If you’re scrambling to find what channel do the 49ers play on today, you can take a quick breath—but only if "today" is Friday.
The San Francisco 49ers aren't on the field this afternoon, January 16, 2026. They are currently in Seattle, likely finishing up their final walkthrough or obsessing over game film in a hotel room. After a gritty, season-saving 23-19 comeback win against the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday, Kyle Shanahan’s squad has moved on to the NFC Divisional Round.
The real date you need to circle is Saturday, January 17, 2026.
What Channel Do the 49ers Play on Today (and Tomorrow)?
Since there is no game on Friday, the "today" search is basically a head start for the weekend. The 49ers will face their biggest rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, at Lumen Field tomorrow night.
For the big game, you’ll need to tune into FOX.
If you’re looking for the specifics, the broadcast is set for 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT). Expect the A-team in the booth. Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady are slated to call the action, which usually means high-production value and a lot of analysis on whether Brock Purdy can handle the "12th Man" noise.
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Broadcast and Streaming Details
Trying to find the game shouldn't feel like a two-minute drill with no timeouts. Here’s the breakdown of how to watch without losing your mind:
- TV Network: FOX (National broadcast).
- Spanish Broadcast: FOX Deportes.
- Streaming Platforms: FOX Sports App, FOXSports.com (requires TV provider login).
- Mobile-Only: NFL+ (limited to phones and tablets for live local/primetime games).
- Cord-Cutters: YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV all carry FOX.
Why This Matchup is Basically a Nightmare
Honestly, of all the teams the 49ers could have drawn in the Divisional Round, the Seahawks are the one that makes fans the most nervous. This isn't just another game. It’s the third time these two have met this season.
The 49ers won the first one back in September, a 17-13 defensive slugfest. But the most recent memory is painful: a 13-3 loss in Week 18 that handed Seattle the NFC West title and the No. 1 seed.
Seattle has been on a tear, winning seven games in a row. They spent last week resting on their bye while the 49ers were fighting for their lives in Philly. That rest advantage is real.
The Quarterback Conundrum
The storyline everyone is talking about? Sam Darnold vs. Brock Purdy.
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It’s kinda wild to see Darnold leading the top-seeded Seahawks into a playoff game, but here we are. He’s been dealing with an oblique injury this week, which had people in Seattle sweating, but reports out of their facility suggest he’s a go.
On the other side, Purdy has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. He struggled mightily against Seattle’s blitz in Week 18. If San Francisco’s offensive line doesn't give him a clean pocket, it’s going to be a long night at Lumen Field.
Key Injuries to Watch Before Kickoff
You can't talk about what channel do the 49ers play on today without talking about who is actually going to be healthy enough to play on it.
The 49ers' defense is held together by grit and duct tape right now. They’ve been playing without Nick Bosa and Fred Warner for a significant stretch. However, there is some massive news: Fred Warner has been participating in practice. Kyle Shanahan has been playing it close to the vest, but seeing Warner back on the field, even in a limited capacity, changes the entire vibe of the defense. They’ll need him. Seattle’s offense, led by Kenneth Walker III and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, is explosive.
On the 49ers' offense, keep an eye on:
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- Christian McCaffrey: He’s been the engine, as usual, but he’s taking a lot of hits.
- Ricky Pearsall: Listed as questionable with a knee issue. He’s become a vital target for Purdy.
- Trent Williams: He’s been managing a hamstring, and at his age, that’s always a "wait and see" situation until the active roster is released 90 minutes before kickoff.
The Weather Factor
It’s January in the Pacific Northwest.
Current forecasts for Saturday night in Seattle show temperatures hovering around 46-52°F with a chance of rain. It won't be a blizzard, but the damp, slick conditions at Lumen Field always seem to favor the home team’s defense.
How to Prepare for the Game
If you're a Niners fan, today is the day for superstition and prep. If you're a casual viewer just wondering what channel do the 49ers play on today, you’ve got time to get your snacks ready.
- Check your local listings: While FOX is a national broadcast, it’s always smart to make sure your local affiliate hasn't scheduled a weird "Special Report" or local event (though for NFL playoffs, that's rare).
- Sync your audio: A lot of Bay Area fans prefer the local radio call. If you’re in the SF area, you can listen on KSFO (810 AM) or The Bone (107.7 FM). Just be prepared to pause your TV for a few seconds to line up the delay.
- Prepare for the noise: If you’re watching at home, maybe turn up the bass. You’ll hear that Seattle crowd through the screen.
The winner of this game moves on to the NFC Championship on January 25. If the 49ers pull off the upset, they’ll be one step closer to playing Super Bowl LX in their own house at Levi's Stadium in February.
Make sure your streaming apps are updated tonight. You don't want to be staring at a "Download Update" bar when the ball is in the air at 8:00 PM tomorrow.
Actionable Insights for Game Day:
- Verify your login: If using the FOX Sports app, log in today to ensure your cable or satellite credentials are still active.
- Monitor the injury report: Final "Active/Inactive" lists are usually released at 6:30 PM ET on Saturday.
- Plan for overtime: Playoff games can go long; ensure your DVR is set to record at least an hour past the scheduled end time.