Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers Match Player Stats

Few rivalries in the NFL carry the emotional charge and statistical depth of the battles between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers. Every meeting reshapes division standings, playoff dreams, and legacies. Fans track every yard, every sack, and every interception because those numbers tell the real story.

When you compare player stats across decades, you see more than wins and losses. You see eras defined by defense, years driven by quarterback duels, and stretches where one roster simply outperformed the other. Let’s break down the historical statistical comparison between these NFC West rivals and see what the numbers actually reveal.

Historical Overview of the Rivalry

Seattle and San Francisco first met in 1976 when the Seahawks entered the league. The rivalry gained real intensity after Seattle joined the NFC West in 2002. Since that divisional shift, both teams have clashed at least twice every season.

San Francisco holds a historical edge in total wins, but Seattle closed the gap significantly during the 2010s. The Seahawks dominated several seasons under Pete Carroll, while the 49ers surged during multiple rebuilding cycles. Head-to-head matchups often determined playoff seeding and division crowns.

Across more than 45 meetings since 2002, games often finished within one score. That consistency reflects how evenly matched the teams remain. Rivalries thrive on balance, and this one delivers it regularly.

Quarterback Comparisons Across Eras

Quarterback play defines modern NFL success. When you compare the key passers from each era, you notice clear statistical swings.

Early 2000s: Hasselbeck vs Garcia

Matt Hasselbeck led Seattle with efficiency and composure. He threw for over 3,000 yards in multiple seasons and posted strong touchdown totals against San Francisco. Jeff Garcia guided the 49ers offense with mobility and accuracy.

Hasselbeck recorded several multi-touchdown games against San Francisco. Garcia countered with strong completion percentages and clutch fourth-quarter drives. Both quarterbacks relied on short passing games and solid protection schemes.

2010s: Wilson vs Kaepernick and Beyond

The rivalry reached national attention when Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick battled during playoff pushes. Wilson produced elite efficiency numbers. He averaged strong passer ratings in head-to-head matchups and minimized turnovers.

Kaepernick added rushing ability that challenged Seattle’s aggressive defense. He logged critical postseason production, especially during the NFC Championship clash in the 2013 season.

Wilson eventually outlasted multiple 49ers quarterbacks, including Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo focused on quick reads and yards after catch. Wilson relied on improvisation and deep-ball accuracy.

Recent Years: New Quarterbacks, Same Stakes

Both teams transitioned to new quarterbacks in recent seasons. Geno Smith delivered efficient passing seasons for Seattle. Brock Purdy brought balance and rhythm to San Francisco’s offense.

Statistically, Purdy has posted high completion rates and strong yards per attempt in division games. Smith has countered with accuracy and improved red-zone efficiency. The rivalry continues to hinge on quarterback execution.

Running Back Production Over Time

Rushing attacks shape many Seattle–San Francisco matchups. Physical ground games often dictate tempo and field position.

Seahawks Rushing Leaders

Marshawn Lynch defined Seattle’s power identity. He averaged strong yards per carry against San Francisco’s defensive fronts. His physical style forced defenses to stack the box.

Shaun Alexander dominated earlier years with explosive touchdown production. He frequently punished lighter defensive alignments.

Chris Carson later contributed consistent 1,000-yard seasons. Kenneth Walker III now carries the torch with burst and breakaway speed.

49ers Rushing Leaders

San Francisco traditionally relies on versatile backs. Frank Gore delivered longevity and durability. He regularly surpassed 80 rushing yards in rivalry games.

Raheem Mostert and later Christian McCaffrey added speed and dual-threat value. McCaffrey especially influences both rushing and receiving stats, forcing Seattle to defend every blade of grass.

Historically, San Francisco has maintained a slight edge in total rushing yards during divisional games. Seattle often counters with red-zone efficiency rather than total volume.

Wide Receivers and Receiving Efficiency

Receiving stats often separate close games. Explosive plays flip momentum instantly.

Seattle’s Receiving Standouts

Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf headline recent Seahawks production. Lockett excels in route precision and deep tracking. Metcalf uses size and speed to stretch coverage.

Doug Baldwin previously delivered clutch postseason performances. His chemistry with Wilson created high third-down conversion rates.

Seattle receivers often generate strong yards per reception averages in rivalry games. They rely on vertical shots and play-action concepts.

San Francisco’s Receiving Core

San Francisco builds around versatility. Deebo Samuel thrives in hybrid roles. Brandon Aiyuk stretches coverage vertically.

George Kittle, at tight end, consistently impacts matchups. He averages high yards after catch and often dominates seam routes.

49ers receivers historically produce higher catch totals in head-to-head meetings. Seattle receivers often produce higher yards per catch. That contrast highlights stylistic differences.

Defensive Statistics and Turnover Battles

Defense shapes the rivalry’s identity. Many iconic games featured dominant defensive performances.

