendo
DE Robert Beal Jr.
DT Kevin Givens
LB Curtis Robinson
CB Chase Lucas

Seahawks inactives today vs. 49ers

QB Jalen Milroe (Emergency QB3)
OT Charles Cross (hamstring)
S Coby Bryant (knee)
OL Bryce Cabeldue
OL Mason Richman
LB Jared Ivey
TE Nick Kallerup

Is George Kittle playing today vs. the Seahawks?

Yes, the All-Pro is not listed among the 49ers’ inactives ahead of tonight’s kickoff. He is expected to return to the lineup after missing Week 17 with a hamstring injury.

NFL playoff picture: AFC Bracket

Denver Broncos (13-3, AFC West winners)*
New England Patriots (13-3, AFC East winners)*
Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4, AFC South leaders)*
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7, AFC North leaders)
Houston Texans (11-5, wild card No. 1)*
Los Angeles Chargers (11-5, wild card No. 3)*
Buffalo Bills (11-5, wild card No. 3)*

In the hunt: Baltimore Ravens (8-8)

An asterisk (*) denotes teams that have clinched

2026 NFL Draft order

Here’s a look at the latest draft order for the first round with strength of schedule information via Tankathon:

Las Vegas Raiders: 2-14; .542 SOS
New York Giants: 3-13 record; .531 strength of schedule
New York Jets: 3-13, .548 SOS
Tennessee Titans: 3-13, .576 SOS
Arizona Cardinals: 3-13; .580 SOS
Cleveland Browns: 4-12, .491 SOS
Washington Commanders: 4-12; .507 SOS
New Orleans Saints: 6-10; .491 SOS
Kansas City Chiefs: 6-10; .509 SOS
Cincinnati Bengals: 6-10; .517 SOS
Atlanta Falcons (pick belongs to Los Angeles Rams): 6-9; .498 SOS
Miami Dolphins: 7-9; .483 SOS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-9, .532 SOS
Dallas Cowboys: 7-8-1; .436 SOS
Detroit Lions: 8-8; .493 SOS
Baltimore Ravens: 8-8; .504 SOS
Minnesota Vikings: 8-8; .515 SOS
Indianapolis Colts (pick belongs to Jets): 8-8; .537 SOS
Carolina Panthers: 8-8, .520 SOS
Pittsburgh Steelers: 9-7; .509 SOS
Green Bay Packers (pick belongs to Cowboys): 9-6-1; .480 SOS
Los Angeles Chargers: 11-5; .461 SOS
Philadelphia Eagles: 11-5; .467 SOS
Buffalo Bills: 11-5, .472 SOS
Chicago Bears: 11-5; .454 SOS
Houston Texans: 11-5; .528 SOS
Los Angeles Rams: 11-4, .531 SOS
Jacksonville Jaguars (pick belongs to Browns): 12-4; .487 SOS
San Francisco 49ers: 12-4, .494 SOS
New England Patriots: 13-3; .384 SOS
Denver Broncos: 13-3; .426 SOS
Seattle Seahawks: 13-3; .498 SOS

Is there a ManningCast for 49ers-Seahawks game?

Yes, there will be a ManningCast tonight. The Manning brothers return on the alt-cast in Week 18.

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Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle earned a $1 million bonus.
Dowdle reached the bonus by surpassing 1,350 scrimmage yards for the season.
The incentive was part of a one-year contract he signed with the Panthers.

Cha-ching!

That’s what Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle is hearing after he racked up four yards on the first possession of the second half during his team’s regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 3.

Dowdle simply needed 7 yards to reach the 1,350 scrimmage yards of the season, which triggered a $1 million bonus. Dowdle didn’t immediately reach his payday threshold. He lost a yard on Carolina’s first play of the game and then slipped for a loss of two on his next touch. Dowdle finished the first half with 5 rushing yards.

It’s an important game for the Panthers, who could clinch the NFC South division title and the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoff bracket with a win (or an Atlanta Falcons victory over the New Orleans Saints on Jan. 4).

Dowdle signed with the Panthers as a free agent last offseason on a one-year deal worth $2.75 million. The former Dallas Cowboy has already set a new career high with seven touchdowns (six rushing, one receiving) this season.

