It is playoff season in the Pacific Northwest, and honestly, the tension is thick enough to cut with a dull knife. If you’re scrambling to figure out what channel is San Francisco 49ers game on today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, you aren’t alone. Fans are flooding search bars because this isn't just a regular-season rematch; it's a Divisional Round showdown at Lumen Field. The Niners are heading into the "Clink" to face the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks, and the broadcast situation is thankfully pretty straightforward if you know where to look.
Where to Find the 49ers vs. Seahawks Today
The game is airing nationally on FOX.
Kickoff is officially scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT). Because this is a high-stakes playoff game, FOX is pulling out the big guns. You’ll be hearing Kevin Burkhardt on the play-by-play and none other than Tom Brady providing the color analysis. For those with high-end setups, the game is also being broadcast in FOX 4K, which is basically the gold standard for seeing every blade of grass and drop of rain in Seattle.
If you happen to be away from a TV, you’ve got options. You can stream the action through the FOX Sports App or on FOXSports.com, though you'll need to sign in with your cable or satellite provider credentials.
📖 Related: Bethany Hamilton and the Shark: What Really Happened That Morning
Streaming Without Cable
Don't have a cord to cut? No problem.
Several live TV streaming services carry FOX. Fubo is usually the go-to for sports junkies because of their 4K support, but you can also catch the game on YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV (in select markets). If you’re strictly mobile, NFL+ is your best bet, as it lets you stream local and primetime postseason games right on your phone or tablet.
- TV Channel: FOX
- Spanish Broadcast: FOX Deportes
- Live Stream: Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, NFL+
- Radio: KSFO (810 AM) and The Bone (107.7 FM) in the Bay Area
The Stakes: Why This Game is a Massive Deal
This is the "rubber match." These two rivals split their regular-season meetings, with the Niners taking the first game in Seattle and the Seahawks grabbing the second in Santa Clara. But things look a little different now. The 49ers are coming off a gritty 23-19 Wild Card win against the Eagles. They’re playing on a short week—just five days of rest—while the Seahawks are coming off a first-round bye.
👉 See also: Simona Halep and the Reality of Tennis Player Breast Reduction
Seattle is rested. San Francisco is battle-tested.
The Niners are also dealing with some significant roster drama. Brandon Aiyuk is officially out, continuing a season-long saga involving a knee injury and a reported rift with the front office. On top of that, there have been questions about George Kittle’s health, though Brock Purdy has shown he can still move the chains even when his primary targets are banged up.
Keys to the Game: What to Watch For
The Seahawks have been surprisingly efficient under Sam Darnold, who has found a weirdly effective second act in Seattle. He’s not throwing for 400 yards, but he’s not turning the ball over either. On the flip side, Brock Purdy is 5-2 in his playoff career. He knows this stage.
✨ Don't miss: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
Watch the ground game. Christian McCaffrey is going up against a Seattle rushing defense that has been top-tier all year. If CMC can't find a rhythm early, Purdy will be forced to win this in the air against a secondary that loves to bait quarterbacks into bad throws.
Actionable Tips for Game Day
If you’re planning to watch, don't wait until 7:59 PM to check your connection.
- Check your local FOX affiliate: While the game is national, some local markets have weird blackouts or technical shifts.
- Verify your streaming login: If you’re using the FOX Sports app, make sure your provider login hasn't expired. There’s nothing worse than missing a first-quarter touchdown because you’re resetting a password.
- Sync your audio: If you prefer the local radio call from Greg Papa, you can stream the audio via the 49ers app (if you're in-market). Sometimes there's a delay between the radio and the TV, so you might need to pause your TV for a second or two to get them perfectly synced.
- 4K Requirements: To watch in 4K on Fubo or the FOX app, ensure your streaming device (Roku, Apple TV, etc.) and your HDMI cable are both 4K compatible.
The road to the NFC Championship goes through Seattle tonight. Whether you're watching on a massive 4K screen or squinting at your phone at work, you now know exactly where to find the game.