Seahawks‑Rams NFC Championship Set for Jan. 25 at Lumen Field with Fan‑Transit and Security Plans
Updated (25 articles)
Game Logistics Confirmed for Seattle Sunday The Seattle Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. PT in Lumen Field, with FOX delivering a national broadcast. Seattle entered the playoffs as the NFC’s No. 1 seed (14‑3) while the Rams finished 14‑5 under coach Sean McVay. Betting markets list Seattle as 2.5‑point favorites, and the matchup determines the conference’s Super Bowl representative[3][1].
Recent Matchups Highlight One‑Score Battles The two clubs have decided the last five meetings by a single score, including Seattle’s 38‑37 overtime win on Dec. 18 after a 16‑point fourth‑quarter comeback. Their regular‑season series split 21‑19 (Rams) and 38‑37 (Seahawks), with each team winning on its home field. The Rams arrive with a 12th conference‑title appearance and four consecutive title‑game victories, while Seattle makes its first conference final in 11 years, holding a 3‑1 record in such games[1][3].
Key Player Updates Shape Preparations Quarterback Sam Darnold reported feeling “really good” after an oblique injury that limited his practice this week, having completed 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown in the divisional win[1]. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, a 2025 AP MVP finalist, emphasized normal preparation despite the spotlight[2]. Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams said the showdown was expected, while running back Zach Charbonnet is out for the remainder of the playoffs with a knee injury[2].
Transit, Congestion, and Security Plans for 70,000 Fans Officials urge fans to use public transit because Interstate 5 construction has removed northbound lanes, and a Kraken hockey game at noon will add to traffic. About 70,000 spectators are expected, prompting increased police presence and support from other agencies, while the Washington State Patrol will run a DUI‑emphasis campaign after a recent rise in impaired‑driving arrests[1].
Tradition Question: Who Will Raise the 12‑Flag? The pre‑game tradition of raising the 12‑flag, historically led by the late Paul Allen, remains unresolved after Allen’s 2018 death, leaving organizers to decide who will perform the ceremony[1].
Sources
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1.
King5: Seahawks‑Rams NFC Championship at Lumen Field set with transit plan and security measures: Details kickoff time, fan‑transport guidance, police strategy, and the unresolved 12‑flag tradition.
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2.
King5: Seahawks vs. Rams: NFC Championship Decides Super Bowl Spot: Highlights head‑to‑head history, player injuries, and quotes from Leonard Williams and Matthew Stafford.
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3.
King5: Seahawks host Rams in NFC Championship on Jan 25 with Seattle favored: Provides game date, broadcast info, odds, and historical playoff context for both teams.
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BBC: Broncos and Seahawks reach Conference Championships after dramatic wins: Reports Seattle’s dominant 41‑6 divisional win over the 49ers and sets up the upcoming NFC Championship matchup.
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5.
Newsweek: Broncos, Seahawks advance to conference championships after Divisional Round wins: Summarizes Seattle’s victory, key contributors, and the schedule leading to the conference finals.
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6.
CNN: Broncos edge Bills in OT; Seahawks roll past 49ers to reach conference finals: Describes Darnold’s performance, Charbonnet’s injury, and Seattle’s path to the championship game.
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7.
BBC: NFL divisional round predictions include 49ers @ Seahawks: Offers expert picks favoring Seattle to beat San Francisco and notes Darnold’s injury status as a projection factor.
