If you’re sitting on the couch right now wondering are there football games on tonight, the short answer is a resounding yes. It's Sunday, January 18, 2026. We are currently smack in the middle of the NFL Divisional Round, which is arguably the best weekend of the entire football calendar.
Forget the regular season slog. Today is about high-stakes, win-or-go-home drama. You've got two massive professional matchups on the slate that will determine who moves on to the AFC and NFC Championship games next week.
Honestly, the energy is different today. Yesterday saw the Broncos outlast the Bills and the Seahawks take down the Niners in a rainy slugfest. Now, the focus shifts to the East Coast and the Midwest.
The NFL Schedule for Tonight: Sunday, January 18, 2026
If you’re looking for the specifics, here is exactly what is happening on the gridiron today. We have a double-header that covers the mid-afternoon slot and the primetime window.
Game 1: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
👉 See also: Ohio State Football All White Uniforms: Why the Icy Look Always Sparks a Debate
- Kickoff Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Network: ABC and ESPN
- The Vibe: This is a classic "new guard vs. old guard" situation. The Patriots are actually 3-point favorites here at Gillette Stadium. CJ Stroud and the Texans are trying to prove that their high-flying offense can handle the freezing temperatures of January in Foxborough.
Game 2: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
- Kickoff Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Network: NBC and Peacock
- The Vibe: This is the big one for the primetime crowd. Soldier Field is going to be rocking. Interestingly, the oddsmakers have the Rams as 3.5-point road favorites, despite the Bears being the higher seed (the #2 seed in the NFC). It's going to be cold, it’s going to be physical, and it’s basically the perfect way to spend a Sunday evening.
Where Can You Stream the Action?
If you've cut the cord, you aren't out of luck. For the afternoon game on ABC/ESPN, you can use the ESPN app or services like Fubo, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV.
For the night game, Peacock is your best friend. Since it’s an NBC broadcast, they’ll be streaming the Rams and Bears live. If you’re a Spanish speaker, Telemundo and Universo will also carry the Chicago game.
What About College Football?
I know some of you are still riding the high of the bowl season. But if you’re asking are there football games on tonight specifically for the college level, the answer is no.
✨ Don't miss: Who Won the Golf Tournament This Weekend: Richard T. Lee and the 2026 Season Kickoff
The college season is effectively on a one-day pause.
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is the big one. We have the College Football Playoff National Championship game. It’s #1 Indiana vs. #10 Miami (FL) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. That kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Indiana has been a juggernaut this year, basically playing "robotic" defense—as their defensive coordinator Bryant Haines put it—to dismantle teams like Alabama and Oregon. They are one win away from a historic title, but you’ll have to wait until tomorrow night to see that unfold.
Is International Soccer an Option Tonight?
Maybe you're a "football is football" kind of person and you're looking for the round-ball variety. If so, today was actually a massive day for European and international soccer.
🔗 Read more: The Truth About the Memphis Grizzlies Record 2025: Why the Standings Don't Tell the Whole Story
Most of the major action happened earlier today, but there are some late-night options if you’re a fan of Liga MX or international tournaments.
- Africa Cup of Nations: Senegal took on Morocco at 2:00 p.m. ET.
- Spanish La Liga: Real Sociedad hosted Barcelona at 3:00 p.m. ET.
- Mexican Liga MX: We still have some games tonight! Pachuca is facing América at 8:05 p.m. ET, which is always a heated matchup.
- Australian A-League: If you’re a true night owl (or have insomnia), Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix play at 1:00 a.m. ET (early Monday morning).
Looking Ahead: The Spring Football Gap
Once tonight’s NFL games wrap up, we start the countdown to the Super Bowl on February 8, 2026. But what happens after that?
If you're already worrying about "football withdrawal," the UFL (United Football League) is gearing up for its third season. However, it won't help you tonight. The 2026 UFL season doesn't kick off until March 27, 2026.
They’ve made some big changes for this year, including adding new teams like the Columbus Aviators, Louisville Kings, and Orlando Storm. They’re moving away from the massive NFL stadiums and into more intimate, soccer-specific venues to boost the atmosphere. It’s a smart move, honestly. Seeing a spring game in a half-empty 70,000-seat stadium always felt a bit depressing.
Actionable Steps for Football Fans Today
If you want to make the most of the games on tonight, here’s what you should do right now:
- Check your local listings: If you're in the Midwest, remember the Bears game is 5:30 p.m. local time (CT).
- Update your apps: If you're streaming the Rams-Bears game, make sure your Peacock app is updated. Nothing is worse than a "forced update" screen right as a team is lining up for a game-winning field goal.
- Watch the weather: Keep an eye on the wind reports for Foxborough and Chicago. High winds could seriously nerf the passing attacks for the Texans and Rams, which might make the "Under" a smart look for the betting crowd.
- Set a reminder for tomorrow: Since there is no college ball tonight, make sure your Monday night is clear for the Indiana/Miami title game.
The NFL Divisional Round is often better than the Super Bowl because you get twice the action with almost the same amount of intensity. Enjoy the games tonight—the path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting very narrow.