You're sitting there, remote in hand or phone in face, wondering if you can catch a live game right now. It's Wednesday, January 14, 2026. If you are looking for a live, professional football game to watch this afternoon or evening, I’ve got some bad news.
There are no professional football games on today. Honestly, it’s a bit of a "dead zone" day for the NFL schedule. We just finished a wild Wild Card weekend, and we haven't quite hit the Divisional Round yet. If you feel like there's a hole in your soul—or at least your living room—you aren't alone. Wednesday is basically the Tuesday of the football world: lots of practice, lots of injury reports, but zero kickoffs.
Are there any professional football games on today? The current 2026 playoff landscape
Since the NFL expanded the playoffs a few years back, we’ve gotten used to those Monday night games, which makes Tuesday and Wednesday feel even longer. We just watched the Houston Texans take down the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 on Monday night to close out the opening round. It was a statement win, but it also officially closed the book on football for the mid-week.
Right now, the remaining eight teams are huddled in their film rooms. The Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks are coming off their bye weeks, probably feeling a mix of refreshed and restless.
Why the mid-week gap exists
The NFL is many things, but it isn't a "play every day" league like the NBA or MLB. Players need time for their bodies to stop feeling like they’ve been in a car wreck. While the league loves money, even they know a Wednesday night game between a Wild Card winner and a rested #1 seed would be a disaster for player safety.
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So, instead of a game, we get news. Today is actually the deadline for college underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft. That's big for the future, but it doesn't help your craving for a touchdown celebration right now.
When does the action start back up?
Since the answer to "are there any professional football games on today" is a resounding no, you probably want to know when to set your alarm. The Divisional Round is right around the corner, and the matchups are actually pretty spicy this year.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 17. That’s when the real madness returns.
The Divisional Round Schedule (Jan 17-18)
- Saturday, 4:30 PM ET: The Buffalo Bills travel to the high altitude of Denver to take on the Broncos. This is a massive test for Josh Allen against a rested Denver defense on CBS.
- Saturday, 8:00 PM ET: It’s an NFC West slugfest. The San Francisco 49ers head up to the "Loudest Stadium in the World" to face the Seattle Seahawks on FOX.
- Sunday, 3:00 PM ET: The Houston Texans, fresh off their dominant Wild Card win, visit the New England Patriots. This one is on ABC/ESPN.
- Sunday, 6:30 PM ET: The Los Angeles Rams face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Expect it to be cold, gritty, and televised on NBC.
What about the UFL or CFL?
Sometimes people ask about the "other" leagues when the NFL is quiet. If you're hoping for spring ball or Canadian action, you're a bit too early.
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The UFL (United Football League) doesn't start its 2026 season until March 27. They just finished their draft earlier today (January 14), which is why you might see some "football" headlines floating around, but nobody is putting on pads yet. New teams like the Louisville Kings and Orlando Storm are still just names on a roster sheet.
Up north, the CFL is even further out. Their 2026 season doesn't kick off until June 4. Interestingly, the CFL power players are actually meeting in Calgary today for their winter meetings. They’re talking about rule changes—like moving the uprights to the back of the end zone—but there won't be a snap taken on Canadian soil for months.
Surprising things happening while you wait
While you can't watch a game today, the news cycle is absolutely churning.
One of the biggest stories today involves the Green Bay Packers and their offensive line. Right tackle Zach Tom just went public about his patellar tendon injury, and it sounds like he's leaning toward surgery. For a team that just got bounced by the Bears in the Wild Card round, that’s a tough pill to swallow for 2027.
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Also, if you're a draft nerd, today is essentially your Super Bowl. By midnight, we’ll know exactly which college superstars are skipping their senior years to go pro. That changes the entire mock draft landscape overnight.
How to scratch the football itch today
Since live games are off the table, you've basically got three options to get through the night:
- Rewatch the Wild Card Highlights: The Rams vs. Panthers game was a 34-31 thriller. It's worth a second look if you missed the nuance of that final drive.
- Check the Betting Lines: Oddsmakers have already released the spreads for the weekend. The Broncos are currently favored over the Bills, but that line is moving fast.
- Fantasy Prep: If you’re in a playoff challenge league, now is the time to look at the weather reports for Chicago and Seattle. Saturday night in Seattle looks like it could be a rainy mess, which usually favors the ground game.
Basically, today is a day for strategy and rest. The "are there any professional football games on today" question might have a disappointing answer for now, but the four-game slate this weekend is arguably the best weekend of the entire year for a football fan.
Your next move: Clear your schedule for Saturday afternoon. The Bills and Broncos kick off at 4:30 PM ET, and that’s when the drought officially ends.