If you’re waking up on this Sunday, January 18, 2026, and frantically checking your phone to see 49ers play at what time today, I have some news that might be a little tough to swallow.
The San Francisco 49ers actually played their NFC Divisional Round game yesterday. Saturday.
It wasn't the result anyone in the Bay Area wanted. Honestly, it was a bit of a nightmare at Lumen Field. The Seahawks absolutely took it to them, finishing with a 41-6 scoreline that ended the Niners' season in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re looking for a game to watch today, you’ll be seeing the Houston Texans take on the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams facing the Chicago Bears, but the Red and Gold are officially heading into the offseason.
The Reality of the Divisional Round Schedule
Most people get tripped up because the NFL splits the Divisional Round across two days. This year, the 49ers landed that Saturday night "primetime" slot on FOX.
The game kicked off at 5:00 PM PT (8:00 PM ET) yesterday, January 17. Because it was a West Coast matchup between two division rivals, the league leaned into that late Saturday window. While today, Sunday, features a double-header, the 49ers' bracket has already been resolved.
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It’s easy to see why the confusion happens. Usually, the 49ers are a Sunday staple. But once the playoffs hit, the schedule becomes a jigsaw puzzle. This year, the NFL put the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills in the Saturday afternoon slot, followed by the 49ers-Seahawks clash.
What Actually Happened in Seattle?
It was ugly. Really ugly.
The game started with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Rashid Shaheed. From that point on, San Francisco was playing catch-up in one of the loudest environments in professional sports. Brock Purdy struggled to find a rhythm against a Seattle defense that seemed to know every route before it was run.
Kinda felt like the 49ers were stuck in mud.
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By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Kenneth Walker III had already sliced through the defense for multiple scores. The 41-6 final isn't just a loss; it’s one of the widest margins the Niners have faced in the postseason in recent memory.
49ers Play at What Time Today: If You're Looking for the Replay
Since there is no live game for the Niners today, your best bet is catching the highlights or the full game replay if you have the stomach for it.
- NFL+ Premium: Usually has the full game replay available by Sunday morning.
- YouTube Highlights: The NFL’s official channel already has a 15-minute condensed version.
- Local Sports Networks: Expect heavy analysis on NBC Sports Bay Area throughout the afternoon.
Honestly, watching the games today—Rams vs. Bears at 3:30 PM PT—might be salt in the wound for Niners fans, especially since the winner of that game moves on to face the Seahawks in the NFC Championship.
Why the Saturday Slot Matters for Next Year
The NFL decides these times based on TV ratings and rest windows. Because San Francisco played their Wild Card game against the Eagles on a Sunday (January 11), they only had six days of rest before flying to Seattle.
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Some fans are already arguing that the short week played a role in the lack of energy. Whether you believe that or not, the "Saturday Night" slot is a double-edged sword. It gives you more rest if you win and move to the Championship round, but it shortens your preparation for the Divisional game itself.
Critical Offseason Questions
Now that the "what time do they play" question is answered with a "they don't," the focus shifts immediately to the roster.
The injury to George Kittle—reported as a torn Achilles by several sources—is the biggest cloud hanging over the franchise right now. Losing a centerpiece like that in a blowout loss is a double whammy. You've also got questions about the secondary, which looked completely lost against the Seahawks' passing attack yesterday.
If you were planning a watch party for today, you don't have to cancel the snacks. Just know you'll be scouting the competition instead of rooting for the home team.
Next Steps for 49ers Fans:
Check the final injury report coming out of the Seattle game to see the extent of the damage beyond Kittle. Then, keep an eye on the Rams-Bears game today at 3:30 PM PT; the outcome of that game determines who represents the NFC in the Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium next month.