If you woke up this morning, Sunday, January 18, 2026, wondering is Seattle Seahawks playing today, you can take a breath and put the remote down. Well, maybe don't put it down completely—there are other games on—but the Seahawks are not one of them.
The Hawks actually handled their business yesterday. In what can only be described as a total "12th Man" party at Lumen Field, Seattle absolutely dismantled the San Francisco 49ers 41-6 on Saturday night. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement that Mike Macdonald’s defense has officially arrived.
Since they played yesterday, they’re off today. They are currently sitting back, probably with some ice packs and a lot of film, waiting to see who they’ll face in the NFC Championship game.
Why You’re Asking if Seattle Seahawks Playing Today
It's a fair question. The NFL Divisional Round is split across two days. Usually, fans are used to the Sunday afternoon window being the "prime" slot for the big boys. But because Seattle snagged that #1 seed and the 49ers were coming off a shorter week after their Wild Card victory, the league scheduled the NFC West "rubber match" for Saturday night.
If you missed it, honestly, it was a clinic. Kenneth Walker III was playing like a man possessed, racking up three touchdowns. Sam Darnold—who had everyone in Seattle holding their breath with an oblique injury during the week—started the game and looked incredibly sharp.
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So, while the answer to is Seattle Seahawks playing today is a "no," the reason is the best possible one: they already won and advanced.
The Saturday Night Massacre: A Quick Recap
- Final Score: Seahawks 41, 49ers 6.
- The Turning Point: A 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the game. Talk about setting the tone.
- The Defense: Brock Purdy was under siege. DeMarcus Lawrence had a strip-sack, and Ernest Jones IV was basically everywhere at once.
What’s the Rest of the Playoff Schedule?
Even though the Hawks are resting, the rest of the NFL is very much in motion today. If you're a football junkie, there’s still plenty to watch. We have two games on the slate for this Sunday, January 18, and another one tomorrow.
Sunday, Jan 18 (Today):
The Buffalo Bills are taking on the top-seeded Denver Broncos. That’s at 4:30 PM ET on CBS. Later tonight, we get another look at the AFC side of things.
Monday, Jan 19:
The Houston Texans travel to face the New England Patriots in the afternoon. Then, in the nightcap, the Los Angeles Rams play the Chicago Bears.
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That Rams-Bears game is the one Seattle fans should actually care about. Why? Because the winner of that game travels to Lumen Field next Sunday, January 25, for the NFC Championship.
Is Seattle Seahawks playing today? No, but here’s when they play next
Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 25, 2026.
The NFC Championship is coming to Seattle. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM local time. Whether it’s a rematch against the Rams (who Seattle split the season series with) or a date with Caleb Williams and the surging Chicago Bears, Lumen Field is going to be vibrating.
A lot of people doubted this team after the DK Metcalf trade and the move away from Geno Smith, but Sam Darnold has found a second (or third?) life in this system. The defense is ranked top-five in DVOA for a reason. They aren't just winning; they are bullying teams.
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Factors for the Next Round
- Injuries: Keep an eye on Charles Cross and Zach Charbonnet. Both left yesterday's game and are officially "questionable" for the next round.
- The Home Field Advantage: Seattle is 15-3 overall now. Winning at Lumen in January is a nightmare for visiting teams.
- The Pope Factor: There’s a weird urban legend going around that every time a new Pope is elected, the Seahawks go to the Super Bowl. With the recent news from the Vatican, fans are leaning hard into the superstition.
How to Get Ready for the NFC Championship
Since the Hawks aren't on your TV today, use this time to scout the competition. Watch the Rams and Bears tomorrow. Pay attention to how the Rams' offensive line holds up—they struggled against Seattle’s pass rush in Week 16.
If you're looking for tickets for next Sunday, be prepared to pay. Resale prices are already hovering around $900 for nosebleeds. That’s the price of being the #1 seed, I guess.
Key Takeaways for Seahawks Fans
- Check the Monday scores: The winner of Rams vs. Bears is Seattle's next opponent.
- Injury report: Wednesday will be the big day for news on Sam Darnold's oblique and Charles Cross's status.
- Tickets: If you're going, the Seahawks mobile app is usually the most reliable way to secure verified seats without getting scammed.
While you won't see the blue and green on the field today, the path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is officially running through the Pacific Northwest. Take the day off, watch some AFC ball, and get your voice ready for next weekend.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Monitor the Rams vs. Bears injury reports on Monday night to see who might be hobbled coming into Seattle.
- Set a notification for the official NFL injury update on Wednesday afternoon to check Sam Darnold's practice participation.
- Review your travel plans if you're heading to Lumen Field, as traffic for a 3:30 PM Sunday kickoff in Seattle is notoriously brutal.