So, you're looking for the Niners? If you’ve spent the last hour scrolling through your TV guide wondering why the San Francisco 49ers aren't popping up on your screen today, Friday, January 16, 2026, there is a very simple reason for that.
They aren't playing today.
NFL playoff scheduling is always a bit of a moving target, but the league finalized the Divisional Round slate earlier this week. The 49ers, fresh off a gritty 23-19 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round, are actually scheduled to play tomorrow. If you're asking what is the 49ers game on, the answer is FOX. Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 17, 2026. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET (which is 5:15 p.m. for those of us on the West Coast).
Where to Find the 49ers vs. Seahawks Divisional Matchup
This isn't just any game; it’s a massive NFC West rubber match at Lumen Field. Since it's the primetime Saturday slot, you won't have to hunt through obscure cable channels to find it.
The game is being broadcast nationally on FOX.
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If you’ve ditched cable and gone full streaming, you have a few ways to get the feed. FOX One is the primary streaming home for the game. You can also catch it through live TV services like YouTube TV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV. For the fans who prefer the Spanish-language broadcast, FOX Deportes has you covered.
Interestingly, there was a bit of drama regarding the timing. Head coach Kyle Shanahan actually publicly lobbied for a Sunday game. He was worried about the short week after the physical battle in Philly, but the league executives didn't bite. They wanted the ratings of a 49ers-Seahawks Saturday night showdown, and honestly, can you blame them?
Why This Game Is Such a Big Deal
This is the third time these teams are meeting this season, and the history is... well, it's spicy. San Francisco won the season opener in Seattle, but the Seahawks punched back in Week 18 with a 13-3 defensive masterclass that actually stripped the Niners of a potential first-round bye.
Now, we’re back in Seattle.
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The 49ers are currently the No. 6 seed, which feels weird for a team that went 12-5. In fact, they made history this year as the first team ever to win 12 games and still finish third in their own division. That’s just how brutal the NFC West has been.
Key Storylines to Watch
- The Oblique Factor: Seattle's QB Sam Darnold—who has had a career resurgence this year—scared everyone by popping up on the injury report with a left oblique strain yesterday. He told reporters he's "closer to zero" percent likely to miss the game, but keep an eye on his throwing motion early on.
- The Blitz Problem: According to NFL Pro data, Brock Purdy has struggled against the blitz this season, ranking 24th in efficiency. Seattle knows this. They doubled their blitz rate in their last meeting and held the Niners to just 3 points.
- Brock Purdy’s Revenge: This is the same stadium where Purdy has had some of his most "human" moments. He’s looking to prove that the Week 18 clunker was an outlier, not the blueprint for stopping this offense.
Injuries Are Piling Up for San Francisco
You can't talk about what is the 49ers game on without talking about who is actually going to be on the field. The Niners are limping into this one.
The injury report is a bit of a horror show for San Francisco fans. Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are both on IR. George Kittle is officially listed as "OUT" for Saturday's game with a leg injury. That leaves a massive void in both the pass rush and the middle of the field. Christian McCaffrey and Kyle Juszczyk are healthy, which is great, but the loss of Kittle's blocking and red-zone threat is going to change how Klay Kubiak (the OC) calls this game.
Watching the Game Without Cable
If you don't have a TV provider, don't panic. You can still watch the 49ers game tomorrow night.
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- Digital Antenna: If you’re in the Bay Area or Seattle, a cheap $20 antenna from Amazon will pick up the local FOX affiliate in HD for free.
- FOX One App: You can stream it here, often with a free trial if you're a new user.
- NFL+: This is the league's official app. You can watch live local and primetime games on your phone or tablet. It’s a solid backup if you’re stuck at work or away from a big screen.
What You Should Do Before Kickoff
Since there's no game tonight, use the time to check your tech. If you're planning on streaming, log in tonight to make sure your password still works. There’s nothing worse than missing a first-quarter touchdown because you were stuck in a password-reset loop.
Also, check the weather if you're heading to a watch party. Seattle is looking clear but chilly, with temps around 49°F at kickoff. If you're at the game, remember that Lumen Field is notoriously loud; the "12s" will be out in full force trying to rattle Purdy.
Make sure your apps are updated, your snacks are bought, and your jerseys are ready. The winner of this game moves on to the NFC Championship on January 25, while the loser starts their offseason early. It's high stakes, and for a 49ers team that has been the "almost" team for years, this feels like a legacy-defining moment for the Purdy-Shanahan era.