Videos (2)
Timeline
Dec 1, 2025 – Seattle records its first shutout since 2015, beating Minnesota 26‑0, limiting the Vikings to 162 total yards and forcing five turnovers, which bolsters the Seahawks’ defensive reputation and keeps them in the NFC West race. [25]
Dec 4, 2025 – The 9‑3 Seahawks host Atlanta, with the defense ranking fourth‑most in sacks (40) and quarterback Sam Darnold listed as a questionable fantasy start after recent interceptions, while the Falcons rely on Kirk Cousins following Michael Penix Jr.’s season‑ending injury. [24][23]
Dec 7, 2025 – Seattle dominates the Falcons 37‑9, highlighted by Rashid Shaheed’s 100‑yard kickoff return and a blocked field goal, as the defense forces three field‑goal attempts and shuts out Atlanta, solidifying the Seahawks’ playoff positioning. [22]
Dec 8, 2025 – After a 10‑3 win, the Seahawks maintain a 98% chance to reach the postseason, improve to 10‑3, but remain behind the Rams in the NFC West tiebreaker despite identical records. [21]
Dec 16, 2025 – The playoff picture shows Seattle at 11‑3, tied with the Rams but trailing in the tiebreaker; a victory in the upcoming rematch would clinch Seattle’s playoff berth and keep the No. 1 seed within reach. [20]
Dec 19, 2025 – Seattle rallies from a 16‑point deficit to beat the Rams in overtime with a two‑point conversion, moving to 12‑3 and taking the NFC’s best record ahead of the final two games. [19]
Dec 28, 2025 – The Seahawks defeat the Panthers 27‑10, with Zach Charbonnet rushing for 110 yards and two touchdowns, tightening the race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed as Seattle enters Week 18 at 13‑3. [18]
Jan 2, 2026 – In the season finale at San Francisco, the winner secures the NFC’s top seed and a first‑round bye; the game pits Sam Darnold against Brock Purdy, each carrying contrasting recent performances. [17]
Jan 2, 2026 – The NFL notes this is one of the few final‑week matchups since seeding began in 1975 where the No. 1 seed is on the line, underscoring the high stakes for both clubs. [16]
Jan 4, 2026 – Seattle beats the 49ers 13‑3, clinching the NFC West and the No. 1 seed for the first time since 2020, earning a first‑round bye and guaranteeing home‑field advantage through the divisional round. [14][15]
Jan 5, 2026 – Coach Mike Macdonald lauds the team’s “incredibly hard and together” effort as the Seahawks officially secure the No. 1 seed and a bye, marking the franchise’s fourth top‑seed in history, each previously leading to a Super Bowl appearance. [13]
Jan 5, 2026 – The NFL confirms the postseason runs Jan 10–Feb 8, with Super Bowl 60 set for Feb 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. [6]
Jan 16, 2026 – Seattle hosts the 49ers in the divisional round as a seven‑point favorite, marking the third meeting of the season; Darnold’s oblique injury remains uncertain, while San Francisco is without linebacker Fred Warner and tight end George Kittle. [10][11][12]
Jan 16, 2026 – Analysts note that the 2020 playoff expansion left only one bye per conference, and No. 1 seeds hold a 9‑3 record in divisional games, with the 2022 Chiefs the sole No. 1 seed to win the Super Bowl since then, framing Seattle’s advantage. [9]
Jan 16, 2026 – The Broncos (AFC top seed) and Seahawks (NFC top seed) lead a wide‑open title race as six teams advance to the Divisional Round; Denver’s defense tops the league with 68 sacks, while Seattle’s defense ranks first in scoring defense. [3]
Jan 16, 2026 – An expert panel backs Denver and Seattle to advance, citing Denver’s culture amid injuries and Seattle’s stingy defense plus improved ground game as decisive factors. [2]
Jan 17, 2026 – Denver defeats Buffalo 33‑30 in overtime, with Matt Prater’s game‑winning field goal after a pass‑interference penalty; Bo Nix breaks his ankle on the final drive, ending his postseason. [1][4][5]
Jan 17, 2026 – Coach Sean Payton announces that Bo Nix is “done for the year,” shifting Denver’s quarterback plans to Jarrett Stidham for the AFC Championship. [4][5]
Jan 17, 2026 – Seattle overwhelms San Francisco 41‑6, highlighted by a 95‑yard kickoff return, Kenneth Walker III’s three rushing touchdowns, and Sam Darnold’s efficient relief performance despite an oblique injury, securing Seattle’s spot in the NFC Championship at home. [1][4][5][7]
Jan 19, 2026 – The NFC Championship is set for Jan 25 at Lumen Field, with Seattle favored by 2.5 points; the game will air on FOX at 3:30 p.m., and the winner advances to Super Bowl 60. [9]
Jan 22, 2026 – Seattle hosts the Rams in the NFC Championship, the third meeting of the season; Leonard Williams says he “was just expecting it to happen this way,” while Rams QB Matthew Stafford, an MVP finalist, stresses the team “operates as normal and gets ready to play.” [7]
Jan 23, 2026 – Officials unveil a transit and safety plan for the Jan 25 championship, urging fans to use public transit due to I‑5 construction and coordinating police and DUI enforcement for the expected 70,000‑person crowd. [8]
Jan 23, 2026 – Quarterback Sam Darnold says he “feels really good” after his oblique injury, though he will not practice fully before the NFC Championship. [8]
Jan 25, 2026 – The NFC Championship takes place at Lumen Field, with the Seahawks aiming for their first conference title in 11 years and the Rams seeking their 12th appearance; Zach Charbonnet is out with a knee injury sustained in the divisional round. [7][9]
Feb 8, 2026 – Super Bowl 60 is scheduled for Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, concluding the postseason that began Jan 10, with the AFC and NFC champions set to meet. [1]
Dive deeper (21 sub-stories)
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Seahawks Host Rams in NFC Championship Amid Transit, Security Plans and Darnold Recovery
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