The San Francisco 49ers are the best team in the NFL through Week 5 after their 32-29 win against NFC division-rival Seattle Seahawks to remain undefeated in 2026.
The Niners went into Seattle's Lumen Field and handed the defending Super Bowl champions their second loss of the season and first home loss. San Francisco pulled out a tight victory with a go-ahead 44-yard field goal from kicker Eddy Pineiro with a minute and 56 seconds left in the game. Pineiro went 1-of-2 on field goals and 3-of-3 on extra points.
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy didn't have the superhero-like performance from previous weeks but he still made winning plays when it mattered and gave his team a chance to win. He was sacked for the first time this season against the Seahawks, who got to him three times. The Seattle defense also forced an interception, courtesy of Nehemiah Pritchett.
Still, Purdy managed throw for 189 yards and two touchdowns on 19-of-29 passes. Mike Evans was Purdy's most targeted receiver on Sunday. Evans pulled in seven catches for 113 yards and a touchdown. Purdy's second touchdown was a go-ahead score to recently signed wide receiver Brandin Cooks, with 11 minutes and two seconds left in the game to put the Niners ahead, 29-26.
Running back Christian McCaffrey had a rather quiet, yet effective day with 11 touches for 68 yards and a score.
The 49ers defense made it difficult for Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold to get a rhythm in the game. He went 18-of-29 for 195 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions, both thrown to 49ers cornerback Renardo Green. Fred Warner led the team with 10 tackles, but rookie defensive tackle Gracen Holden had one of his best games in his young career.
Holden recorded three tackles, including two for loss of yards and a sack. He also recorded a strip fumble and recovery for a touchdown. The Niners defense allowed 29 points, but forced four turnovers.
It was an emotional game. Tempers flared in the second quarter after Dre Greenlaw was hit with a 15-yard penalty for a late hit on Darnold on the Seahawks' sideline. Greenlaw got into it with Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV and headbutted a helmetless Jones. Greenlaw was ejected from the game.
Additionally, wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. joined Greenlaw with an early exit in the game. Samuel left, not due to disqualification, but instead a hamstring injury. Samuel was injured after taking a first-and-10 carry off left tackle late in the third quarter. The 30-year-old went down seemingly on his own and remained down on the turf following the play.
Samuel received medical attention on the field but eventually made his way to the sideline. He was seen sitting on the bench, hunched over, after the play and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
The Niners were already down players against the Seahawks including Kurtis Rourke, Nick Bosa, James Thompson Jr., Marques Sigle, Kyle Juszczyk, Enrique Cruz Jr. and Tatum Bethune.
San Francisco (5-0) will have a nationally televised game in Week 6 when they go on to host the Washington Commanders (1-3-1) in a "Monday Night Football" showdown at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Oct. 19 at 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT).
WINNERS & LOSERS
Here are the winners and losers from 49ers and Seahawks Week 5 matchup:
Winner: Mike Evans
Mike Evans continues to prove why it was the perfect matrimony in signing with the 49ers. San Francisco needed a reliable No. 1 receiver. Evans, throughout his entire NFL career has been not just reliable, but exceptional. There was concern of his availability but Evans proves that when he's on the field – even still at 33 years old – he can get it done.
He controlled the outside and whenever the 49ers needed a big play against the Seahawks, they went to No. 5. Evans recorded seven catches, 113 yards and a touchdown. But it's the reassurance that the All-Pro receiver brings to the Niners offense. You throw it his way, he's coming down with it. Single coverage? Might as well mark a reception.
Mike Evans: “We have a great team. And this is a great organization. I wanted to come here for moments like this, obviously, but to be an asset to this team.” 💯 pic.twitter.com/MfT4K7VgK7
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 12, 2026
Loser: Trevon Diggs
The Seahawks lost two of their last three games to drop to 3-2 but it's cornerback Trevon Diggs who is going to take the brunt of jokes after the loss. There was a brief moment in the game during which Diggs and Evans engaged in trash talk following a play.
It's not clear what Evans said but he made a subtle gesture grabbing Diggs and turning him around. The moment made its rounds on social media as many assumed the wide receiver was asking who the Seahawks defensive back was.
"I didn't know it was him," Evans told reporters after the game. "I was like 'who are you?' Then I made sure."
Mike Evans and Trevon Diggs talking after the play 👀
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 11, 2026
(📺 FOX) pic.twitter.com/6pI64V6qBW
Week 5 highlights: San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 49ers vs Seahawks winners and losers: Mike Evans has words for Trevon Diggs