If you’re checking your phone or asking everyone in the room who did 49ers play today, the answer is about as high-stakes as it gets. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the San Francisco 49ers traveled north to face their bitter rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, in the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs.
This isn't just another game. It is a massive, win-or-go-home showdown at Lumen Field.
The 49ers are coming off a gritty 23-19 road win against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round. Honestly, it's kind of wild they’re even here. Between injuries to key players like George Kittle and a defense that’s been held together by duct tape and sheer will, Kyle Shanahan has his team overachieving at exactly the right time. But today, they face a rested Seattle team that earned the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye.
Why Today's Game Against Seattle is Different
Basically, this is the rubber match. The Niners and Seahawks split their regular-season series. San Francisco took the first game 17-13 back in September. Then, just a couple of weeks ago in Week 18, Seattle punched back with a 13-3 defensive masterclass that secured them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
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You've got a fascinating quarterback matchup here.
On one side, Brock Purdy. He’s 5-2 in the playoffs and has a knack for making plays when everything seems to be falling apart. On the other side, you have Sam Darnold. He’s had a career resurgence in Seattle, going 28-6 as a starter over the last two seasons. However, the narrative around Darnold is still "can he win the big one?" He’s 0-1 in the postseason, and the 12th Man in Seattle is desperate for him to prove he can handle the January pressure.
Key Details for the 49ers vs. Seahawks Game
- Kickoff Time: 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET.
- Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA.
- TV Channel: FOX (and FOX Deportes).
- Current Status: This is the late-night "nightcap" of Saturday’s Divisional double-header.
The 49ers' Path to Today
San Francisco finished the regular season at 12-5. That sounds great, but it was a rollercoaster. They started hot, hit a mid-season slump after a weird loss to the Buccaneers, and then caught fire in December.
Last week in Philly, Purdy was sacked repeatedly but stayed calm. Christian McCaffrey remains the focal point, though Seattle’s run defense has been the best in the NFC this year. If the Niners want to win today, they have to find a way to get CMC into space against a Seattle linebacker corps that has been flying to the ball all season.
One thing people keep forgetting: Trent Williams didn't play in that Week 18 loss. Having the future Hall of Fame tackle back today changes everything for the 49ers' protection.
What’s Next for the Winner?
The stakes couldn't be higher. The winner of today’s 49ers-Seahawks clash moves on to the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 25. They will face the winner of tomorrow’s game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears.
If you're looking for an edge, keep an eye on Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He’s averaged over 100 yards against the Niners this season. San Francisco’s secondary has to find an answer for him, or it’s going to be a long flight back to the Bay Area.
Actionable Insights for Fans Today:
- Check the FOX Sports App: If you aren't near a TV, the game is streaming live on FOX One and the FOX Sports app.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Watch for late updates on George Kittle’s availability; even if he's active, his mobility will dictate how much the Niners can use their heavy personnel sets.
- Watch the Weather: Seattle in January is unpredictable. While Lumen Field is "loud," a slippery turf could favor the 49ers' heavy run game over Seattle’s more balanced attack.