PLAYOFFS – NFC DIVISIONAL ROUND
🚨GAME CHANGER: Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field – You Won’t Believe the New Kickoff Time!
The NFC Divisional Round matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers is set for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM PT (8:00 PM ET) at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington. This game is one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the 2025-2026 NFL playoffs, drawing national attention and excitement from football fans across the country.
THE BACKGROUND — A WESTERN SHOWDOWN
The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers have met twice this season, with each team claiming a victory. In Week 1, the 49ers triumphed 17–13, while the Seahawks responded with a solid 13–3 win in Week 18, clinching the NFC’s No. 1 seed and home-field advantage for this game.
This marks the third meeting of the season between these two NFC West giants, and the winner will advance to the NFC Championship Game, just one step away from a berth in Super Bowl LX. These teams have a longstanding rivalry, with both sides having something to prove in this high-stakes matchup.
LUMEN FIELD — THE NOISE AND THE ADVANTAGE OF HOME FIELD
Lumen Field is known as a fortress for the Seahawks and their passionate fan base, known as The 12s. The stadium is renowned for its deafening crowd noise, which has consistently given the home team a huge advantage, making it one of the toughest places for visiting teams to play.
This will be the first home playoff game for Seattle since 2016, and the atmosphere in the stadium will surely be electric. The Seahawks fans are some of the most loyal and vocal in the league, and they will undoubtedly make their presence felt as they cheer on their team in this pivotal game.
GAME DAY WEATHER – WHAT TO EXPECT IN SEATTLE
January in Seattle is known for being one of the cloudiest months of the year, with overcast skies and frequent rain showers. The weather forecast for January 17, 2026, predicts mostly cloudy conditions, with a temperature of around 52°F (11°C) during the day and dropping to 37°F (3°C) by evening. Light rain showers are possible, but the winds will remain relatively calm.
This weather could play a role in the game, potentially affecting passing, ball control, and offensive strategies. A slick field due to rain could make for an interesting tactical battle, as both teams will need to adjust their play to the elements.
BROADCAST DETAILS — WHERE TO WATCH
The Seahawks vs 49ers playoff game will be broadcast nationally on FOX, which holds the official broadcasting rights for the NFL Divisional Round. Fans across the country can tune in to watch the game unfold, with Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady providing commentary and analysis. Their insights into the strategies of both teams will be invaluable as the game progresses.
For those unable to watch via traditional TV, streaming services that carry FOX will also have the game available online. This includes various digital platforms such as FuboTV, Sling TV, and others, depending on your location.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS – THE VISITORS WITH A MISSION
The San Francisco 49ers, led by coach Kyle Shanahan, come into this game as the No. 6 seed in the NFC. They are coming off an emotional and hard-fought 23–19 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round. With dynamic playmakers like Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle, the 49ers are a formidable opponent.
However, they are entering the game with a quick turnaround, having to play on Saturday after their previous victory. This short rest could pose a challenge for the team, especially in terms of player recovery and preparation. Despite this, the 49ers are known for their resilience and adaptability, and they will bring their best to Seattle.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – THE HOSTS READY TO DEFEND THEIR HOME FIELD
On the other side, the Seattle Seahawks are eager to make a deep playoff run, especially with the advantage of playing at home. Mike Macdonald’s team has had an impressive season, finishing NFC West champions with a strong record. Their victory in Week 18 against the 49ers was a huge confidence booster, and the Seahawks will be hoping to replicate that performance and secure another victory to advance.
The Seahawks have the edge in home-field advantage, as Lumen Field is notoriously loud, which could disrupt the 49ers’ offensive flow, particularly with communication during crucial moments of the game. Seattle will look to its defense, including players like Jamal Adams and Bobby Wagner, to lead the charge.
PREDICTIONS AND STRATEGIES
This game will not only be a clash of star players but also a strategic battle between the two head coaches. Shanahan’s offensive ingenuity against Macdonald’s defense will be a key point of interest. The Seahawks will be looking to exploit the 49ers’ defensive line, while the 49ers will need to adjust their play-calling to counter the Seahawks’ strong pass rush.
Both teams have explosive offenses, but the weather conditions may force them to adjust their game plans. Look for both sides to rely on their ground games, with McCaffrey for the 49ers and Kenneth Gainwell for the Seahawks, to keep the clock ticking and control the pace of the game.
TICKET PRICES AND SEATING OPTIONS
Tickets for the Seahawks vs 49ers game are in high demand, and prices have surged as the game approaches. The cheapest tickets currently available are around $535, with better seats going for much higher prices. Fans planning to attend will need to act quickly if they want to secure their place inside Lumen Field for this historic matchup.
CONCLUSION – WHY THIS GAME IS A MUST-WATCH
The Seahawks vs 49ers matchup is more than just a game; it’s a defining moment in the 2025-2026 NFL playoffs. Both teams have everything to play for, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With both sides boasting powerful offenses, dynamic defenses, and passionate fanbases, this is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling games of the season.
The unpredictable weather, combined with the seismic atmosphere at Lumen Field, will only add to the drama. This is a game that will be talked about for years to come, and it promises to be an unforgettable experience for all NFL fans, especially those who bleed Seahawks blue or 49ers red.