The NFC title game is set for Sunday, January 25, 2026, as the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams in a heated NFC West rubber match. This is the third clash between these division rivals this season (regular season split 1-1, both games thrillers with dramatic finishes and comebacks), and the winner punches their ticket to Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
When is the 2026 NFC Championship Game Kickoff?
The 2026 NFC Championship game kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT) from Lumen Field in Seattle, WA. The game airs exclusively on FOX, with pregame coverage starting 2-3 hours earlier. Streaming options include the FOX Sports app (with TV provider login), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or free over-the-air via antenna on your local FOX station. For Spanish-language coverage, check FOX Deportes.
This matchup pits Seattle’s elite defense and home-field “12th Man” advantage against the Rams’ explosive offense led by a presumptive MVP quarterback. Expect high stakes, crowd noise chaos, and potentially another classic in this budding rivalry.
NFC Championship Matchup Breakdown
- Seattle Seahawks (15-3 overall, 14-3 regular season, NFC West champs, No. 1 seed): Dominated the Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers. Boasting the NFL’s top-ranked defense (per multiple metrics like DVOA), led by head coach Mike Macdonald’s schemes. QB Sam Darnold has been steady, avoiding turnovers in big spots, while the unit thrives at home (8-1 regular season record; playoff history strong in Seattle). The “12th Man” crowd turns Lumen Field into one of the loudest venues—seismographs have picked up noise spikes on big plays. January weather could add rain/cold, favoring the hosts.
- Los Angeles Rams (13-6 overall, No. 5 seed): Survived overtime in the Divisional Round vs. Chicago (20-17 win on a late field goal). QB Matthew Stafford (over 4,000 yards, strong MVP candidate) headlines an elite passing attack with WRs Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, plus RB Kyren Williams (1,200+ rushing yards). Playoff-experienced under Sean McVay (won NFC title in 2021 before Super Bowl LVI). Defense stepped up in clutch moments, but road challenges await against Seattle’s D.
The teams’ regular-season meetings were fireworks: One ended with a near-miss field goal try; the other featured a Seahawks comeback from 16 down, winning in OT on a TD + 2-point conversion. Third time could be the charm—or another epic.
Current NFC Championship Odds (Consensus as of January 23, 2026)
- Spread: Seahawks -2.5 to -3 (home favorite due to venue and rest edge).
- Moneyline: Seahawks -130 to -155 | Rams +110 to +130.
- Over/Under: 46.5 to 47.5 (expect a competitive, potentially lower-scoring battle given defenses and weather).
- Seahawks are slight favorites in most models (win probability ~53-57%), but the Rams’ experience and offensive firepower make them live underdogs.
Expert picks lean toward Seattle’s defense/special teams making plays and Darnold managing the game, but many see value in Rams + points for a tight finish.
Path to Super Bowl LX
The NFC champ joins the AFC winner (from Patriots at Broncos, 3 p.m. ET on CBS) for Super Bowl LX:
- Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA (San Francisco 49ers home)
- Time: ~6:30 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: NBC/Peacock (with Telemundo Spanish coverage)
- Halftime: Bad Bunny headlining
Printable Playoff Bracket
Download our updated 2026 NFL Playoff Bracket (post-Divisional Round) here. It includes full bracket, team logos, and spots to fill in the winner. Track your picks through the Conference Championships and into the Super Bowl! We also have a Super Bowl Squares generator and printable Super Bowl Squares in PDF options that you can use to have some fun during the Championship Round of play. Most people wait until the Big Game to bring out the Super Bowl Bingo though.
(Article drafted January 23, 2026; odds and details subject to change).
