Seahawks Host Rams for NFC Championship at Lumen Field with Transit and Security Plans
Updated (2 articles)
Game Set for Jan. 25 at Lumen Field The NFC Championship will be played Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, with kickoff at 3:30 p.m. local time. FOX will broadcast the game nationally from Seattle’s Lumen Field. Both outlets confirm the matchup and broadcast details [1][2].
Seahawks Enter as Top Seed, Rams as 14‑5 Contender Seattle secured the No. 1 NFC seed after a 14‑3 regular season and a 41‑6 divisional‑round win over San Francisco. Los Angeles finished 14‑5, earning its 12th conference‑title appearance under Sean McVay. The Rams’ recent playoff win over Chicago and Seattle’s 2.5‑point favoritism are highlighted by both reports [1][2].
Sam Darnold Recovering Yet Limited in Practice Quarterback Sam Darnold reports feeling “really good” after an oblique injury sustained before the divisional round, though he will not practice fully this week. He threw for 124 yards and a touchdown in the 41‑6 win over the 49ers. Coach Mike Macdonald notes the injury remains a concern heading into the championship [1].
Close Regular‑Season Series Highlights Even Matchup Seattle and Los Angeles split their two regular‑season meetings, each home team winning. The Week 16 overtime thriller ended 38‑37 after Seattle erased a 16‑point fourth‑quarter deficit. Five straight games between the clubs have been decided by a single score, underscoring the tight competition [1][2].
Transit, Congestion, and Security Plans Target 70,000 Fans Officials urge fans to use public transit because I‑5 construction has reduced northbound lanes, and a Kraken hockey game adds midday traffic. About 70,000 spectators are expected, prompting increased police presence and a DUI‑emphasis campaign by the Washington State Patrol. The tradition of raising the 12‑flag before kickoff remains uncertain after Paul Allen’s 2018 death [1].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
King5:Seahawks‑Rams NFC Championship at Lumen Field set with transit plan and security measures: Details game logistics, transit‑congestion strategies, Darnold’s injury status, and the unresolved 12‑flag tradition .
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[2]
King5:Seahawks host Rams in NFC Championship on Jan 25 with Seattle favored: Highlights Rams’ 14‑5 record, Seattle’s 2.5‑point favoritism, historical playoff context, and seed‑related statistics .
Timeline
2018 – Paul Allen, the late co‑founder and longtime owner of the Seahawks, passes away, ending his role in the iconic “12‑flag” tradition that honors Seattle’s fanbase. [1]
2020 – The NFL expands the playoff field to 14 teams, limiting first‑round byes to a single No. 1 seed per conference, a rule that shapes the current postseason landscape. [2]
2022 – The Kansas City Chiefs become the only No. 1 seed to win the Super Bowl since the 2020 playoff expansion, underscoring how rare top‑seed championships have become. [2]
Dec 18, 2025 – Seattle rallies from a 16‑point fourth‑quarter deficit to defeat Los Angeles 38‑37 in overtime, marking the fifth straight one‑score game between the two rivals and setting the tone for a tightly contested championship. [2]
Jan 19, 2026 – The NFL confirms the NFC Championship will be played at Lumen Field on Jan 25, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. on FOX, with the Seahawks listed as 2.5‑point favorites over the Rams. [2]
Jan 19, 2026 – Seattle reaches its fifth conference title game, ending an 11‑year drought; the franchise now holds a 3‑1 record in such games, highlighting its renewed postseason potency. [2]
Jan 23, 2026 – City officials roll out a transit, congestion, and safety plan for the expected 70,000 fans, urging public‑transport use because I‑5 construction reduces northbound lanes and a Kraken hockey game adds midday traffic. [1]
Jan 23, 2026 – Quarterback Sam Darnold tells reporters he “feels really good” after recovering from an oblique injury sustained before the divisional round, signaling his health is improving ahead of the championship. [1]
Jan 25, 2026 – The NFC Championship game takes place at Lumen Field; with Paul Allen’s death in 2018 leaving the 12‑flag tradition uncertain, officials and fans await who will raise the flag before kickoff. [1]