If you’re staring at your remote wondering exactly what football game tonight is worth your time, you’ve hit the jackpot. We are officially in the heart of the NFL Divisional Round. This is the weekend where the pretenders have been sent home and the heavyweights finally step into the ring. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, we have a double-header that basically defines "high stakes."
It isn't just about the pros, though. While the NFL is taking center stage, the soccer world already saw some massive shifts earlier today over in the Premier League.
But let’s be real. You’re likely here because you want to know which channel to flip to and when the kickoff happens. Here is the breakdown of the evening's schedule, the storylines that actually matter, and why tonight's matchups are a bit weirder than usual.
The Main Event: 49ers vs. Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET
This is the big one. The "nightcap." The San Francisco 49ers are traveling to Lumen Field to take on the Seattle Seahawks. This isn't just a playoff game; it’s an NFC West bloodbath.
Seattle enters as the No. 1 seed. They’ve been sitting at home, resting, watching the Wild Card chaos from their couches. San Francisco, the No. 6 seed, had to fight their way here. Most experts are leaning toward Seattle—they are currently 7-point favorites—but anyone who knows this rivalry knows the points spread is often just a suggestion.
Why this game is actually interesting
Honestly, Seattle’s home-field advantage is a cliché at this point, but it's a cliché for a reason. The "12th Man" is loud. San Francisco has to deal with that noise while trying to keep their momentum from last week alive.
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- TV Channel: FOX
- Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
- Streaming: FOX Sports App, FOX One, or Fubo
If you’ve got a 4K TV, this is usually the game FOX pulls out all the stops for. Expect crisp views of the drizzle that always seems to find its way into Seattle playoff games.
The Afternoon Starter: Bills vs. Broncos
If you're reading this early enough, the Buffalo Bills are taking on the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. This kicked off at 4:30 PM ET.
Denver is the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Much like Seattle, they are coming off a bye week. Buffalo is the No. 6 seed, and they are basically the "team nobody wants to play" right now. The Broncos opened as underdogs—which is wild for a No. 1 seed—but the line shifted to make them a 1.5-point favorite. It’s a toss-up.
- TV Channel: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+
The thin air in Denver usually plays a factor in the fourth quarter. If the Bills can’t rotate their defensive line effectively, they might gas out by the time the sun goes down over the Rockies.
What Happened Earlier? (The Soccer Recap)
If you woke up late, you missed a historic moment in English football. Earlier today, Manchester United beat Manchester City 2-0.
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Why does this matter? It was Michael Carrick’s first game as interim manager. To walk into a Manchester Derby and win 2-0 in your debut is the stuff of legends. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealed the deal. It’s a massive blow to City’s title hopes and a huge "vibe shift" for United.
Other Premier League scores from today:
- Chelsea 1 - 0 Brentford
- Liverpool 1 - 1 Burnley (A massive stumble for the Reds)
- Tottenham 1 - 2 West Ham
Is there any College Football tonight?
Short answer: No.
I know, it feels weird. Saturday is usually for the campus crowds. But we are in the lull before the storm. The College Football Playoff National Championship between the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers and the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes is set for Monday, January 19.
Indiana is chasing a perfect season after crushing Oregon 56-22. Miami is the ultimate underdog story of 2026. You’ve got to wait 48 hours for that one. Tonight belongs to the NFL.
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How to watch without cable
If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't out of luck for what football game tonight you want to stream.
Paramount+ is your go-to for the Bills/Broncos game since it’s on CBS. For the 49ers/Seahawks game on FOX, you can use the FOX Sports app if you have a login, or services like Fubo and YouTube TV.
NFL+ is also an option, but remember that’s usually restricted to mobile devices for live local and primetime games. If you want it on the big screen, the network apps or a digital antenna are your best bets.
Betting Lines and What to Watch For
The Seahawks being a 7-point favorite feels high. San Francisco has a way of turning these games into a "phone booth" fight—short passes, heavy runs, and lots of hitting.
In the Denver game, the Over/Under is sitting around 46. With the way Buffalo’s offense has been clicking, the "Over" feels tempting, but playoff football in Denver can often turn into a defensive slog.
Actionable Insights for Tonight
- Check your local listings: If you are on the West Coast, remember that 49ers/Seahawks starts at 5:00 PM. Don't be the person who shows up to the watch party an hour late.
- Data Usage: Streaming in 4K can eat up to 7GB per hour. If you’re on a data cap, maybe stick to 1080p.
- Monday Prep: Clear your schedule for Monday night. Indiana vs. Miami is going to be the biggest college game in a decade.
The Divisional Round is often better than the Super Bowl because you get four games of elite football in 48 hours. Enjoy the triple-header of drama, and keep an eye on the weather in Seattle—it almost always changes the game plan.
Next Steps:
Go ahead and download the Paramount+ or FOX Sports app now so you aren't fighting with password resets two minutes before kickoff. If you're using an antenna, do a channel scan now to ensure CBS and FOX are coming in clear.