If you’re scrambling to figure out what time is the seahawks game on sunday, I’ve got some news that might make you jump or groan, depending on how much dip you’ve already prepped.
The Seattle Seahawks aren’t actually playing this Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Wait. Don’t close the tab yet.
They are absolutely playing in the NFC Divisional Round, but the NFL schedulers decided to put the biggest rivalry in the West on a Saturday night instead. The Seahawks take on the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, January 17, at 5:00 PM PT (8:00 PM ET).
Wait, Why Isn’t the Game on Sunday?
I know, I know. NFL playoffs usually mean park yourself on the couch for twelve hours on a Sunday until your eyes glaze over. But the league splits the Divisional Round across two days.
This year, Seattle earned the #1 seed and the first-round bye. That means they’re rested, they’re at home at Lumen Field, and they got the primetime Saturday slot on FOX. If you show up to the bar on Sunday afternoon looking for Geno Smith and the 12s, you’re going to find the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears playing instead.
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The Seahawks vs. 49ers Rubber Match
Honestly, this is the game everyone in the PNW has been sweating over. We just saw this movie two weeks ago. In Week 18, Seattle squeezed out a 13-3 win against San Francisco to clinch the division and that top seed.
But the playoffs are a different beast.
The 49ers are coming off a Wild Card win against the Eagles. They’re a little beat up, sure, but they’ve got Trent Williams back at left tackle. That changes the math for Seattle's pass rush. Seattle’s defense, led by Devon Witherspoon, has been elite—allowing only about 17 points a game—but Brock Purdy is notoriously hard to rattle when he has a clean pocket.
How to Watch the Divisional Round
Since you aren't looking for a game on Sunday anymore, here is the actual breakdown for the Saturday night showdown:
- Kickoff: Saturday, Jan 17 at 5:00 PM Local (Seattle) Time.
- Broadcast: FOX.
- Streaming: You can catch it on the FOX Sports app or FuboTV.
- Radio: Seattle Sports 710 AM or KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Playoff Schedule
Every year, thousands of fans miss the first quarter of Divisional games because they assume their team is the "Sunday afternoon game." The NFL moves these times around to maximize TV ratings.
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Because Seattle is the #1 seed, they usually get the "prestige" Saturday night slot. It gives them an extra day of rest if they advance to the NFC Championship game the following week.
If you’re still looking for football on Sunday, Jan 18, here is what is actually happening:
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots – 12:00 PM PT (3:00 PM ET) on ABC/ESPN.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears – 3:30 PM PT (6:30 PM ET) on NBC.
Basically, Sunday is for watching your potential future opponents. Saturday is for the Seahawks.
Key Storylines for the Saturday Game
The big worry in Seattle right now is the health of Sam Darnold, who’s been dealing with an oblique injury. If he can’t go, the vibe changes completely. But even with a backup, the 49ers' run defense is their Achilles' heel.
Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet combined for 171 yards last time these teams met. If Seattle can chew up the clock like that again, it won't matter what time the game starts—the 49ers won't have the ball long enough to score.
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Lumen Field is going to be deafening. It’s the first home playoff game for Seattle as a #1 seed in a while.
Actionable Steps for the 12s
If you were planning for Sunday, you need to shift your schedule by 24 hours.
Check your local listings for FOX. If you're heading to the stadium, remember that the "Clear Bag Policy" is still strictly enforced, and the gates at Lumen Field typically open two hours before kickoff. That means you should be in your seat by 4:30 PM PT to catch the intros and the flyover.
For those watching from home, the pre-game coverage starts an hour early. Make sure your streaming apps are updated now so you aren't staring at a "Download Update" bar when the ball is kicked.
The path to the Super Bowl goes through Seattle. It just starts on a Saturday night.