NFL 2011 Week 16 - David Akers Nails Game-Winning Field Goal as 49ers Edge Seahawks

David Akers Nails Game-Winning Field Goal as 49ers Edge Seahawks
Jojo Doria

Seattle, WA

Quarterback Alex Smith threw 14-for-26 for 179 yards and David Akers converted four field goals - including the game-winner - and the San Francisco 49ers eked out a 19-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks Saturday night at CenturyLink Field.

With a chance of securing a playoff bye knocking on their door, the 49ers came through with a gritty victory against a resilient Seahawks, whose playoff aspirations evaporated after the defeat.

Running back Frank Gore covered 83 yards on 23 carries and scored a pivotal touchdown that put the 49ers in a tie 10-10 after trailing by a touchdown at the break.

Akers converted two field goals to give the 49ers a commanding six point cushion, 16-10, with 12 minutes left on the clock.

However, the Seahawks won't fall easily as Marshawn Lynch run for 4-yard TD to take a precarious one-point lead, 17-16, with over six minutes left in the game.

Lynch, who covered 107 yards on 21 carries, became the only player to score a rushing TD against the 49ers this season.

In the end, the see-saw game boiled down to late-game execution Smith and Gore pulled off on a key drive that set Akers up for the game-winner.

Linebacker NaVorro Bowman and Larry Grant each tallied 12 tackles, while wideout Michael Crabtree covered 85 yards on 5 receptions.

Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson went 15-for-28 yards for 163 yards and a touchdown.

The 49ers (12-3) needs to defeat the St. Louis Rams in their last regular-season assignment Sunday for them to secure at least the no.2 spot in the NFC and a first-round bye.

The Seahawks (7-8) fell short of their late playoff drive after racking up five wins in six games. They will finish their regular-season against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday.