The storms that have battered California for two weeks and knocked out power for thousands of residents, including San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, were supposed to significantly affect Saturday’s wild-card game between the 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. But just before kickoff, the rain paused, and as the sun shined, the 49ers went on to dominate the Seahawks, 41-23, to advance to the divisional round.
Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ rookie quarterback, also shined in his playoff debut. Purdy, who was selected with the last pick of the 2022 N.F.L. Draft and began the season as the team’s third-string quarterback, threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns.