If you’re scrambling to figure out what channel is 49ers game on tonight, you aren't alone. It’s the Divisional Round of the 2026 NFL Playoffs, and the San Francisco 49ers are heading into a hostile Lumen Field to face the Seattle Seahawks. This isn't just another game. It’s the rubber match. After splitting the regular-season series—including that ugly Week 18 loss where Seattle clinched home-field—everything is on the line.
Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT) tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026.
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Honestly, the TV situation is pretty straightforward for this one, but if you're a cord-cutter or trying to watch on your phone while out, it gets a little more "choose your own adventure." Let’s break down exactly where you need to point your remote.
The Main Broadcast: Where to Watch on TV
The game is being carried nationally by FOX.
Because this is a primetime playoff matchup, you don't have to worry about regional "blackout" maps or wonder if your local affiliate is showing a different game. If you have a pair of rabbit ears (a digital antenna), you can pull this in for free in high definition.
The broadcast booth is the A-team. You’ve got Kevin Burkhardt on play-by-play and, yes, Tom Brady in the color analyst chair. Love him or hate him, Brady’s insights during the playoffs have been surprisingly sharp this season. Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi will be patrolling the sidelines to give updates on the inevitable injury scares that come with a physical Niners-Hawks game.
For the Spanish-speaking audience, the game is airing on FOX Deportes.
Streaming Options for Cord-Cutters
Maybe you ditched cable years ago. Or maybe you're stuck at a wedding reception and need to sneak a peek under the table. Here is how you stream the 49ers vs. Seahawks game tonight:
- FOX Sports App / FOXSports.com: You can stream it here, but you’ll usually need to log in with "TV provider" credentials.
- Fubo: Probably the best "all-in-one" for sports fans. They offer a 7-day free trial if you’re a new subscriber, so you could technically watch the game for free and cancel tomorrow.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes FOX. No free trial here usually, but it’s reliable.
- YouTube TV: This is what I use. It has the local FOX affiliate and a solid "Key Plays" feature that lets you catch up if you tune in late.
- NFL+: This is the NFL’s own service. Crucial note here: You can only watch the live game on a phone or tablet. If you try to cast it to your TV, it usually blocks the feed unless you have the premium tier for replays.
What the Experts are Saying
The Niners are coming off a gutsy 23-19 win over the Eagles in the Wild Card round. Brock Purdy looked steady, but the loss of George Kittle to that nagging rib injury is a massive storyline. Kittle is officially "Questionable" but let’s be real—it’s the playoffs. He’s likely going to try to go.
On the other side, Seattle’s defense has been a nightmare for Kyle Shanahan this year. They finished the season as the top rushing defense in the NFC. If Christian McCaffrey can’t find those cut-back lanes, Purdy is going to be forced to win this with his arm in a stadium that sounds like a jet engine.
Sam Darnold has been the "X-factor" for Seattle. He’s 28-6 as a starter over the last two years, which is a wild stat most people forget. But he's 0-1 in the playoffs. The pressure is on him to prove he isn't just a regular-season wonder.
Radio and Alternative Ways to Follow
If you’re driving through the Santa Cruz mountains or just prefer the local flavor, the radio broadcast is always a vibe.
49ers Radio Network:
- KSFO 810 AM
- 107.7 The Bone (FM)
- Greg Papa ("Touchdown, San Francisco!") and Tim Ryan are the gold standard for radio calls.
National Radio:
- Westwood One will have the national call with Kevin Kugler and Derek Rackley. You can find this on SiriusXM Channel 83 or 228.
Practical Steps to Get Ready for Kickoff
Don't wait until 7:59 PM to figure out your setup. Every year, people miss the opening drive because their streaming app needs an update or they forgot their password.
- Check your signal: If you’re using an antenna, do a "channel scan" now. Atmospheric conditions change, and you don't want a pixelated screen when Deebo Samuel is breaking tackles.
- Verify your login: If you’re using a friend's YouTube TV or Fubo, make sure you aren't hit with the "too many devices" error.
- Sync your audio: If you like listening to Greg Papa while watching the TV, use a radio app like TuneIn, but be prepared to pause your TV for a few seconds to line up the delay.
- Download the 49ers App: If you’re in the Bay Area, the official app often has a live radio stream and real-time drive charts that are faster than the TV broadcast.
The winner of tonight's game moves on to the NFC Championship to face either the Rams or the Bears. It's a massive night for the Faithful. Grab your jersey, check your remote, and make sure you're on FOX by 5:00 PM PT.
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Next Steps for the Game:
Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and download the FOX Sports app now to ensure your device is compatible before the 8:00 PM ET kickoff. If you're looking for a free way to watch, sign up for a Fubo 7-day trial at least an hour before the game to clear any registration hurdles.