If you're frantically Googling what time do the seahawks play sunday, stop right there. You might be looking for a game that isn't happening on Sunday at all.
NFL scheduling is a chaotic beast, especially when the playoffs roll around. I’ve seen fans show up to bars a full day late because they assumed "Sunday Football" was a law of nature. For this Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers, the league threw a bit of a curveball.
The Saturday Surprise for Seattle
The Seahawks are actually taking the field on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
I know, it's a bit of a gut punch if you had your Sunday wings and beer routine all mapped out. The kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. PT (8:00 p.m. ET). Because the Seahawks secured the No. 1 seed and that glorious first-round bye, they got the "primetime" Saturday slot on FOX.
Why the Saturday move? Honestly, the NFL loves a ratings grab. By putting the Niners-Hawks rivalry under the lights at Lumen Field on Saturday night, they clear the way for other massive matchups on Sunday, like the Texans taking on the Patriots. It's basically a TV executive’s dream.
Game Details at a Glance
- Opponent: San Francisco 49ers (The third time we’ve seen them this year!)
- Location: Lumen Field, Seattle
- Broadcast: FOX (Tom Brady is actually on the call for this one)
- Local Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. PT
What Most People Get Wrong About NFL Playoff Scheduling
People often search for what time do the seahawks play sunday because the regular season trains our brains to expect Sunday afternoon starts. But the Divisional Round is split.
Two games happen Saturday. Two games happen Sunday.
Seattle got the Saturday night "nightcap." If you wait until Sunday morning to check the score, you’re going to be looking at highlights of a game that already finished. The 49ers are coming off a brutal short week—they played the Eagles on Sunday and had to fly back from the East Coast, arriving at 2 a.m. Monday. Seattle, meanwhile, has been resting and waiting.
The Stakes at Lumen Field
This isn't just another game. Since the Seahawks are the top seed, they have the home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. If they win this Saturday night clash, they’ll host the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 25.
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That’s the game you’ll likely be looking for on a Sunday.
If Mike Macdonald’s defense plays anything like they did in Week 18—where they held San Francisco to just 3 points—the 12s are going to have a very loud, very happy Saturday night.
Preparing for Gameday
If you’re heading to the stadium, things start way before 5 p.m.
The "Ticketmaster Tailgate" starts early, and word is Ayron Jones is performing before kickoff. They’re also handing out "Action Green" poms at the gates. If you’re watching from home, make sure your FOX signal is dialed in early. There’s nothing worse than missing the first drive because of a last-minute app update or a cable glitch.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Adjust your calendar: Move your "Seahawks Game" alert from Sunday to Saturday at 5:00 p.m. PT.
- Check the Weather: Seattle in mid-January is unpredictable; if you're going to Lumen, layer up for a 45-degree night.
- Verify your Stream: If you don't have cable, ensure your YouTube TV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV subscription is active and includes your local FOX affiliate.