The NFL has issued an official schedule update for the NFC Championship Game, confirming a key time adjustment that fans have been awaiting amid playoff bracket finalization. In a league-wide announcement on Friday, the matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams—set for Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Lumen Field—will now kick off at **6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT local time in Seattle)**. This timing places the game in the evening slot on the East Coast while preserving prime afternoon viewing for West Coast audiences, ensuring maximum national exposure on FOX.

The adjustment comes after initial speculation about potential flexing or shifts due to weather considerations, broadcast logistics, and the overall conference championship slate. With the AFC Championship between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos slotted for an earlier 3:00 p.m. ET start on CBS, the NFL opted to keep the NFC title game in its traditional later window. This setup allows seamless transition coverage across networks and gives viewers a full day of playoff football without overlap.

For international fans, particularly those in Western Australia (where it’s currently late Saturday evening on January 24), the game aligns for an early Monday morning kickoff around 10:30 a.m. AWST on January 26—perfect timing for those tuning in from Perth or beyond.

Broadcast details remain locked in with FOX handling the telecast. Kevin Burkhardt will call the play-by-play, joined by Tom Brady in his second season as lead analyst, delivering sharp insights drawn from his legendary career. Sideline reporting from Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi will capture the intensity on the field, player reactions, and sideline drama. Pregame shows begin hours earlier, with FOX’s studio crew providing in-depth analysis, expert picks, and hype packages starting around 2:00 p.m. ET. Postgame coverage will immediately follow, dissecting every critical moment as the winner prepares for Super Bowl LX on February 8.

Streaming access is straightforward for cord-cutters. The game streams live on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app with authenticated login from participating providers. Major live TV services carrying FOX—including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and FuboTV—offer reliable viewing, many with free trials available for new users. NFL+ Premium enables mobile streaming (limited to phones and tablets for live playoff games), while international options route through NFL Game Pass or regional partners depending on location. Fans are advised to verify local channel availability, as FOX affiliates cover most U.S. markets comprehensively.

Lumen Field stands ready to host what promises to be one of the loudest and most electric playoff atmospheres in recent memory. The Seahawks’ “12th Man” has turned the venue into a fortress, especially in January when cold temperatures (forecast around 42-45°F with potential light rain or wind) amplify the home-field advantage. The stadium’s design funnels crowd noise directly onto the field, often disrupting visiting quarterbacks and contributing to false starts and hurried plays. Gates open approximately three hours before kickoff—around 12:30 p.m. PT—allowing ample time for tailgating in the surrounding SoDo district, security checks, and settling into seats.

Attendees should note the clear bag policy (bags limited to clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC no larger than 12x6x12 inches), prohibitions on backpacks, large purses, umbrellas, and professional cameras, and recommendations to use public transit like light rail to avoid heavy traffic congestion.

This third meeting of the season between the Seahawks and Rams carries massive stakes. Seattle, the NFC’s top seed with a 14-3 record, earned their spot with a dominant divisional-round rout of the San Francisco 49ers, 41-6, powered by Rashid Shaheed’s explosive 95-yard kickoff return touchdown and a defense that forced three turnovers while limiting big plays. The Rams, seeded No. 5 at 12-5, advanced by grinding out a tough win over the Chicago Bears, highlighted by Cobie Durant’s two interceptions and Kyren Williams’ consistent ground production.

The regular-season series split dramatically: each team won on the road, but Seattle’s most recent victory—a stunning 38-37 overtime comeback at Lumen Field after trailing 30-14 late—left a bitter taste for Los Angeles and underscored the Seahawks’ resilience in crunch time.

Key narratives dominate previews. Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold has thrived in a revitalized offense, navigating minor injuries like an oblique strain to post efficient numbers and lead comebacks. Running back Kenneth Walker III, who erupted for 116 yards and three scores against San Francisco, will test a Rams run defense that’s been vulnerable at times. The Seahawks’ front seven ranks among the league’s elite against the rush (conceding just over 90 yards per game), setting up a critical battle to contain Williams and force Matthew Stafford into obvious passing situations.

For the Rams, Stafford remains the steady veteran anchor, capable of surgical precision when protected. Davante Adams, sidelined by a hamstring in the Week 16 loss, returns at full strength as a deep threat to stretch Seattle’s secondary. Los Angeles’ defense, bolstered by Durant’s ball-hawking and a scheme that generates pressure, aims to disrupt Darnold’s rhythm and capitalize on turnovers—a factor that swung their divisional win. Special teams could again prove pivotal, with Shaheed’s return game and the Rams’ coverage units both flashing elite ability.

Analysts expect a tight, physical contest. Betting markets list Seattle as modest home favorites (around -2.5 points), with an over/under near 46.5, reflecting strong defenses tempered by offensive explosiveness seen in prior meetings. Predictive models slightly favor the Seahawks due to home advantage and momentum, but the Rams’ playoff experience under Sean McVay keeps it close. Discipline in penalties, red-zone efficiency, and forcing mistakes will likely determine the outcome—classic elements that define championship games.

Emotionally, this clash resonates deeply. For Seattle, it’s a shot at capping a storybook resurgence and reaching the Super Bowl in their 50th season. The 12s will create seismic energy, boosting the home team as they have for decades. The Rams seek vengeance after blowing a late lead in their last trip to Lumen Field, aiming to prove their road mettle and extend McVay’s legacy.

As Sunday approaches, excitement builds nationwide. Whether at the stadium amid the roar, streaming from home, or catching delayed broadcasts overseas, this NFC Championship delivers high drama. The winner claims NFC supremacy and advances to face the AFC victor in Super Bowl LX. With the time officially confirmed and all eyes on Seattle, football fans everywhere should prepare—this is the kind of game that creates lasting memories.