You’ve been waiting all week, and honestly, the tension in Seattle is basically at a boiling point. If you are frantically searching for what time does the seahawks football game start today, you might be a tiny bit early—but only by a few hours.
Here is the deal. Today is Friday, January 16, 2026. There are actually no NFL games scheduled for today.
Don't panic. The Seahawks are still very much alive in the postseason. They just aren't playing on a Friday. The massive NFC Divisional Round clash between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers is set for tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, 2026.
What Time Does The Seahawks Football Game Start Today (Well, Saturday)?
Since you’re looking for the kickoff, let’s get the specific timing right so you don't miss a single snap at Lumen Field. The game kicks off at 5:00 PM PT (8:00 PM ET) on Saturday.
It is a primetime slot.
📖 Related: Heisman Trophy Nominees 2024: The Year the System Almost Broke
Lumen Field is going to be deafening. The Seahawks secured the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye after finishing the regular season with a stellar 14-3 record. That week off was crucial, especially with Sam Darnold dealing with a slight tweak to his oblique, though team reports suggest he’s ready to go.
If you're watching from somewhere else, here is how the clock looks:
- Pacific Time: 5:00 PM
- Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
- Central Time: 7:00 PM
- Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
Where to watch the game
The game is being broadcast nationally on FOX. If you’ve cut the cord, you can find the stream on the FOX Sports app, Fubo, or NFL+.
Why this game is different
This isn't just another playoff game. It is the third time these rivals have seen each other this season. The Seahawks actually just played the 49ers on January 3rd in the regular-season finale, where Seattle’s defense absolutely stifled Brock Purdy, holding the Niners to a season-low 173 total yards in a 13-3 victory.
👉 See also: When Was the MLS Founded? The Chaotic Truth About American Soccer's Rebirth
But San Francisco is coming in hot after taking down the Eagles 23-19 last week. They have momentum. Seattle has rest.
The Matchup Most People Are Ignoring
Everyone talks about the quarterbacks, but the real story is Kenneth Walker III.
Walker has been on a tear. In the last meeting against San Francisco, he carved them up for 97 yards on just 16 carries. If Mike Macdonald can keep the 49ers' defense guessing with a heavy dose of Walker, it opens up everything for Darnold to hit DK Metcalf over the top.
On the flip side, keep an eye on Fred Warner. He’s been limited in practice but hasn't ruled out a return for this Saturday. If he's on the field, the middle of the grass becomes a lot more dangerous for Seattle's passing attack.
✨ Don't miss: Navy Notre Dame Football: Why This Rivalry Still Hits Different
Keys to the Divisional Round
Seattle’s defense is currently ranked No. 1 in the league for scoring defense. They simply do not let people into the end zone.
- Pressure Brock Purdy: In his last five starts against Mike Macdonald-led defenses (including Macdonald's time in Baltimore), Purdy has a measly 79.7 passer rating. The scheme just seems to confuse him.
- Protect the Ball: Seattle is minus-4 in turnover differential this year. It's their "Achilles' heel." In a playoff game where the margin for error is razor-thin, a single fumble from a wet ball at Lumen could change everything.
- The 12th Man Factor: This is the first home playoff game for Seattle in a while where they are the heavy favorites (-7.5 per BetMGM). The noise level literally causes seismic activity. It's real.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since the game isn't until tomorrow, you have a bit of time to prep.
First, if you're heading to the stadium, the Muckleshoot Heritage Plaza usually has pre-game activities starting about three hours before kickoff. Arrive by 2:00 PM PT to soak it in.
Second, check your local forecast. Seattle in mid-January is unpredictable. If there is even a hint of "Hawks Weather" (light rain and wind), it favors the Seahawks' ground game and their aggressive secondary.
Finally, double-check your streaming logins tonight. Nothing is worse than realizing your FOX Sports password expired five minutes after the 5:00 PM kickoff.