If you woke up today, Friday, January 16, 2026, and immediately grabbed your phone to check who won 49er game today, you might be feeling a little bit of that pre-game "where is it?" anxiety.
The short answer? Nobody.
Basically, there wasn't a game. The San Francisco 49ers did not play today because the NFL likes to keep us on the edge of our seats by scheduling the heavy-hitting Divisional Round games for the weekend.
Honestly, it's a bit of a tease. We just watched them pull off a gritty, heart-stopping 23-19 win against the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday in the Wild Card round. That game was a total rollercoaster. Brock Purdy found Christian McCaffrey for a 4-yard score late in the fourth, and let’s not forget that Jauan Jennings—yes, the wide receiver—actually threw a touchdown pass to McCaffrey earlier in the game. It was pure Shanahan magic.
But today is Friday. It's the "calm" before the literal storm that’s about to hit Lumen Field.
The 49ers Schedule and That Upcoming Seattle Showdown
So, if they didn't play today, when do they?
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Mark your calendar for tomorrow: Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The 49ers are heading up to Seattle to face the Seahawks in the Divisional Round. This isn't just any game; it’s a rubber match. These two NFC West rivals split their season series this year. Seattle took the last one in Week 18 with a 13-3 defensive beatdown that left Niners fans feeling pretty uneasy.
What happened in the last game?
If you're still thinking about the Wild Card win against the Eagles, you've gotta appreciate the nuance of that victory.
- Final Score: 49ers 23, Eagles 19.
- The Heroics: Brock Purdy threw for 262 yards. He had two picks, sure, but he stayed cool when it mattered.
- The Worry: George Kittle went out with a right Achilles injury. It looked bad. Like, "carted off the field" bad.
Losing Kittle is huge. He’s the heart of that offense. Without him, the Niners have to rely even more on Jennings and McCaffrey to manufacture yards against a Seattle defense that basically built a wall at Levi’s Stadium just two weeks ago.
Why the "Who Won" Search is Trending Today
People are searching for the score today because the NFL playoff schedule is kinda confusing. In 2026, the league has spread these games across Saturdays, Sundays, and even Mondays.
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Last week, the 49ers played on Sunday. This week, they play on Saturday. That one-day shift throws everyone off. Plus, when you're used to the Thursday Night Football rhythm during the regular season, you expect a game every few days.
But Friday is a rest day for the players and a "stress-eating" day for the fans.
Examining the Seattle Matchup
Seattle is coming off a first-round bye. They are the top seed for a reason. They have been efficient, disciplined, and quite frankly, annoying for any Niners fan to watch.
The Seahawks opened as 6.5-point favorites for tomorrow’s game.
Why? Because they're at home at Lumen Field, which is basically a noise-induced headache for opposing quarterbacks. Also, Sam Darnold has been managing that Seattle offense with surprising precision, and Zach Charbonnet has been a problem for the SF defensive line.
What Most Fans Are Getting Wrong About This Weekend
There’s this idea that because the Niners beat the defending champ Eagles, they’re unstoppable.
That’s a dangerous way to think.
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The 49ers' offense struggled significantly in their last meeting with Seattle. They only scored 3 points. They converted 2 of 12 third downs. That’s not just "a bad day"—that’s a systematic failure to move the chains.
If Kyle Shanahan doesn't find a way to counter Seattle's linebacker Drake Thomas, who seems to read Purdy's mind, tomorrow could be a very long night in the Pacific Northwest.
Looking Back to Look Forward
- Week 1: Niners won 17-13.
- Week 18: Seahawks won 13-3.
- Tomorrow: The tiebreaker.
The stakes couldn't be higher. The winner moves on to the NFC Championship. The loser goes home to think about "what if" for the next seven months.
Actionable Steps for 49ers Fans
Since you can't watch a game that isn't happening today, here is how you should prep for tomorrow's actual kickoff:
- Check the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on George Kittle’s status. Even if he’s ruled out, seeing how the team adjusts the practice squad will tell you if they plan to go heavy on the run or use more three-receiver sets.
- Verify the Time: The game is set for Saturday, January 17, at 8:00 PM EST (5:00 PM PST). It’s airing on FOX. Don't be the person who tunes in on Sunday and realizes they missed the season finale.
- Watch the Tape: If you have NFL+, go back and watch the third-down plays from the Week 18 loss. See where the protection broke down. It’ll give you a much better sense of what to look for in the first quarter tomorrow.
- Monitor the Weather: Seattle in mid-January is unpredictable. If it’s raining or windy, the advantage shifts heavily toward whichever team can hold onto the ball and run effectively.
The 49ers didn't win today, but they have a chance to make a statement tomorrow night. Rest up, because your heart rate is going to need it.