✅ CONFIRMED: The expected start time for the Seattle Seahawks vs. LA Rams game has been changed – here’s everything you need to know 👇⏰🏈🔥

The NFL has officially confirmed a major schedule adjustment for one of the most anticipated Week 18 matchups of the 2025 season. The Seattle Seahawks versus Los Angeles Rams game, originally set for Sunday, January 4, 2026, has been moved due to unforeseen circumstances.

The game will now kick off at 5:20 PM PT instead of the previously scheduled 1:25 PM PT slot. This shift places the contest in the late-afternoon window on the West Coast, aligning it with prime-time viewing in many eastern markets.

League officials cited flexible scheduling protocols as the reason for the change. The adjustment ensures optimal broadcast placement amid ongoing playoff implications for both NFC West rivals.

Seattle currently sits at 11-5 and holds the No. 2 seed in the NFC. A win secures them a first-round bye and home-field advantage through the divisional round.

The Rams, sitting at 10-6, need a victory combined with favorable results elsewhere to clinch a wild-card spot. The stakes could not be higher for this divisional showdown.

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will host the rescheduled affair. Kickoff is now confirmed for 5:20 PM Pacific Time, which translates to 8:20 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, January 4.

FOX will broadcast the game nationally in most markets. The network had already slotted several late-window games, making this move logistically seamless for production crews.

Fans planning to attend in person should note the new time. Parking lots at SoFi Stadium typically open three hours before kickoff, so gates will now open around 2:20 PM PT.

Tailgating traditions remain intact, but attendees are advised to arrive earlier to account for heavier traffic expected during the later afternoon hours in the Los Angeles area.

Television viewers on the West Coast gain a more convenient viewing window. The game avoids direct overlap with early-afternoon NFL action, reducing channel-flipping fatigue.

Eastern Time Zone fans face a later start than usual for Sunday football. The 8:20 PM ET kickoff pushes the expected end time past 11:30 PM in many eastern cities.

Weather forecasts for Inglewood on January 4 remain mild. Temperatures are projected in the mid-60s Fahrenheit with partly cloudy skies and minimal wind—ideal conditions for an outdoor contest.

Both teams enter the week riding momentum. Seattle defeated the Chicago Bears convincingly last Sunday, while the Rams edged out the Arizona Cardinals in a tight divisional battle.

Quarterback Sam Darnold has been exceptional for Seattle since taking over mid-season. His completion percentage and touchdown-to-interception ratio rank among the league’s best.

Matthew Stafford continues to lead the Rams with veteran poise. Despite a lingering thumb injury, he has thrown for over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns this campaign.

The rivalry between these two franchises adds extra intensity. Recent meetings have featured dramatic finishes, including last year’s overtime thriller won by the Seahawks.

Defensive matchups will likely decide the outcome. Seattle’s secondary faces a stern test against Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, while the Rams must contain DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Special teams could play a pivotal role. Both units rank highly in field-goal accuracy and punt return efficiency heading into the final regular-season game.

Injury reports remain relatively clean for both sides. Seattle lists only minor concerns, while Los Angeles expects full participation from key starters.

Ticket prices on the secondary market have surged since the time change announcement. Demand spiked as fans realized the game now carries late-window prestige.

Streaming options via NFL+, YouTube TV, and Hulu remain available. Viewers should confirm local blackout rules, though national broadcast status minimizes restrictions.

The Seahawks’ coaching staff views the later start positively. Extra preparation time on Sunday morning allows for refined game plans and player recovery.

Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed no major concerns about the adjustment. He noted the team frequently practices in late-afternoon slots during training camp.

Playoff scenarios hinge heavily on this result. A Seattle win locks them into the No. 2 seed regardless of other outcomes, while a Rams victory opens multiple pathways.

Tiebreaker implications add another layer. Head-to-head record, conference record, and strength of victory could all factor into final seeding if multiple teams finish tied.

Fans in the Pacific Northwest plan watch parties around the new time. Bars and homes across Washington state will buzz during the evening hours instead of early afternoon.

Los Angeles supporters welcome the prime-time feel. The later kickoff aligns better with local traffic patterns and family schedules on a Sunday evening.

Merchandise sales for both teams have spiked. Jerseys, hats, and foam fingers move quickly as anticipation builds for this high-stakes divisional clash.

Social media buzz intensified after the announcement. Hashtags like #SeahawksRams and #NFCWestBattle trended regionally within minutes of the league’s confirmation.

Broadcasters prepare for extended pregame coverage. FOX’s studio team will dedicate additional segments to analyzing the matchup’s playoff ramifications.

Referees assigned to the game remain the same crew. No changes in officiating team were needed despite the schedule shift.

Concession stands at SoFi Stadium will operate on the adjusted timeline. Fans can expect full menu availability starting from gates opening at 2:20 PM.

Security protocols stay consistent. Bag checks and clear-bag policies remain in effect for all attendees regardless of the later start time.

Parking pass holders receive updated digital notifications. Apps and emails from the stadium remind fans of the revised entry windows.

The change benefits international viewers in Europe and Asia. The 8:20 PM ET start translates to more reasonable morning or early-afternoon times in many overseas markets.

NFL Network will air post-game coverage immediately after the contest. Highlights, analysis, and player interviews will extend well into the night.

This adjustment marks the third time-change decision for Week 18 games. Flexible scheduling continues to shape the final regular-season Sunday.

Both fanbases embrace the heightened drama. The later kickoff adds a big-game atmosphere typically reserved for primetime national broadcasts.

As January 4 approaches, excitement continues to mount. The Seahawks and Rams prepare for a battle that could define their postseason fates.

The confirmed 5:20 PM PT start time ensures maximum visibility and stakes. Football fans everywhere now circle the updated slot on their calendars.

This schedule shift underscores the NFL’s commitment to competitive balance. Placing high-stakes games in optimal windows maximizes fan engagement and league exposure.

Ultimately, the game itself will decide the narrative. Whether Seattle secures the bye or Los Angeles sneaks into the playoffs, the battle promises intensity from kickoff to final whistle.