With a touchdown, Dowdle will earn an additional $250,000. Dowdle has already racked up $1.75 million in incentives between scoring six touchdowns and eclipsing the 800-, 950- and 1,100- scrimmage-yard marks.

Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün suffered an ankle injury early in the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.

He appeared to roll his ankle after jumping for a rebound attempt, landing on Mavericks center Daniel Gafford’s foot.

Şengün went back to the locker room to be evaluated by the team’s medical staff. He did not return, officially ruled out coming out of halftime.

Clint Capela entered the game in place of Şengün with 10:56 left in the first quarter.

The Turkish player, a 2025 All-Star, collected just one rebound in one minute of play. Houston leads Dallas 31-25 at the end of the first quarter.

Şengün had missed two games due to a calf injury and returned for a road game against the Brooklyn Nets on New Year’s Day.

The Rockets center has averaged 22.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 27 games played this season.

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Wilson was attempting to check Connor Murphy in the first period when the Chicago Blackhawks defenseman delivered a reverse hit instead. Wilson grabbed at his leg after he fell to the ice.

The power forward skated gingerly off the ice, then needed help getting to the dressing room. He wasn’t on the bench when the second period began and the team announced that he was questionable to return because of a lower-body injury. He never did during the 3-2 shootout loss.

It was the second time he was hurt in the period. He earlier caught a stick between the legs and shook it off while on the bench.

Tom Wilson injury update

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said he didn’t think the Wilson injury was ‘too bad,’ according to The Hockey News. He added that the team would know more on Sunday.

Wilson leads the Capitals with 22 goals, 42 points, 59 penalty minutes and 108 hits. He was just named to the Canadian Olympic men’s hockey team.

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The Toronto Blue Jays made another big splash coming off their first World Series trip in more than three decades, agreeing to a deal with Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto, according to multiple reports.

Okamoto, 29, hit 30 home runs every year from 2018-23, clubbing a career-high 41 in 2023 for the Yomiuri Giants. A right-handed hitter, Okamoto has split time between first and third base in recent seasons, also getting some reps in the outfield.

Okamoto is the latest acquisition in a busy offseason for the Blue Jays, who have already signed pitchers Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers since losing in seven games to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 Fall Classic.

The Japanese import could become Toronto’s primary third baseman with Addison Barger presently penciled in at the hot corner. While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is entrenched at first base for the Blue Jays, Okamoto could also provide the $500 million man with some defensive days off.

Okamoto was posted by the Yomiuri Giants in November and his 45-day window to sign with an MLB team was set to expire on Sunday, Jan. 4.

Even after the opening game of Week 18 NFL action wrapped up, the NFC South title race remains unsettled.

Tampa Bay’s 16-14 win over the Carolina Panthers gives them the upper hand – for now. The Buccaneers could be set for their fifth NFC South crown in a row thanks to that victory in Week 18.

But there’s a chance they won and still will watch the postseason from home.

This result means the Buccaneers and Panthers have identical records. They’re both 8-9, went 3-3 in their division and went 6-6 in conference matchups. This comes down to strength of schedule.

The other two NFC South teams, Atlanta and New Orleans, face off in Week 18 as well. If the Falcons win, Tampa Bay takes the division title. If the Saints win, Carolina wins the NFC South crown.

Either way, the NFC will have a playoff team with a losing record. When was the last time that happened – and how did they fare? Here’s a look at playoff teams with losing records in NFL history:

NFL playoff teams with losing records

Only four teams in NFL history have made the playoffs with a losing record. Coincidentally, the Buccaneers and Panthers are two of the teams to do it. Here’s a look at the full history:

2010 Seattle Seahawks

Record: 7-9, NFC West champions
Playoff results: Won wild-card game 41-36 over New Orleans, lost divisional round game 35-24 to Chicago

2014 Carolina Panthers

Record: 7-8-1, NFC South champions
Playoff results: Won wild-card game 27-16 over Arizona, lost divisional round game 31-17 to Seattle

2020 Washington Football Team

Record: 7-9, NFC East champions
Playoff results: Lost wild-card game 31-23 to Tampa Bay

2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 8-9, NFC South champions
Playoff results: Lost wild-card game 31-14 to Dallas