If you woke up this morning, checked the thermostat, and immediately started looking for the channel guide to see are the New York Giants playing today, I have some bad news. You can put the jersey away. Or, well, keep it on for the vibes, but don't expect to see any live snaps from MetLife Stadium.
Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026. It’s NFL Divisional Round weekend. And while the league is buzzing with high-stakes playoff football, the New York Giants are officially deep into their offseason. Honestly, it’s been a long few months for the G-Men, and their season ended back on January 4th with a surprisingly high note—a 34-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys. But a regular-season finale win doesn't punch a ticket to the dance when you finish 4-13.
The Giants aren't on the field today because they simply didn't make the cut. They finished dead last in the NFC East.
Why the Giants are Watching from the Couch
It’s kinda painful to look at the bracket and not see the NY logo. Today’s actual NFL schedule features the Houston Texans taking on the New England Patriots, followed by the Los Angeles Rams visiting the Chicago Bears. That's the reality of the 2026 postseason.
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The Giants' 2025-2026 campaign was, frankly, a bit of a train wreck. Brian Daboll was let go back in November after a 2-8 start, and Mike Kafka took over the reins as the interim guy. It’s hard to win in this league when you’re changing leadership mid-stream. They showed some spark toward the end, winning two of their last three games, but the hole was already too deep.
Who is Playing Instead?
Since the answer to are the New York Giants playing today is a resounding "no," you might be wondering who actually is worth watching. The Divisional Round is usually the best weekend of football all year.
- Patriots vs. Texans (3:00 PM ET): Drake Maye has the Pats looking like a powerhouse again, which is a sentence I didn't think I'd be saying so soon after the Brady era.
- Rams vs. Bears (6:30 PM ET): This is the one everyone is talking about. Caleb Williams vs. Matthew Stafford. Youth vs. the grizzled vet.
Yesterday, we already saw the Seattle Seahawks absolutely dismantle the 49ers 41-6. That result alone probably makes Giants fans feel a little better about their own struggles; at least they didn't get embarrassed on national TV in the second round.
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The Harbaugh Era Begins
The reason you should actually be excited as a Giants fan today—even without a game—is what's happening in the front office. On January 15, news broke that the Giants are finalizing a massive 5-year contract with John Harbaugh to become the next head coach.
This is huge.
Basically, the organization is trying to reset the culture. Harbaugh brings that "adult in the room" energy that’s been missing. While the rest of the NFC East is playing for a Super Bowl, the Giants are playing the long game. They’ve already got their 2026 opponents lined up, including dates with the AFC South and the NFC West.
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What’s Next for Big Blue?
So, the question of are the New York Giants playing today has been settled, but what should you be doing instead? If you're a die-hard, today is actually a great day to start scouting. The Giants hold a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Keep an eye on the defensive gaps. Abdul Carter, the linebacker they took last year, looks like a stud, but they need more. They need a consistent identity.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Draft Order: With a 4-13 record, the Giants are picking early. Start looking at the top offensive line prospects or potentially another weapon for the passing game.
- Watch the Bears Game: Since the Giants are rebuilding, watching how Caleb Williams handles the pressure today is a good blueprint for what a "franchise savior" is supposed to look like.
- Monitor the Harbaugh Signing: Wait for the official press conference from Joe Schoen and John Mara. This will outline the vision for the next five years.
The Giants aren't playing today, but the work to ensure they are playing on this date in 2027 has already started. Enjoy the games as a neutral observer—it's a lot less stressful for your blood pressure anyway.