The San Francisco 49ers are heading into hostile territory. Tonight, they take on the Seattle Seahawks in a high-stakes NFC Divisional Round matchup. If you've been searching for what time is the 49ers game on today, you aren't alone—the NFL schedule can be a bit of a moving target during the playoffs, but we have the definitive answer for this Saturday, January 17, 2026.
What time is the 49ers game on today?
The 49ers vs. Seahawks game kicks off at 5:00 p.m. PT (8:00 p.m. ET).
This is the primetime slot for Saturday night. It’s the "nightcap" of the Divisional Round's opening day, following the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos game earlier in the afternoon. Since this game is being played at Lumen Field in Seattle, expect a rowdy atmosphere under the lights. The "12s" are notoriously loud, and for a playoff game against a division rival, it’s going to be deafening.
Where to watch the 49ers vs. Seahawks
You don't need a complicated streaming setup for this one. Because it's a major playoff game, it is being broadcast on national television.
- TV Channel: FOX
- Spanish Broadcast: FOX Deportes
- Streaming: FOX Sports App (requires cable login), FuboTV, or YouTube TV.
If you’re listening on the radio in the Bay Area, you can catch the local call on KSFO (810 AM) or The Bone (107.7 FM). There is something special about Greg Papa’s "Touchdown San-Fran-Cisco!" call that just hits different during the postseason.
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Why this matchup is a "Rubber Match"
Honestly, this is the game everyone in the NFC West wanted. These two teams have already met twice this season, and they split the series 1-1.
San Francisco took the first game way back in Week 1, winning a gritty 17-13 defensive battle in Seattle. But the Seahawks got their revenge recently. In Week 18, Seattle beat the 49ers 13-3 at Levi's Stadium. That Week 18 loss was actually what forced the 49ers into the Wild Card round, while Seattle secured the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye.
The 49ers are coming off a hard-fought 23-19 win against the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. They’re battle-tested. Seattle, on the other hand, is coming off a week of rest. Will the rest help the Seahawks, or will the 49ers keep their momentum rolling?
Key Storylines and Injuries
You can't talk about this game without mentioning the injury report. It's been a rough year for the Niners' health.
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Fred Warner is officially out. That is a massive blow to the heart of the San Francisco defense. Without Warner, the middle of the field is much more vulnerable to Seattle's Sam Darnold—who, surprisingly, has had a career resurgence in Seattle this year. On the flip side, the 49ers finally have Trent Williams back at left tackle. He missed the Week 18 loss, and his presence is basically a requirement for Brock Purdy to have time in the pocket.
Speaking of Purdy, he’s been the ultimate "underdog" story that just won't quit. Despite losing George Kittle to a season-ending injury earlier, Purdy has found a way to make it work with guys like Demarcus Robinson and Ricky Pearsall.
Seattle’s Ground Game vs. SF’s Front
Seattle’s path to victory is pretty clear: run the ball. In their Week 18 win, Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet combined for over 170 rushing yards. San Francisco’s run defense has been uncharacteristically leaky lately. If the 49ers can't stop the run early, it’s going to be a long night for the Red and Gold.
The stakes: Who moves on?
The winner of tonight's game earns a trip to the NFC Championship.
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If the 49ers win, they will play the winner of tomorrow's Rams vs. Bears game. If the Rams win, we could see an all-NFC West championship game. If the Bears win, the 49ers would have to travel to Soldier Field.
Basically, everything is on the line. The 49ers are the No. 6 seed, making them the "Cinderella" of the NFC right now. Being the lowest seed remaining means they will be on the road for the rest of the playoffs, regardless of what happens.
Actionable Checklist for Fans
- Finalize your snacks by 4:30 p.m. PT: You don't want to be in the kitchen when kickoff happens at 5:00.
- Check your TV input: Make sure your FOX signal is clear or your streaming app is updated.
- Watch the weather: It's January in Seattle. While the forecast looks mostly clear, a light drizzle is always possible at Lumen Field, which could favor the running game.
- Monitor the active/inactive list: Official lists are released 90 minutes before kickoff (around 3:30 p.m. PT). Keep an eye out for Ricky Pearsall’s status, as he was listed as questionable.
The game is only a few hours away. Get your jerseys ready. 5:00 p.m. PT on FOX. Go Niners.