Look, I get it. You woke up, checked the calendar, and your first thought was: are there any nfl football games today? It's Friday, January 16, 2026. We are deep in the postseason. The air is crisp, the stakes are massive, and you probably want to park yourself on the couch with a plate of wings.
But here is the quick, cold reality: No. There are zero NFL games scheduled for today.
I know, it’s a bummer. We just came off a wild Wild Card weekend where the Houston Texans absolutely dismantled the Steelers and the Rams survived a 34-31 thriller against the Panthers. You're probably itching for that next hit of playoff adrenaline. But the league always treats this specific Friday like a deep breath before a plunge. Today is for the "healthy scratches" to get treatment and for coaches like Denver’s Sean Payton to obsess over film for the fourteenth hour in a row.
The NFL Divisional Round Weekend Schedule
Since there aren't any games tonight, you should probably focus on clearing your schedule for the next 48 hours. The Divisional Round is widely considered the best weekend of the entire year because the "pretenders" have been filtered out. We are left with the elite eight.
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Here is how the weekend actually shakes out. Don't let your Friday boredom distract you from the fact that Saturday is absolutely loaded.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
- AFC Matchup: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos. Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m. ET. You can catch this one on CBS or stream it via Paramount+. Denver is coming off a bye, and watching Josh Allen try to navigate that thin air against a rested defense is going to be something else.
- NFC Matchup: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks. This one starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on FOX. It’s a divisional rivalry in the playoffs. Honestly, it doesn't get much saltier than this. Seattle’s Lumen Field is going to be deafening.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
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- AFC Matchup: Houston Texans at New England Patriots. 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN. The Texans look like a juggernaut right now, but going into Foxborough in mid-January is basically a rite of passage.
- NFC Matchup: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears. 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The forecast for Soldier Field is looking brutal—temperatures in the single digits. Watching Matthew Stafford go from 80-degree Los Angeles sun to a "frozen tundra" vibe is the peak NFL experience we all live for.
Why Friday Games Are So Rare
You might be wondering why the NFL doesn't just toss us a bone and play one game on Friday night. It seems like a missed opportunity for ratings, right?
Basically, it comes down to tradition and player safety. The turnaround from a Sunday or Monday Wild Card game to a Friday Divisional game would be way too short. The league prioritizes giving these high-seed teams (like the No. 1 seed Broncos and Seahawks) their earned rest. Plus, Fridays have historically been "High School Football" nights in the American consciousness. Even though the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 technically only protects Friday nights for high schools during the regular season, the NFL generally sticks to its Saturday/Sunday playoff rhythm.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Weekend
A lot of folks assume the No. 1 seeds are a lock because they’re coming off a bye week. But keep an eye on the "rust vs. rest" factor.
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Denver hasn't played a meaningful snap in two weeks. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills are coming in red-hot after a physical win. Sometimes that momentum is worth more than a week on the couch. Also, don't sleep on those weather reports for the Bears game. We’ve seen high-flying offenses like the Rams completely stall out when the wind starts whipping off Lake Michigan. If you're looking at the betting lines or just chatting with friends, remember that a 10-degree temperature drop usually favors the team with the better interior offensive line, not necessarily the better quarterback.
How to Handle Your NFL Craving Today
Since you can't watch a live game, there are still ways to prep. Honestly, today is the best day to check your fantasy "playoff challenge" rosters or finalize any prop bets.
- Watch the Injury Reports: Keep a close eye on the 49ers' backfield. Any late-week "DNP" (Did Not Practice) for a key starter today is a massive red flag for tomorrow's game.
- Check the Weather: Specifically for Chicago. If the snow starts early, that Sunday night game changes from a shootout to a "ground and pound" slog.
- Set Your DVR: If you’re heading out tomorrow afternoon, make sure your recordings are set for that 4:30 p.m. ET Bills/Broncos kickoff.
So, while the answer to are there any nfl football games today is a resounding "no," the wait is almost over. Use this Friday to get your chores done, because once Saturday afternoon hits, you won't want to move from your seat until the clock hits zero in Chicago on Sunday night.
Immediate Next Steps for Fans
Go ahead and download the official NFL app or check your local listings now to ensure you have the correct channels (CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN/ABC) for the weekend. If you rely on streaming, double-check your Paramount+ and Peacock logins today so you aren't scrambling and missing the opening kickoff tomorrow because of a forgotten password. If you’re tracking specific players, the final official injury designations will be released by the teams within the next few hours, which will give you the most accurate picture of who is actually taking the field.