So, you’re trying to figure out when do the seahawks play because, honestly, this season has been a total whirlwind. We went from "maybe they'll sneak into a wild card" to "holy cow, they're actually a threat in the NFC."
Right now, the energy in Seattle is electric. We aren't just looking at regular-season dates anymore; we're talking about the deep postseason. After a regular season that saw Mike Macdonald’s defense turn into a brick wall, the Seahawks finished with an impressive 14-3 record. They didn't just survive the NFC West—they basically dominated it toward the end.
If you are looking for the next big date, mark your calendar for Saturday, January 17, 2026. That is when the Seattle Seahawks take on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round. It’s a home game at Lumen Field, and kickoff is set for 5:00 PM PST (8:00 PM EST).
It’s the third time these rivals have met this season, and after Seattle’s 13-3 win over them in Week 18, the stakes couldn't be higher.
When Do the Seahawks Play the 49ers?
The rivalry is peaking. Again.
Seeing "Seattle vs. San Francisco" on the schedule used to feel like a coin flip, but this year it’s felt personal. The 49ers took the first game back in September, but the Seahawks have looked like a different team since the bye week.
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When do the seahawks play them next? This Saturday's Divisional matchup is the big one. It’s being broadcast on FOX. If you can't make it to the stadium—where tickets are currently starting at a steep $558—you’ll want to have the snacks ready by 5:00 PM.
The playoff bracket fell perfectly for Seattle. By securing the #2 seed, they earned a first-round bye during the Wild Card weekend. That rest was huge. Players like DK Metcalf and Kenneth Walker III have had extra time to heal up for what’s expected to be a physical, rainy night in the Pacific Northwest.
How the 2025-26 Regular Season Shook Out
It’s worth looking back at how we got here because the schedule was a gauntlet.
The season started with a tough loss to the Niners (13-17), which had everyone in Seattle checking their blood pressure. But then things clicked. A Week 2 win in Pittsburgh (31-17) proved the road defense was for real. By the time the Hawks hit their bye in Week 8, they were sitting at 5-2 and starting to gain national attention.
Some of the most wild moments came in the second half of the year:
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- The Vikings Shutout: In Week 13, Seattle’s defense didn't allow a single point in a 26-0 win.
- The Rams Thriller: Week 16 was an absolute heart-stopper. A 38-37 overtime win at home that basically sealed the division race.
- The Week 18 Statement: Beating the Niners 13-3 in Santa Clara to close out the year and secure the higher seed.
When do the seahawks play away games? Well, for the rest of this run, the hope is "hopefully never." If they win this Saturday and the #1 seed (Philadelphia) loses, the NFC Championship would also be at Lumen Field.
Watching the Game: TV and Streaming Details
Finding where the game is can be a pain with all the different streaming services these days.
For the Divisional Round, it’s straightforward: FOX. You can stream it via the FOX Sports app if you have a cable login, or through services like FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV.
If you’re a fan of the radio broadcast, Steve Raible and Dave Wyman will be on Seattle Sports 710 AM and KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. There is something about Raible’s "Touchdown Seahawks!" call that just hits different during the playoffs.
What to Watch for This Saturday
The matchup between Mike Macdonald’s defensive schemes and Kyle Shanahan’s offense is basically a chess match with pads on.
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Seattle's defense has specialized in "simulated pressures" this year—basically making the quarterback think a blitz is coming from one side when it’s actually coming from the other. It confused Brock Purdy in Week 18, and the Hawks are betting it’ll work again on Saturday.
On the offensive side, the connection between Geno Smith and Jaxon Smith-Njigba has become the team’s bread and butter. JSN has basically become the go-to guy on third downs, which will be critical against a 49ers defense that prides itself on getting off the field.
Honestly, the weather might be the biggest factor. The forecast for Saturday in Seattle is looking "classic"—mid-40s with a high chance of rain. That usually favors the team that can run the ball effectively and avoid turnovers. Seattle's +9 turnover margin this season suggests they are ready for a messy game.
Planning for the Future
If the Seahawks win on Saturday, they move to the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
If they have to travel, they’d likely head to Philadelphia. If the Eagles lose their matchup, Seattle hosts. It’s a "wait and see" situation, but the path to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara (Super Bowl LX) is looking clearer than it has in a decade.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check Your Gear: If you're heading to Lumen Field, double-check the stadium's clear bag policy. It’s strictly enforced, especially during high-security playoff games.
- Set the DVR: If you aren't watching live, make sure your recording includes "extra time." NFL playoff games, especially between these two, have a weird habit of going into overtime.
- Update Your Apps: Ensure your NFL+ or streaming apps are updated today to avoid that "forced update" screen right at kickoff.
- Watch the Injury Report: Keep an eye on the Friday afternoon practice reports. The status of the secondary will be the biggest indicator of how much pressure Seattle can actually bring.
The road to the Super Bowl goes through Seattle this weekend. It’s been a long time since we could say that with this much confidence.