So, the Seattle Seahawks are back in the hunt. It feels like just yesterday we were debating if Mike Macdonald’s defensive schemes would actually translate to the NFC West, and yet here we are. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and the energy in downtown Seattle is basically vibrating. If you’re trying to figure out what time is the seahawks game today, you aren't alone—the city is currently a sea of navy and action green.
The stakes? Massive. We are talking about the NFC Divisional Round.
The San Francisco 49ers are coming to town after surviving a nail-biter against the Eagles in the Wild Card round. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have been resting up, nursing some bruises, and waiting. They earned that top seed. They earned the bye. Now, it’s go time.
What Time Is The Seahawks Game Today?
Let’s get the big question out of the way immediately. The Seahawks game kicks off at 5:00 p.m. PT. If you are on the East Coast or following from elsewhere, that’s 8:00 p.m. ET. It’s the primetime slot, the one where the lights at Lumen Field seem just a little bit brighter and the crowd noise gets loud enough to actually rattle your teeth.
Honestly, if you're going to the game, you probably should have left already. The gates usually open a few hours early, and with the "12s" out in full force for a playoff matchup against a division rival, the traffic around the stadium is going to be a nightmare.
📖 Related: Why the March Madness 2022 Bracket Still Haunts Your Sports Betting Group Chat
How to Watch: TV and Streaming Details
If you aren't one of the lucky ones with a ticket to the Clink—I know, I still call it that sometimes—you’ve got plenty of ways to catch the action. FOX has the national broadcast for this one.
- TV Channel: FOX (Local KCPQ 13 in Seattle)
- Announcers: Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady (yes, Tom is still in the booth)
- Live Stream: FOX Sports App, Fubo, or NFL+
For the cord-cutters, the FOX Sports app is usually the most reliable if you have a provider login. If not, Fubo is a solid bet for a free trial if you’re desperate. Just make sure your internet is stable. There is nothing worse than the spinning wheel of death right as Jaxon Smith-Njigba is streaking down the sideline.
Why This Matchup Feels Different
We’ve seen the Niners and Hawks play a thousand times. Okay, maybe not a thousand, but it feels like it. This year, though? It’s kinda weird.
The Seahawks finished the regular season 14-3. They looked dominant, but they also had some scares. Remember that overtime win against the Rams in December? Heart-stopping.
👉 See also: Mizzou 2024 Football Schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
The big storyline today is Sam Darnold. He’s been a revelation in Seattle this year, but he’s dealing with a left oblique strain. He’s officially listed as questionable, though he told reporters on Thursday that he’s "feeling good" and expects to play. If he’s even slightly limited, the run game with Kenneth Walker III becomes twice as important.
On the other side, the 49ers are a bit banged up too. George Kittle is officially out, which is a massive blow to their blocking and their red-zone options. But they still have Brock Purdy, and as much as it pains Seahawks fans to admit, that guy just finds ways to win games.
Weather and Atmosphere at Lumen Field
It’s January in Seattle. You know the drill. It’s going to be chilly—temps are expected to hover right around 42°F at kickoff. There’s a slight chance of that classic Northwest mist, but nothing that should turn the field into a swamp.
The real factor is the noise.
✨ Don't miss: Current Score of the Steelers Game: Why the 30-6 Texans Blowout Changed Everything
The Seahawks players have been taking to social media all week asking the 12s to be "as loud as ever." Leonard Williams mentioned in a press conference that the defensive line feeds off that energy. When the stadium starts shaking during a 3rd-and-long for San Francisco, it genuinely changes how the Niners have to call their plays.
Key Game Day Information
- Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA.
- Uniforms: The Seahawks are rocking the College Navy jerseys with the Navy pants. Classic playoff look.
- Radio: Seattle Sports 710 AM and KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM for those who want the local call with Steve Raible.
Strategy and What to Watch For
Keep an eye on the start of the game. If Seattle can get out to an early lead, the crowd will stay in it and make life miserable for Purdy. If the Niners manage to sustain long, 8-minute drives and quiet the stadium, it could be a long night for the home team.
Mike Macdonald’s defense has been top-tier at disguising coverages this year. Look for Ernest Jones IV to be all over the field. He’s been an All-Pro for a reason, and his ability to sniff out those 49er screen passes will be the difference between a win and an early vacation.
Actionable Steps for Game Day
To make sure you don't miss a second of the action, here is your pre-game checklist:
- Check your signal: If you're streaming, restart your router about 30 minutes before the 5:00 p.m. PT kickoff.
- Sync your audio: If you prefer the local radio broadcast, use the Seahawks Mobile App, but be prepared for a slight delay compared to the TV feed.
- Update your apps: If you're using NFL+ or the FOX Sports app, check for updates now so you aren't stuck waiting for a download at 4:59 p.m.
- Monitor the inactives: Official inactive lists are released 90 minutes before kickoff. Check social media at 3:30 p.m. PT to confirm if Sam Darnold is officially active.
The road to Super Bowl LX runs through Seattle this year. It all starts tonight. Grab your jersey, get your snacks ready, and settle in for what is probably going to be the most stressful three hours of your week.