Today is the day Seattle football fans have been eagerly awaiting for years—a day that could redefine their team's legacy. But here's where it gets controversial: as the Seattle Seahawks prepare to host the San Francisco 49ers in a prime-time NFC divisional round playoff game, questions linger about quarterback Sam Darnold's health and the team's readiness for this high-stakes matchup. Could this be the game that propels them toward Super Bowl LX, or will history repeat itself in unexpected ways?
Updated January 17, 2026, 4:40 p.m. PST, the stage is set for a showdown at Lumen Field. This marks the Seahawks' first home playoff game since 2020—a 30-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams—and their first with fans in attendance since 2016, when they defeated the Detroit Lions 26-6. And this is the part most people miss: the Rams are the only team to have beaten the Seahawks in the playoffs at Lumen Field, both in 2020 and 2004, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this season's potential NFC championship matchup.
Sam Darnold, nursing an oblique injury from Thursday's practice, is officially listed as questionable. However, both Darnold and head coach Mike Macdonald remain optimistic about his availability. Despite skipping early warmups, Darnold is active for the game, though his limited throws during practice suggest a cautious approach. Is this a smart strategy, or a risky gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Kickoff has been pushed back to 5:20 p.m. PT due to an overtime AFC divisional game between the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos. For fans tuning in, the game will air on FOX 13 in the Seattle area, with Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady in the booth. Streaming options include FOX One and NFL+. Radio listeners can catch the action on Seattle Sports 710 AM, KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM, or the Seahawks mobile app.
In terms of roster moves, tackle Josh Jones is out with a knee injury, while Amari Kight steps in as the backup swing tackle. Five rookies are inactive, including Jalen Milroe, who will serve as the emergency third quarterback. Running back Velus Jones Jr. has been elevated from the practice squad to bolster the backfield.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: the Seahawks and 49ers faced off just two weeks ago in Week 18, with Seattle clinching the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Will familiarity breed success, or will the 49ers flip the script? The winner advances to the NFC championship on January 25, potentially setting up a rematch with the Rams—this time with a full stadium cheering them on.
As for playoff history, the Seahawks have faced the Chicago Bears twice in the postseason, losing both times in Chicago. But with a formidable 'Dark Side' defense touted as the NFL's best, could this be Seattle's year to rewrite the narrative? Let us know your predictions below.
For more Seahawks coverage, including how to navigate game-day traffic and parking, sign up for the FOX Seattle Newsletter or download the FOX LOCAL app. This is more than a game—it's a battle for legacy, and every fan has a stake in the outcome.
