3 Reasons the 49ers Will be Better Against Seattle Than in Week 18

It's highly unlikely the 49ers will get pummeled the same way against Seattle as last time.

Dec 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

It’s not too common that a team gets a chance to avenge a brutal loss, but that’s exactly what the San Francisco 49ers are getting.

They will face the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional playoff round with an opportunity to avenge their Week 18 defeat. This time, it will be in Seattle and with higher stakes.

Defeating the Seahawks will not be easy, especially since it’s been only two weeks since both teams faced each other. Not much has changed, except that the Seahawks are rested and at home. 

But on the contrary, there are three reasons things will be different for the 49ers against Seattle. It should significantly factor into a stronger showing this time than two weeks ago. 

Trent Williams is back

Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) celebrates win against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The 49ers didn’t have Trent Williams last time around, but they will this time. He was desperately missed in the last game.

Facing Seattle is extremely physical, and the 49ers did it without their most physical player. It’s no wonder their offensive line was getting moved with ease. 

With Williams back, it won’t be as easy for the Seahawks. The running game should be able to gain some traction with Williams back, and the passing game should have a little more life. 

That’s how impactful Williams is. His presence alone is a boost, especially on the left side of the formation. The downside is that the 49ers will be without George Kittle, so they can’t match Seattle’s aggressiveness. 

Marques Sigle is better than Ji’Ayir Brown

Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) is unable to make a catch as San Francisco 49ers safety Marques Sigle (36) looks on during the second quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

There’s no reason the 49ers should keep rookie Marques Sigle on the sidelines. He’s clearly one of the best 11 defensive players in their nickel formation.

Ji’Ayir Brown missed the first practice of the week with a hamstring injury. It’s unlikely he plays, given how tricky and brutal hamstring injuries are, especially as a defensive back.

Even if Brown were healthy, he needs to cede snaps to Sigle. In fact, he should be benched in favor of Sigle. What the rookie demonstrated last week against the Eagles was astonishing.

He popped off the screen positively, which you haven’t been able to say about any of the 49ers’ safeties. Sigle gives the 49ers the speed, physicality, and acumen to boost their defense to present challenges for Seattle’s offense. 

Eric Kendricks is better than Tatum Bethune

Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Eric Kendricks (43) celebrates after breaking up a pass on fourth down against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

What a game Eric Kendricks had against the Eagles, and it goes beyond his game-winning pass breakup play. He was everywhere. He played exactly how a middle linebacker should.

Kendricks is in line to get his second consecutive start with Tatum Bethune out. He didn’t face the Seahawks last time until Bethune went out in the middle of the game.

It may be a small sample size, but Kendricks is better than Bethune. And Bethune hasn’t been bad. It’s just that Kendricks is an upgrade, which will help provide a difference from the last matchup with Seattle.

Follow Jose on X (Twitter) @JS3sanchezz to interact with him and subscribe to his YouTube Channel here for more 49ers content.

---