If you’re a Seahawks fan right now, your heart rate is probably hovering somewhere around a light jog. Seattle finished the regular season on an absolute tear, capping off a franchise-record 14-3 run. They didn't just win; they bullied their way to the NFC West title and snatched the No. 1 seed. But the regular season is ancient history. All anyone cares about now is the bracket.
The Short Answer: Who Did The Seahawks Play Next?
The wait is over. After enjoying a well-earned bye week to heal up those nagging late-season bruises, the Seattle Seahawks will play the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 17, 2026. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM EST (5:00 PM local time in Seattle). The game is happening at Lumen Field, and honestly, the noise level is expected to be record-breaking. This isn't just another game. It’s a rubber match. A grudge match. A "winner-takes-all-the-bragging-rights" match.
Why This Matchup Is Actually Kind Of Insane
You couldn't script this better. The Seahawks and 49ers have already faced each other twice this season, and the split was weird.
In Week 1, the 49ers walked into Lumen Field and stole a 17-13 win. It was a defensive slog that left Seahawks fans feeling a bit uneasy about the Mike Macdonald era. But then, fast forward to the regular-season finale in Week 18. Seattle went into Santa Clara and returned the favor, suffocating the Niners in a 13-3 victory.
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So, we have two teams that know each other's favorite breakfast orders. There are no secrets left.
The Defense Is Flying
Mike Macdonald has this unit playing like the "Legion of Boom" reincarnated, but with more modern disguises. They held the Niners to just three points in their last outing. Three! Devon Witherspoon and Leonard Williams are playing at an All-Pro level, and the mid-season acquisition of Ernest Jones IV has turned the middle of the field into a "no-fly zone."
The Offensive Spark
Sam Darnold has basically reinvented himself in Seattle. It’s been wild to watch. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba turning into a true WR1 (and a first-team All-Pro, no less), this offense has teeth. They aren't just a "ground and pound" team anymore, though Kenneth Walker III still has that breakaway speed that makes defenders look like they're running in sand.
The Road Ahead: What Happens If They Win?
If Seattle takes care of business against San Francisco, they stay right there in the Pacific Northwest. As the No. 1 seed, the road to the Super Bowl runs through Seattle.
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The NFC Championship Game is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026. If the Seahawks win on Saturday, they will host the winner of the other divisional matchup. Could it be the Lions? The Rams? Whoever it is, they’ll have to deal with the 12s in a rainy, loud-as-hell Lumen Field.
Looking Toward 2026: The Opponents Are Already Set
I know, I know—we're focused on the playoffs. But the NFL wait for no one. Because the Seahawks finished first in the NFC West, their 2026 schedule is going to be a gauntlet. We already know the teams, even if we don't know the dates yet.
2026 Home Games:
- The usual suspects: Cardinals, Rams, 49ers.
- The heavy hitters: Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers.
- The "Same-Place" finishers: Chicago Bears, New England Patriots.
- The New York Giant: New York Giants.
2026 Road Games:
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- The West Coast trip: Cardinals, Rams, 49ers.
- The AFC West gauntlet: Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders.
- The East Coast swing: Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers.
Facing Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs at home is going to be the ticket of the year. Plus, a road trip to Philly? That’s never easy. The price of success in the NFL is a first-place schedule, and Seattle definitely earned it.
What Most Fans Are Getting Wrong Right Now
There’s this narrative that the Seahawks are "lucky" because they got the bye. People say the rust will kill them.
Honestly? That’s nonsense. Macdonald used the bye week to get the team back on a "cadence." They didn't just sit on the couch eating chips. They had meetings, conditioning, and walk-throughs. The 49ers, meanwhile, had to fight through a Wild Card upset over the Eagles just to get here. Seattle is rested; San Francisco is tired.
Actionable Insights for the Divisional Round
If you’re planning on following the game or heading to Lumen Field, here’s what you need to keep in mind to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on the status of the offensive line. Protecting Darnold against the Niners' pass rush is the only way this offense stays on schedule.
- The Weather Factor: It's January in Seattle. Expect rain and wind. This favors Seattle’s power running game and Macdonald’s "multiple" defensive fronts.
- Secure Your Spot: Tickets are already hitting astronomical prices (starting well over $500). If you aren't going, make sure your streaming setup is solid—FOX has the broadcast.
- Focus on the Third Down: In their Week 18 win, Seattle dominated third-down conversions. If they can stay on the field and keep Christian McCaffrey off it, the game is theirs.
Seattle has a real shot at the Lombardi trophy this year. The path starts Saturday against a team they’ve already beaten. It's time to see if the No. 1 seed can hold the line.
To get ready for kickoff, check the final injury reports released on Friday afternoon and make sure your jersey is washed—you're going to need the good luck.