Seahawks Defensive Era

The Legion of Boom era set the tone. Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor anchored a unit that limited explosive plays.

Seattle frequently forced turnovers during peak years. The defense generated interceptions and pressured quarterbacks relentlessly.

The Seahawks recorded multiple games allowing under 20 points against San Francisco during their defensive prime.

49ers Defensive Strength

San Francisco counters with elite defensive lines. Nick Bosa leads sack production in recent seasons. The 49ers often rank near the top in total pressures.

Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman previously controlled the middle field. Their tackling efficiency limited yards after contact.

San Francisco typically records strong sack totals in rivalry games. Seattle historically matches that with forced fumbles and secondary interceptions.

Playoff Encounters and High-Impact Performances

Playoff games amplify individual stats. One standout performance can define careers.

The 2013 NFC Championship game remains one of the most statistically intense meetings. Seattle’s defense forced key turnovers. Wilson delivered efficient passing numbers despite limited volume.

San Francisco controlled possession in stretches but struggled with late-game execution. Defensive pressure influenced final outcomes heavily.

In playoff contexts, both teams show balanced statistical profiles. Seattle historically posts stronger turnover margins. San Francisco often records higher total offensive yardage.

Statistical Trends by Category

Let’s compare cumulative statistical categories in one clear snapshot.

Head-to-Head Statistical Summary

This table consolidates overall statistical patterns from divisional matchups across two decades.

Offensive Efficiency Metrics

Red-zone efficiency and third-down conversion rates often decide outcomes.

Seattle typically thrives in red-zone touchdown percentage. The team often converts above league average in rivalry games.

San Francisco excels in sustained drives. The 49ers frequently record longer time-of-possession numbers.

When Seattle wins, the team usually posts a positive turnover differential. When San Francisco wins, the team often leads in total yardage and first downs.

Coaching Influence on Player Stats

Coaching philosophy directly impacts player production.

Pete Carroll emphasized defense and balanced offense. That philosophy limited turnovers and emphasized explosive plays.

Kyle Shanahan prioritizes creative run schemes and play-action passes. His system inflates yards after catch and enhances rushing efficiency.

Statistically, Seattle leans on defensive metrics during strong seasons. San Francisco leans on offensive production metrics.

Individual Player Milestones in the Rivalry

Several players achieved milestone performances.

• Russell Wilson recorded multiple 300-yard passing games.

• Marshawn Lynch logged several multi-touchdown efforts.

• Frank Gore surpassed 1,000 career rushing yards against Seattle.

• Nick Bosa recorded multi-sack performances in divisional contests.

These individual efforts shifted outcomes dramatically.

Home vs Away Performance Splits

Home-field advantage plays a major statistical role.

Seattle’s home stadium amplifies defensive efficiency. The Seahawks often increase sack totals at home.

San Francisco performs better offensively at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers average higher passing yardage in home games.

Road games typically reduce scoring averages for both teams. Defensive stats tend to rise when either team plays at home.

Recent Five-Year Statistical Snapshot

Over the last five seasons, San Francisco has gained a slight statistical edge.

The 49ers average more total yards per game in recent meetings. Seattle maintains competitive scoring output but allows more defensive pressures.

Turnover margin has remained nearly even in recent years. Close scorelines continue to define the rivalry.

Long-Term Statistical Patterns

When you zoom out, patterns become clear.

San Francisco traditionally emphasizes rushing and defense. Seattle thrives on explosive passing and situational defense.

The rivalry rarely produces lopsided statistical gaps. Most games reflect narrow margins in total yardage and scoring.

Both teams regularly rank in the top half of the league in defensive metrics during competitive seasons. That defensive parity explains the rivalry’s intensity.

Analytical Takeaways

Numbers do not lie. San Francisco holds slight edges in total offensive yardage and sack production over two decades. Seattle holds advantages in turnover generation and playoff head-to-head wins.

Quarterback efficiency often determines outcomes. Strong passer ratings correlate directly with victories.

Rushing balance frequently predicts time of possession. Teams that exceed 120 rushing yards often control tempo successfully.

Defensive pressure consistently influences rivalry games. Sack totals and quarterback hits often decide final drives.

Conclusion

The statistical comparison between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers reveals a rivalry defined by balance, intensity, and shifting dominance. San Francisco leads in cumulative yardage and sack production. Seattle counters with turnover efficiency and critical postseason wins.

Quarterbacks drive momentum shifts. Running backs dictate physical tone. Defenses decide close contests.

This rivalry continues to evolve, but the numbers show one consistent truth: neither team dominates for long. Each season writes a new statistical chapter, and every matchup reshapes the historical ledger.

If history offers any prediction, expect tight games, strong defensive efforts, and quarterback performances that swing playoff races. The stats promise drama, and the rivalry consistently delivers it.