You're probably staring at the clock, double-checking your fridge inventory, and wondering exactly what time does the 49er game come on because playoff football waits for nobody. If you're looking for the short answer: the San Francisco 49ers face off against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT).
It's a primetime slot. Honestly, it’s exactly where this rivalry belongs. After a gritty 23-19 Wild Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday, the Niners are heading back into the belly of the beast—Lumen Field—to settle the score with a Seattle team that snatched the NFC West crown right out of their hands in Week 18.
Kickoff Times and Where to Watch
The NFL doesn't make things simple with time zones, so let's get the logistics out of the way before the wings get cold.
The game is being broadcast nationally on FOX. If you’re streaming, you’ll find it on the FOX Sports App, FOXSports.com, or through services like FuboTV and YouTube TV. For the local Bay Area crowd, keep your radio tuned to KNBR 680 AM or 107.7 The Bone if you're stuck in traffic or just prefer the home-call energy.
👉 See also: Tottenham vs FC Barcelona: Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
- Eastern Time: 8:15 p.m.
- Central Time: 7:15 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 6:15 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 5:15 p.m.
Getting the primetime Saturday slot means the winner gets an extra day of rest before the NFC Championship. That's huge. Especially for a San Francisco roster that's currently held together by athletic tape and sheer willpower.
Why This Matchup Feels Different
This isn't just another game. It’s the third time these two have seen each other this season. The 49ers took the first one back in September ($17$-$13$), but the most recent memory is a stinging $13$-$3$ loss in Week 18. That game was ugly.
Seattle’s defense, led by coach Mike Macdonald, basically built a wall. The Niners were held to just 173 total yards. You don't see that often with a Kyle Shanahan offense. It sort of felt like the Seahawks had the cheat codes to Brock Purdy’s playbook.
✨ Don't miss: Buddy Hield Sacramento Kings: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
But the 49ers just proved they can win ugly. That comeback against the Eagles was a masterclass in "next man up" philosophy. They lost safety Ji’Ayir Brown to a hamstring injury in the second quarter and still managed to shut out Philly in the second half. Veterans Eric Kendricks and Garrett Wallow—guys who weren't even on the active roster a month and a half ago—combined for 21 tackles.
The Injury Factor
If you’re checking what time does the 49er game come on so you can plan your emotional breakdown, keep an eye on the injury report. It's a mess.
- Nick Bosa and Fred Warner: Both remain out. It’s a massive hole in the soul of the defense, but Robert Saleh’s unit (yes, he's back leading that group) hasn't blinked yet.
- Ji’Ayir Brown: His status is the big question mark after the Eagles game. If he can’t go, rookie Marques Sigle is going to be tested early and often by Sam Darnold.
- The Seattle Side: Sam Darnold is actually listed as questionable with an oblique injury. If he’s limited, it might force Seattle to lean even harder on Kenneth Walker III, who has been a thorn in the Niners' side all year.
The "Lumen Field" Nightmare
Let’s talk about the 12s. Playing in Seattle is a nightmare for communication. The 49ers’ offensive line, which struggled with false starts in the Week 18 loss, has to be perfect.
🔗 Read more: Why the March Madness 2022 Bracket Still Haunts Your Sports Betting Group Chat
If the run game doesn't get going early, Purdy is going to be forced into long third-down situations where the crowd noise makes it impossible to hear the snap count. That's exactly how Seattle wants it. They lead the league in organic pass-rush pressure without blitzing. If they can get to Purdy with four, it’s going to be a long night for the Red and Gold.
Honestly, the Niners' path to victory is boring: run the ball, win the turnover battle, and hope the "bend but don't break" defense holds up one more time.
Preparing for Saturday Night
Don't wait until 5:10 p.m. PT to figure out your setup. The pre-game coverage usually starts an hour before kickoff, and you’ll want to see if the wind in Seattle is going to affect the kicking game. Jake Moody has been solid, but Lumen Field is notoriously fickle with its gusts.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Confirm your stream: Log into the FOX Sports app now to ensure your provider credentials are still active.
- Monitor the final injury report: Check the official 49ers app or beat writers like Matt Maiocco on Friday afternoon for the final "Active/Inactive" designations for the secondary.
- Sync your audio: If you prefer the radio broadcast over the TV announcers, use a radio app with a "delay" feature to sync the audio with the live TV feed.