It is that time of year where the air in the Bay Area gets a little crisper and the tension in the Pacific Northwest reaches a fever pitch. If you are looking for the quick answer to what time do the forty niners play today, you actually need to look toward tomorrow.
The San Francisco 49ers do not play today, Friday, January 16, 2026.
Instead, they are gearing up for a massive NFC Divisional Round clash against the Seattle Seahawks. This game is set for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT). It’s going to be a loud one at Lumen Field.
Honestly, this isn't just another game. It's the third time these two rivals have seen each other in the last few months, and if you saw that regular-season finale, you know the Niners have a massive chip on their shoulder.
The Saturday Night Prime Time Slot
Since the NFL loves drama, they’ve parked this game in the Saturday night "nightcap" slot. While the early game features the Bills and the Broncos, the 49ers and Seahawks will take over the national spotlight once the sun goes down on the West Coast.
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You can catch the action on FOX.
If you're not near a TV, you’ve got options. FOX One, the FOX Sports app, and even Fubo or YouTube TV will have the stream. Just make sure your internet is solid because Lumen Field is basically a wall of noise that translates even through the screen.
Quick Game Info
- Date: Saturday, Jan 17, 2026
- Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. local time (PT) / 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
- Channel: FOX
Why This Matchup is a Nightmare (and a Dream)
Let's be real for a second. Playing in Seattle is never fun for San Francisco. Earlier this month, on January 3, the Seahawks absolutely stifled the Niners in a 13-3 slog. It was ugly. Brock Purdy had arguably his toughest day of the season, and the offense just couldn't find a rhythm.
But then came last week.
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The Niners went into Philly and knocked off the Eagles 23-19. Purdy looked like a completely different human, throwing for 262 yards and finding Jauan Jennings for the game-winner late in the fourth. That's the version of the team fans are hoping shows up tomorrow.
The Seahawks are coming off a bye, which is a double-edged sword. They’re rested, sure. But the 49ers are "game-ready" and carrying a lot of momentum after surviving a physical Wild Card battle.
Key Players Who Will Decide the Night
Kenneth Walker III has been a problem. Plain and simple. The last time these teams met, he gashed the Niners for nearly 100 yards. If the San Francisco defensive front—led by Nick Bosa—can’t plug those gaps early, it’s going to be a long night for the secondary.
On the other side, keep an eye on Jauan Jennings. He’s been hitting all his contract incentives this year and has become Purdy’s "safety blanket" when Deebo Samuel or George Kittle are getting extra attention.
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The weather in Seattle is looking typically "Pacific Northwest"—cool, damp, and unpredictable. That usually favors a strong run game and a defense that doesn't slip on the turf.
Getting Ready for Kickoff
If you're planning a watch party, you have about 24 hours to get the snacks sorted. Since the 5:00 p.m. PT start time is right at dinner, people usually lean into the sourdough and seafood themes if they're rooting for the Niners, or maybe some local Seattle coffee and craft beer if they're feeling rebellious.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Sync your calendar: Set an alert for 4:45 p.m. PT tomorrow so you don't miss the pre-game intros and the coin toss.
- Check your streaming login: If you’re using the FOX Sports app, log in today to ensure your cable provider credentials haven't expired.
- Monitor the injury report: Keep an eye on the final status of Christian McCaffrey’s workload, as his usage often dictates how much the Seahawks have to cheat toward the line of scrimmage.
This is playoff football. Everything is on the line, and by this time tomorrow, we'll know if the Niners are heading to the NFC Championship or heading home.