If you are frantically checking your remote or scrolling through YouTube TV looking for the game right now, I have some news that might be a bit of a buzzkill. Honestly, if you're asking what channel is the seahawks playing today, Friday, January 16, 2026, the short answer is: none of them.
The Seattle Seahawks are not playing today.
But don't toss the jersey back in the closet just yet. The Hawks are deep in the hunt for a Super Bowl ring, and their massive NFC Divisional Round matchup is actually scheduled for tomorrow. It's a Saturday night lights situation.
When and What Channel is the Seahawks Playing?
The 14-3 Seattle Seahawks, who snagged the NFC's No. 1 seed after a gritty regular season, are set to host their bitter rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, at Lumen Field.
The game is happening Saturday, January 17, 2026.
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Since it’s a playoff "nightcap" for the Saturday doubleheader, you’re looking at an 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff, which is 5:00 p.m. local time in Seattle.
For the TV side of things, FOX has the national broadcast.
If you're trying to find it on your cable box, just look for your local FOX affiliate. If you’re a cord-cutter, the FOX Sports app or FOX One are your go-to spots, though you'll usually need a provider login for those. Of course, NFL+ is always an option if you’re okay watching on a phone or tablet.
Why the confusion?
A lot of people get tripped up by the Friday/Saturday playoff schedule during the Divisional Round. Since the NFL loves to spread these games across the weekend to maximize those juicy television ratings, Friday becomes the "dead day" where everyone talks about the game, but nobody actually hits the turf.
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The Stakes: Why Tomorrow is Everything
This isn't just another game. We’re talking about the third time these two teams have met this season. Seattle actually beat the Niners 13-3 back on January 3 to clinch the division and that crucial first-round bye.
San Francisco had to play last week in the Wild Card round, where they took down the Eagles 23-19. They're coming in with some momentum, but Seattle is coming in with fresh legs.
There's also a major storyline hovering over the huddle: Sam Darnold’s health. He’s been listed as questionable this week, but word from the VMAC is that he’s feeling "really confident" about starting. If he’s a go, the Seahawks offense looks a lot different than if they have to rely on a backup in a win-or-go-home scenario.
Where to Watch and Stream
- TV Channel: FOX / FOX Deportes (Spanish)
- Radio: Seattle Sports 710 AM / KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
- Streaming: FOX Sports App, NFL+, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV
- International: NFL Game Pass via DAZN
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
A common mistake fans make is assuming every playoff game is on CBS or NBC. While CBS has the AFC games (like the Bills vs. Broncos game happening earlier on Saturday), the NFC's path to the Super Bowl largely runs through FOX this year.
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Also, don't expect the game to start exactly at 5:00 p.m. PT. With the pre-game ceremonies and the inevitable TV commercials, the actual kickoff usually happens about 12 to 15 minutes after the hour.
Actionable Next Steps for Hawks Fans
Since the game isn't today, you actually have some time to prep.
- Check your subscriptions: If you're using a trial for a streaming service like Fubo or YouTube TV to watch the game, make sure it's active now so you aren't resetting passwords five minutes before kickoff.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on the official Seahawks Twitter (or X) feed tonight and tomorrow morning. The final word on Sam Darnold will likely drop about 90 minutes before the 5:00 p.m. PT start.
- Set the DVR: If you have to work or have a life, set that recording for at least an extra hour. Playoff games, especially between these two teams, tend to run long due to reviews and overtime potential.
The energy in Seattle right now is basically electric. Tomorrow's game at Lumen Field is going to be deafening, and now that you know exactly when to tune in, you won't miss a single snap of this NFC West rubber match.