If you’re checking your watch and wondering if it's time to crack a beer and settle in for some Niners football, I’ve got the quick answer for you right at the top.
No.
The San Francisco 49ers do not play football today, Thursday, January 15, 2026.
If you were hoping for some mid-week playoff action, you're a few days early. The NFL doesn't usually do Thursday games once we hit the Divisional Round, and this year is no different. But don't go making big plans for the weekend just yet. The 49ers are very much alive in the postseason after that gritty win over Philly, and their next showdown is closer than you think.
When is the next 49ers game?
Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The 49ers are heading up north to Seattle to face the Seahawks at Lumen Field. This isn't just any regular-season rematch; it’s the NFC Divisional Round with a trip to the Conference Championship on the line. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM PT (8:00 PM ET).
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You can catch the game on FOX. Honestly, if you've been following this season, you know how much is riding on this. Seattle snagged the #1 seed and that first-round bye, while the Niners had to claw their way through the Wild Card round.
Do the San Francisco 49ers play football today? Why the wait matters
So, if they aren't playing today, what are they doing?
Right now, the team is likely wrapped up in their final heavy practice or "mock game" situations before boarding the flight to Washington. Thursday is a massive day in the NFL cycle—it's usually when the final injury reports for Saturday games are solidified.
For the 49ers, this extra time is a double-edged sword. On one hand, they need every second to rest after a physical 23-19 win over the Eagles last Sunday. On the other hand, the Seahawks are coming off a bye week. They're fresh. They're rested.
San Francisco is currently listed as a 7.5-point underdog. That’s a big spread for a playoff game between divisional rivals. Vegas is clearly leaning into that "rest vs. rust" narrative, banking on the Seahawks' home-field advantage and the fact that they've already beaten the Niners twice this season, including that defensive slog in Week 18.
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The Injury Situation is... Complicated
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the roster health.
If you were asking do the San Francisco 49ers play football today because you're worried about who’s actually going to be on the field, here’s the latest from the Santa Clara facility.
The big news today—and it's a bit of a bummer—is that All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner has been officially ruled OUT for Saturday. He’s been battling that nasty ankle injury since Week 6. Even though they opened his practice window earlier this week, Kyle Shanahan confirmed today that he’s just not ready to go.
Safety Ji’Ayir Brown is also out with a hamstring issue.
On the flip side, we’re watching Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jacob Cowing (hamstring). Both are listed as questionable. The good news? Trent Williams looks like a full go. Having the big man protecting Brock Purdy’s blind side is the only way the 49ers survive the noise in Seattle.
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Matchup breakdown: Can the Niners pull the upset?
It's weird seeing the 49ers as such heavy underdogs, isn't it?
Seattle’s defense has been a problem all year. They finished the season 14-3 for a reason. But the Niners showed something last week. They showed depth. When the stars went down, the veterans like Eric Kendricks stepped up.
- The Purdy Factor: Brock has to be better than he was in Week 18. He was held to under 200 yards in that game.
- The Run Game: If Christian McCaffrey can’t find holes in that Seattle front, it's going to be a long night.
- The Seahawks' QB Situation: Keep an eye on Sam Darnold. Yeah, he's the guy in Seattle now, and he's actually having a career year, but he's dealing with an oblique injury. He's questionable too.
How to watch and prepare
Since there's no game today, you've got time to get your setup ready.
- TV: FOX / FOX Deportes.
- Streaming: FOX Sports App, NFL+, or Fubo.
- Radio: KGO 810 AM or The Bone 107.7 FM if you're in the Bay Area.
Honestly, the best thing you can do today is keep an eye on those final roster moves. The 49ers usually announce their practice squad elevations on Friday afternoon. If they bring up extra defensive depth, you’ll know they’re worried about the secondary.
While you won't see the Red and Gold on the field today, the tension is definitely building. It’s the playoffs. Anything can happen, even in a stadium as loud as Lumen.
Next Steps for 49ers Fans: Check the final active roster tomorrow afternoon to see if Ricky Pearsall clears the injury protocol. If he’s active, the 49ers' offensive scheme gets a lot more dangerous. You should also verify your local FOX listing, as some regions may have pre-game coverage starting as early as 4:00 PM PT.