If you’re sitting on your couch right now wondering are there any football games on now, you’ve probably realized that January 17th isn't just another Saturday. It’s actually one of the biggest betting and viewing days of the year. We are smack in the middle of the NFL Divisional Round, the European soccer leagues are in full throttle after their winter breaks, and college football is just a couple of days away from crowning a champion.
Basically, if you have a screen, there is something to watch.
Right now, the big energy is centered on the NFL playoffs. We’ve moved past the chaos of Wild Card weekend and into the "big boy" bracket. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, features a double-header that essentially dictates the vibe for the rest of the winter.
The NFL Divisional Round: Saturday’s Heavy Hitters
Honestly, the Divisional Round is often better than the Super Bowl. The teams are more evenly matched, and the desperation is palpable. Today's schedule features two massive matchups that are currently the talk of every sports bar in the country.
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Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 p.m. ET on CBS)
The afternoon slot belongs to a frosty matchup at Empower Field at Mile High. Denver, the AFC’s top seed, is hosting a Buffalo team that has been playing like they have a chip on their shoulder for the last month. If you’re checking the score right now, keep an eye on the wind speeds in Denver. This is classic "old school" football weather. You can catch this one on CBS or stream it via Paramount+.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 p.m. ET on FOX)
The "nightcap" is a divisional grudge match. The Seahawks earned home-field advantage by beating the Niners in Week 18, and now we get the rubber match. Seeing these two play three times in one season is a lot, but the stakes are finally as high as they get. Brock Purdy vs. Sam Darnold—who would’ve predicted that a few years ago? This one is on FOX, or you can use the FOX One app if you're on the go.
Are There Any Football Games On Now Across the Pond?
If you're an early riser or just a soccer fanatic, the "other" football has been running all morning. The Premier League and Bundesliga are deep into their Saturday slate.
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In England, we just saw a massive Manchester Derby earlier today (United vs. City), which always sets a weird tone for the weekend depending on which side of Manchester is currently celebrating. Most of the 3:00 p.m. GMT games have wrapped up, but Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal is the late kickoff in the UK (12:30 p.m. ET). If you've got Peacock or USA Network, that’s where you’ll find the Gunners trying to keep their title hopes alive.
Over in Germany, the Bundesliga is back from its winter nap. RB Leipzig vs. Bayern Munich is the marquee matchup today. It kicked off at 12:30 p.m. ET as well. Bayern has been uncharacteristically shaky this season, making the Red Bull Arena a literal house of horrors for them lately.
In Italy’s Serie A, there’s a late-night special for the locals: Cagliari vs. Juventus. It kicks off at 7:45 p.m. local time (2:45 p.m. ET). Juventus is trying to claw back into the top four, and a trip to Sardinia is never as easy as it looks on paper.
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What About College Football?
Here is the thing: there are no college games today. I know, it feels wrong for a Saturday in January.
But there’s a reason for the silence. We are currently in the "lull" before the storm of the National Championship. The game is set for Monday night, January 19th. It’s going to be Indiana vs. Miami—a matchup literally nobody had on their bingo card back in August. Since the game is on Monday, today is mostly just fans traveling to the stadium and analysts over-analyzing the quarterback matchups on ESPN.
Quick Cheat Sheet: Where to Watch Right Now
If you just need to know which button to press on your remote, here is the quick breakdown of what is live or upcoming:
- NFL: Bills at Broncos (4:30 p.m. ET) – CBS / Paramount+
- NFL: 49ers at Seahawks (8:00 p.m. ET) – FOX / FOX One
- Premier League: Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal – USA Network / Peacock
- Bundesliga: RB Leipzig vs. Bayern Munich – ESPN+
- Serie A: Cagliari vs. Juventus – Paramount+
Actionable Tips for the Weekend Viewer
Stop relying on the "Guide" button on your TV; it's slow and usually wrong about streaming blackouts. If you’re serious about catching every snap, here is what you should actually do:
- Check your streaming lag. If you’re watching the NFL on Paramount+ or Peacock, you are likely 30 to 45 seconds behind the live broadcast. Turn off your "Score Alerts" on your phone, or your brother will text you "TOUCHDOWN!" while the punter is still on the field for you.
- Verify the local weather. In Denver today, the temperature is dropping fast. This affects the over/under more than any player injury. If the wind picks up, expect a lot of running and very few deep shots to Diggs or the Denver receivers.
- Sync your apps. Most major providers now allow you to "Multiview." If you have YouTube TV or a similar service, you can usually pull up the NFL game and a soccer match at the same time.
The reality of January 17 is that the sports world is moving fast. Whether it's the 49ers trying to survive the "12th Man" in Seattle or Arsenal trying to avoid a trap game in Nottingham, your Saturday is officially booked. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the divisional drama.