If you’re scrambling to find out what time does the Seahawks game start today, I’ve got some news for you: take a breath, grab another coffee, and maybe settle in for some other playoff action first. It is Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Seattle Seahawks do not play today.
Basically, the NFL schedule-makers aren't in the habit of putting high-stakes playoff games on a Tuesday afternoon. Since the Seahawks locked up the #1 seed in the NFC with a dominant 14-3 record, they earned themselves a much-needed week of rest. While the San Francisco 49ers were busy grinding out a win against the Eagles during Wild Card weekend, Mike Macdonald’s squad was probably sitting on the couch with their feet up.
But the wait is almost over. The divisional round is officially set, and it’s a big one.
The Saturday Night Showdown: Seahawks vs. 49ers
The Seahawks game start today isn't happening, but you need to clear your schedule for Saturday, January 17, 2026. This is the one every Seahawks fan has been circling on the calendar since the regular season ended. It’s the third time these division rivals will meet this year, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
The NFL officially confirmed the kickoff time following the conclusion of the Wild Card round. You can expect the ball to be in the air at 5:00 p.m. PT (8:00 p.m. ET).
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Usually, the league split-screens these playoff Saturdays, and Seattle snagged the primetime slot. It’s going to be dark, it’ll likely be chilly, and Lumen Field is going to be absolutely deafening. If you’re a 12, this is the first home playoff game with a full stadium in nine years. That is a massive deal for the local economy and the city's collective blood pressure.
Why Saturday and Not Sunday?
People always ask why some teams play Saturday while others get Sunday. It’s mostly about the TV networks and the "rest" cycles. Because the Seahawks are the top seed, they get to set the tone for the divisional round. By playing on Saturday, the winner of this game gets an extra day of recovery before the NFC Championship game.
Honesty, after seeing how physical that Week 18 game was—where Seattle held the Niners to just 3 points—both teams are going to need every hour of rest they can get.
How to Watch the Seahawks This Weekend
Since you aren't watching them today, you might as well make sure your streaming apps are updated for Saturday.
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- Broadcast TV: The game is airing nationally on FOX. Locally in Seattle, that’s FOX 13.
- Radio: Steve Raible will be on the call via Seattle Sports 710 AM and KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM.
- Streaming: You can find the stream on the FOX Sports app (if you have cable credentials) or via NFL+.
- Pregame: FOX 13 is actually starting their "Gameday" coverage at 3:00 p.m. PT, two full hours before the actual game starts.
What’s the Vibe in the Locker Room?
Coach Mike Macdonald has been pretty vocal about not letting the Week 18 win go to their heads. He told reporters on Monday that there is a "99.999 percent chance" this game plays out differently than the last one.
The 49ers are coming in hot after beating Philadelphia. Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa are healthy, and they’re clearly looking for revenge after that embarrassing 13-3 loss in Santa Clara. On the flip side, Seattle’s defense has looked like a brick wall lately. Sam Darnold has been surprisingly efficient, and the running game put up 171 yards against San Francisco last time.
It’s the classic "unstoppable force meets immovable object" scenario. Only this time, the loser goes home and the winner is one step away from the Super Bowl in Santa Clara.
Quick Reference for the Divisional Round
If you want to track the rest of the league while you wait for Saturday, here is how the weekend is shaping up.
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Saturday, Jan 17:
The day starts with the Denver Broncos taking on the Buffalo Bills at 1:30 p.m. PT (4:30 p.m. ET) on CBS. Then, the main event—the Seahawks vs. 49ers—takes over the night slot at 5:00 p.m. PT on FOX.
Sunday, Jan 18:
The AFC continues with the Houston Texans visiting the New England Patriots at 12:00 p.m. PT. Finally, the Chicago Bears host the Los Angeles Rams at 3:30 p.m. PT to round out the weekend.
Don't Forget the Gear
If you're heading to Lumen Field, remember that the "clear bag policy" is still very much a thing. Expect security to be tight and the gates to open roughly two hours before kickoff. It’s a 5:00 p.m. start, so the sun will be gone by halftime. Dress in layers. Seattle in January is no joke, and once that wind comes off the Sound, you’ll be glad you wore the extra thermal.
To make the most of your wait until the real Seahawks game start today alternative on Saturday, you should verify your TV provider login for the FOX Sports app now to avoid last-minute technical glitches during kickoff. If you're planning on tailgating, ensure you have your parking pass secured, as spots around SoDo are already fetching premium prices on the secondary market.