If you're waking up on Friday, January 16, 2026, and looking for the Blue Friday energy to carry over into a game tonight, I've got a bit of a "good news, bad news" situation for you. No, the Seattle Seahawks do not play today.
They’re actually resting up.
Basically, the NFL playoffs are in full swing, and since Seattle locked up the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a stellar 14–3 regular season, they had the luxury of watching the Wild Card round from their couches last week. But the wait is almost over. The Seahawks are scheduled to face the San Francisco 49ers tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM PT (8:00 PM ET).
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It’s happening at Lumen Field. The stadium is going to be vibrating.
Why the Saturday slot matters
Most people expect playoff games on Sundays, but the NFL loves a good Saturday night primetime slot for the divisional round. This isn't just a random game; it's a "win or go home" scenario against a division rival that Seattle just beat 13–3 back on January 3.
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The 49ers are coming in hot after taking down Philadelphia 23–19 last Sunday. Because they played Sunday and Seattle had a bye, the Seahawks have a massive rest advantage. Mike Macdonald, in his second year as head coach, has this defense playing like the 2013 Legion of Boom. Honestly, holding Brock Purdy to 173 yards in their last meeting was a statement that hasn't been forgotten in Santa Clara.
Do the Seattle Seahawks play today? The quick facts
- Game Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET
- Opponent: San Francisco 49ers (NFC Divisional Round)
- Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
- TV Channel: FOX (Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady are on the call)
- Streaming: FOX Sports App, NFL+, or FuboTV
What to watch for tomorrow
Keep an eye on Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He’s been a monster. He actually broke DK Metcalf’s single-season receiving record this year, racking up 1,793 yards. If the 49ers try to bracket him, it opens up everything for Kenneth Walker III, who has been running like he’s got something to prove.
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Seattle’s defense is currently ranked No. 1 in the league for scoring. They allow very little. Meanwhile, the 49ers are dealing with a banged-up Ricky Pearsall and the reality of playing at Lumen, which is statistically one of the hardest places to win as a visitor in January.
Sam Darnold has been the surprise of the year. Nobody—and I mean nobody—expected him to lead this team to a 14–3 record after Geno Smith's era, but here we are. He’s been efficient, distributive, and surprisingly mobile when the pocket breaks down.
Actionable insights for fans
Since there is no game today, you've got time to prep. If you're heading to the stadium tomorrow, remember that the "Clear Bag Policy" is strictly enforced, and you’ll want to be in your seat by 4:30 PM to catch the pre-game ceremonies.
- Check the weather: It's January in Seattle. Expect "football weather"—cloudy, likely crisp, and maybe a bit of that misty rain that makes the turf slick.
- Update your streaming apps: If you aren't watching on cable, make sure your FOX Sports or NFL+ login is active today so you aren't scrambling at 5:01 PM tomorrow.
- Wear Blue: It’s a home game for the No. 1 seed. The "12s" are expected to try and break the noise record again.
The path to Super Bowl LX goes through Seattle. If the Seahawks win tomorrow, they’ll stay right here at Lumen Field for the NFC Championship game on January 25. But for today, January 16, just enjoy the calm before the storm.