If you’re staring at your calendar trying to figure out when Seattle Seahawks next game actually is, take a breath. The regular season grind is over. The bye week is officially in the rearview mirror. After finishing the 2025 season with a blistering 14-3 record and locking up the NFC's No. 1 seed, the Seahawks are finally coming out of hibernation.
Seattle is set to host the San Francisco 49ers this Saturday, January 17, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. PT (8:00 p.m. ET) at Lumen Field.
This isn't just another game. It’s the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. It’s also the third time these two heavyweights have traded punches this season. If you feel like we just did this, it’s because we did—Seattle just beat San Francisco 13-3 in Week 18 to clinch the division. Now, the stakes are "win or go home."
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The Schedule Details You Actually Need
Forget the generic listings. Here is the raw data for the upcoming clash.
The Matchup: San Francisco 49ers (No. 6 seed) vs. Seattle Seahawks (No. 1 seed)
The Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
The Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. local time in Seattle
The Broadcast: FOX (with Tom Brady and Kevin Burkhardt on the call)
Honestly, landing the Saturday night primetime slot is a massive win for the atmosphere in SoDo. The "12s" are notoriously louder under the lights. The NFL actually had to choose between this game and the Bills-Broncos matchup for the 8 p.m. ET window, and they chose the NFC West rivalry. Smart move.
Why This Specific Game Matters So Much
Look, we all know the history here. The Seahawks and Niners basically live to ruin each other’s seasons. Seattle took the most recent meeting, but San Francisco won the first matchup way back in Week 1. This is the rubber match.
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The Seahawks spent their bye week getting healthy. Linebacker Chazz Surratt was just designated for return to practice on Tuesday, which is a huge boost for a defense that needs to contain a physical 49ers run game. Jaxon Smith-Njigba—fresh off his First-Team All-Pro nod—is the guy everyone is watching. He’s been the engine of this offense all year.
The Home Field Factor
Lumen Field in January is a nightmare for visiting teams. Since Seattle secured the top seed, they haven't had to travel. The 49ers, meanwhile, had to go on the road and beat the No. 3 seed Philadelphia Eagles just to get this opportunity. Fatigue is real.
But don't get too comfortable. San Francisco is the kind of team that plays better when they're angry. They’ve seen Seattle twice. They know the schemes. It’s going to be a chess match between Mike Macdonald and Kyle Shanahan that probably won't be decided until the fourth quarter.
Looking Past Saturday: What’s Next?
If the Seahawks take care of business on Saturday, they don't move. They stay right there in Seattle for the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 25.
Who would they play? That’s still up in the air. It depends on who wins the other side of the bracket between the Rams and the Bears. If the Rams win, we could potentially see an all-NFC West conference championship. Imagine the noise level for that one.
A Quick Look at 2026 Opponents
Even though the focus is on the playoffs, the NFL already dropped the list of opponents for the 2026 regular season. Because the Seahawks finished first in the NFC West, their schedule next year is going to be a gauntlet.
They’ll be facing the NFC East and the AFC West in full. That means the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs are both coming to Lumen Field next season. They also have road trips scheduled for Denver, Las Vegas, and Philadelphia. It’s a "first-place schedule," which is the price you pay for being the best in the conference.
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How to Watch and Gear Up
If you aren't lucky enough to have tickets to Lumen Field, FOX is your destination. You can also stream it on the NFL+ app if you're on the move.
Pro Tip: If you're planning on headed to the stadium, the Seahawks have already announced a series of "Playoff Week" events. Check the official team site for rally locations around Seattle this Friday.
The path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara (ironically, the 49ers' home turf) goes through Seattle. This Saturday is the first real hurdle.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Sync Your Calendar: Ensure your digital calendar is set for a 5:00 p.m. PT start this Saturday to avoid the "flex-time" confusion that happened in Week 18.
- Check the Injury Report: Monitor Chazz Surratt’s status through Thursday’s final practice report; his presence significantly changes how Seattle defends the middle of the field.
- Plan Your Route: If attending in person, Sound Transit usually runs extra service for playoff games—check the Link light rail schedule 24 hours before kickoff.