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Seahawks Issue Final Announcement After NFL Makes Key Decision on Divisional Playoff vs. 49ers

Seattle, Washington – January 17, 2026

Game Date and Time Announcement The Divisional Round playoff matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers is officially set for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Lumen Field in Seattle. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT (±30 minutes time adjustment from Eastern Time).

After several days of anticipation, the Seattle Seahawks have officially delivered their final announcement regarding their Divisional Playoff matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, following the NFL’s completion of all key decisions surrounding scheduling and broadcast logistics.

The message from the Seahawks was direct and decisive: all variables have now been settled. There are no remaining uncertainties, no pending changes, and no room for speculation. The organization made it clear that the focus has fully shifted to football, as Seattle prepares for the defining moment of its season.

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According to the NFL’s final ruling, Seahawks vs. 49ers will be broadcast nationally on FOX, elevating the matchup to one of the league’s featured Divisional Round games in primetime. The decision signals that the NFL views this contest not as a routine playoff meeting, but as a marquee showdown with major implications for the NFC playoff picture and the road to the Super Bowl.

Despite some early concerns over typical Pacific Northwest winter conditions in mid-January, the league has confirmed that the primetime kickoff time will remain unchanged. League officials determined that an evening slot provides the optimal environment for this high-profile rivalry rubber match, ensuring prime visibility for national audiences while aligning with player preparation and fan experience, as weather forecasts indicate clear skies with temperatures in the high 40s at kickoff—no major storm threats expected to impact the game.

The broadcast will be carried on FOX, with Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady on the call, underscoring its premium status within the Divisional Round slate.

For the Seahawks, the NFL’s decisive ruling eliminates any lingering distractions related to scheduling or logistics. With all details finalized, Seattle’s attention is now fully locked on preparation — refining strategy, sharpening execution, and building the mental edge required for a win-or-go-home playoff battle against their NFC West rivals in this third meeting of the season.

The underlying message from the organization is unmistakable: the stage is set, the spotlight is on, and this is not just another postseason game. For the Seahawks, it is a chance to define their place on the NFL’s biggest stage — and to take one step closer to the Super Bowl. 🏈 Go Hawks! 🚀

Legendary Tom Brady issues a warning analysis to Buccaneers GM Jason Licht after a disappointing 2025 season: Moving two underperforming players could save more than $10 million in cap space
After an underwhelming 2025 campaign, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the offseason under pressure to adjust their roster structure. Tom Brady did not point to a lack of talent or bad luck. Instead, he highlighted a spending problem: to get back into contention, the Buccaneers must accept difficult decisions to regain cap flexibility. According to Brady’s analysis, Tampa Bay could open up roughly $7–11 million in cap space by parting ways with two players who no longer fit the team’s new direction. The message is not personal, but about efficiency. The current roster has enough star power, but the allocation of money has not been optimal for the next competitive window. The first name is Rachaad White. White has remained productive, but the context has changed. Bucky Irving took over the RB1 role at various points in 2025, Sean Tucker is a promising young option waiting for more opportunities, and the committee approach has made White the “odd man out.” Many local sources view moving on as the obvious choice. The second case is Sterling Shepard. The Bucs’ wide receiver room is crowded with established core players and emerging young talent. Shepard serves as a rotational piece when healthy, but at age 33, he is no longer a priority in a structure that values speed, durability, and long-term upside. “I don’t see the problem as a lack of stars. The problem is inefficient spending. When you have younger, cheaper options that fit the system, you have to be brave enough to choose that path. Rebuilding starts with financial discipline and being honest with yourself,” Brady shared. The money saved, according to Brady, should be reinvested in protecting Baker Mayfield, strengthening the offensive line, and adding depth on both sides of the ball. That is how you turn “just enough” yardage into sustainable wins, rather than standing still out of emotion. The final message is clear: the Buccaneers do not need to tear everything down. They need to reorganize. By being willing to move on from pieces that are no longer optimal, Tampa Bay can regain flexibility and open the door to bigger decisions. For Brady, the road back always begins with hard choices — but the right ones.