Seahawks eliminate 49ers from playoff race with home victory

The Seattle Seahawks recorded their fourth consecutive victory, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 17-7.

Seattle (10-4) held its opponent under 10 points for the third time in four games and the defense is rounding into elite form at the right time. 

San Francisco (7-7) was eliminated from playoff contention with the loss and will miss the postseason for the first time since 2010.

Here's what you need to know:

• San Francisco took a 7-3 lead on a risky fourth-and-1 play call. Frank Gore scored a 10-yard touchdown after both teams took a time out. Gore left the game with a concussion in the second quarter and did not return.
• Gore wasn't the only 49ers running back to leave due to injury. Carlos Hyde left the game with an apparent leg injury and did not return.
• On the last play of the first half, Russell Wilson was intercepted by Eric Reid. It certainly wasn't Wilson's best game. He went 12-of-24 for 168 yards, a touchdown and an interception, but he made enough plays to seal the victory. He also added 27 rushing yards.
• Marshawn Lynch punched in a 4-yard touchdown run to give the Seahawks a 10-7 lead. Lynch was the best offensive player for Seattle, running for 91 yards on 21 carries and the game-winning touchdown.
• Wide receiver Paul Richardson caught his first career touchdown, putting the Seahawks up 17-7.
• Colin Kaepernick went 11-of-19 for 141 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. The 49ers quarterback will surely spend the offseason pondering what went wrong this year.
• Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner excelled once again, recording 10 tackles and a sack.