NFL Punishes 49ers Players for Seahawks Incident Amid Rams Game

The Seattle Seahawks convincingly beat the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, January 17, with a 41-6 victory at home. While victory is sweet, what would be even sweeter, of course, would be a win in the NFC championship game on Sunday, January 25, against the Los Angeles Rams and a trip to the big game.

It’s always a show filled with fireworks when the Seahawks and 49ers go up against each other, and the January 17 game was no exception. Emotions were high, but the 49ers proved no real challenge for the Seattle Seahawks, and that final score of 41-6 tells the whole story.

“What an atmosphere,” Macdonald told reporters about the stadium after the game. “Holy smokes. The 12s, just our organization putting on a great setting. You do try to actually try to take some time and look around and just understand how incredibly blessed we are with the best fans in the world.”

He added, “It definitely made an impact to start the game. I just want to appreciate this. That was awesome, freaking awesome.”

Now, on top of losing to the Seahawks in the NFL divisional round of the playoffs, two 49ers players are in hot water with the NFL for some no-nos in-game.

NFL Punishes San Francisco 49ers Players in Seattle Seahawks Game

Each week during the season, the NFL hands down punishments to players for actions that took place during the previous week’s games. The NFL notes on their official website that these actions are “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity.” Before the season begins, the NFL and NFL Players Association agree on the set of game-related rules violations that result in these accountability measures.

On Saturday, January 24, the NFL announced that they’re punishing two San Francisco 49ers players. They’re punishing Deommodore Lenoir $20,944 for “unnecessary roughness” and “use of the helmet” at the 10:05 mark in the third quarter of the game and Dee Winters $5,907 for “unnecessary roughness” and “hip-drop tackle” at the 4:01 mark in the third quarter of the game. The week’s biggest punishment went to Deommodore Lenoir of the San Francisco 49ers for his “use of the helmet” and “unnecessary roughness” during the team’s game against the Chicago Bears.

If either player wish to appeal the fine, they’re allowed to do that. According to the NFL, “Cases are heard by appeals officers and former NFL players, Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA. The decisions made are final and binding.”

If they pay, the funds raised from gameday accountability fines go to the Professional Athletes Foundation to “support legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.”

Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Sam Darnold is Firing on All Cylinders

A major part of the Seahawks’ success this season has been first-year quarterback Sam Darnold, who hailed from the Minnesota Vikings.

According to NFL research, for the 2025-26 regular season, Darnold completed 4,048 passing yards and 25 touchdowns with just 14 interceptions. He also wrapped up with a 67.7 percent completion rate and had a 99.1 passer rating. Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to a 14-3 record and the No. 1 spot in the entire NFC, not just the NFC West.

He’ll hopefully pull out those numbers against the Rams on Sunday, January 25, to take his new team to the big game.

Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson