You’ve got your jersey ready, the snacks are basically bought, and now you’re staring at your phone wondering about the seahawks game tomorrow what time because the NFL loves to flex schedules until the very last second.
Honestly, the hype for this one is a bit different. It’s not just another regular-season slog; we are talking about a massive NFC Divisional Round clash at Lumen Field. If you were looking for a game on Friday, January 16, take a breath. There isn’t one. The Seahawks actually take the field on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Kickoff is officially locked in for 5:00 p.m. PT (8:00 p.m. ET).
It’s the primetime slot on FOX. Seeing "tomorrow" in your search usually means you’re prepping on a Friday, so consider this your final confirmation. The 12s are going to be deafening.
Why the Seahawks Game Tomorrow What Time Matters Most
Usually, people just want to know when to turn on the TV. But this specific kickoff time matters because of the weather and the "Lumen Factor." By 5:00 p.m. in Seattle in mid-January, the sun is long gone. The temperature is expected to hover around 49°F with clear skies, which is actually pretty decent for January football in the Pacific Northwest.
You’ve probably seen the back-and-forth about the schedule. For a minute there, it was a toss-up between the afternoon window and the night cap. The NFL eventually gave the Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers the late slot over the Bills-Broncos game. Why? Because the ratings for this rivalry are always through the roof.
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. Local Time (Seattle)
- Broadcast: FOX
- Venue: Lumen Field
The Mike Macdonald Effect
This isn't the Pete Carroll era anymore. Mike Macdonald has turned this defense into a literal nightmare for Brock Purdy. Just look at the stats from their last meeting on January 3rd. The Seahawks held the Niners to a season-low 173 yards. That is unheard of for a Kyle Shanahan offense.
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Purdy has a career 79.7 passer rating against Macdonald-led defenses. That’s not a coincidence. It’s a trend.
Navigating the Saturday Night Chaos
If you’re heading to the stadium, "what time" the game starts is only half the battle. You need to know when the gates open so you aren't stuck in a massive line on Occidental Ave.
Gates at Lumen Field typically open two hours before kickoff. So, you’ll want to be through the security scanners by 3:00 p.m. if you want to catch warmups.
Sound Transit is also running special Sounder trains for the game. If you’re coming from Lakewood or Everett, check those specific departure times. They usually head back about 35 minutes after the final whistle. Don't miss that train, or you're looking at a very expensive Uber home.
Broadcasting Heavy Hitters
Since this is the big FOX game, we’re getting the "A-Team." That means Kevin Burkhardt on play-by-play and Tom Brady in the booth. Love him or hate him, Brady usually brings some pretty nuanced insight into how a quarterback handles the noise at Lumen Field.
Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi will be patrolling the sidelines. If you’re stuck in the car, tune into Seattle Sports 710AM or KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Steve Raible’s "Touchdown Seahawks!" call is still the best way to experience the game if you can't be in front of a screen.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
Most national pundits are looking at the 49ers' offensive rankings—they're 10th in scoring—and assuming they'll eventually break through. But they’re ignoring the Kenneth Walker III factor.
Walker has been on an absolute tear lately. He put up 97 yards on the ground against San Francisco just two weeks ago. When the Seahawks can run the ball and keep Sam Darnold (who has been surprisingly efficient) out of third-and-long situations, they are almost impossible to beat at home.
The Seahawks are currently favored by 7.5 points. That’s a massive spread for a playoff game against a divisional rival. It shows you exactly how much Vegas respects the home-field advantage and this specific defensive matchup.
Your Game Day Checklist
Don't just show up at 5:00 p.m. and expect to be settled.
- Check the Seahawks Mobile App: This is where your tickets are. Screenshots don't work anymore; you need the live QR code.
- Verify the Jersey: If you’re superstitious, the Seahawks have been leaning into the "Action Green" or the classic home blues for big playoff nights.
- Radio Sync: If you're watching on TV but want the local radio call, use an app that lets you delay the audio to match the video feed.
The divisional round is where legends are made in Seattle. Think back to the Marshawn Lynch "Beast Quake" or the Richard Sherman tip. Both of those happened in this round or the one following. Tomorrow night—technically Saturday—has that same energy vibrating through the city.
Get your gear ready. 5:00 p.m. can't come soon enough.
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Next Steps for the 12s:
Check your digital wallet now to ensure your tickets are downloaded for offline use, as cell service at the stadium is notoriously spotty right before kickoff. If you're driving, pre-pay for parking in the North Lot or the Lumen Field Garage to avoid the $80 "event day" surprise at smaller private lots. For those watching from home, the FOX pre-game coverage starts an hour early, so tune in at 4:00 p.m. PT to catch the full breakdown of the inactive list and injury reports.