You've probably woken up, grabbed your coffee, and realized the stakes just got way higher. It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026. The regular season is a memory, and we are officially deep into the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. If you're asking do any nfl football games come on today, the answer is a resounding yes. But it's not the usual chaotic 1:00 PM ET slate where you're flipping through twelve different channels.
Today is all about precision. Two massive games. Four teams fighting for a spot in the Conference Championships.
Honestly, the Divisional Round is often better than the Super Bowl itself. The "fluff" teams are gone. The pretenders have been sent home. What we have left are the heavy hitters. Today, specifically, features a fascinating mix of legendary franchises trying to reclaim their glory and young squads looking to kick the door down.
The Sunday Slate: Kickoff Times and Channels
If you're planning your day around the couch, here is the exact breakdown for today, Sunday, January 18.
Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- TV: ESPN / ABC
- Streaming: ESPN+, fubo, YouTube TV
This one is basically a "changing of the guard" showcase. You’ve got C.J. Stroud leading a Texans team that has completely redefined its identity over the last two years. On the other side? The Patriots are back in the thick of it. Drake Maye has revitalized Foxborough in a way that feels eerily familiar to the old days, though the vibe is definitely different under Mike Vrabel. The weather in Foxborough today is looking a bit messy—rain and snow mixed—which usually favors the home team.
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Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
- Time: 6:30 PM ET
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- TV: NBC / Universo
- Streaming: Peacock
The nightcap is a total contrast in styles. Matthew Stafford is the grizzled vet who just won't quit, taking his Rams into the frozen tundra of Soldier Field. Caleb Williams has the city of Chicago believing in magic again after that wild comeback win over the Packers last week. This is the "Prime Time" slot for a reason. Watching Williams try to out-duel a Super Bowl winner like Stafford in 25-degree weather is exactly why we watch this sport.
Why Today’s Matchups Feel Different
It’s not just about the schedule. It’s about the narrative.
Think about the Texans. A few years ago, they were the league's basement. Now? They’re a defensive juggernaut. Their win over the Steelers in the Wild Card round wasn't a fluke; they bullied them. C.J. Stroud is playing with a level of poise that makes you forget he’s still technically one of the "young guys."
But playing in Foxborough in January is a different beast. The Patriots defense has been opportunistic all year. We saw them pick off the Chargers repeatedly last week. If Stroud isn't careful with the football in the wind, it could be a long afternoon for Houston.
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Then you have the Bears. The atmosphere at Soldier Field tonight is going to be electric—and probably a little bit toxic for the visiting Rams. After Caleb Williams threw three fourth-quarter touchdowns against Green Bay, the "Bust" talk has officially died. He’s the real deal. But Sean McVay is a master at adjusting. He knows the Bears’ secondary has some holes, and you can bet Matthew Stafford is going to test them early and often.
How to Watch If You Don't Have Cable
Look, cable is expensive and most of us have moved on. If you're wondering how to catch these games without a traditional box, you've got plenty of options.
- Peacock: This is a big one for the night game. Since the Rams-Bears game is on NBC, Peacock is the official streaming home.
- ESPN+: This will carry the Texans-Patriots game simultaneously with the ABC/ESPN broadcast.
- Digital Antenna: If you’re old school (or just smart), a cheap HD antenna will pick up ABC and NBC for free in most major cities. It’s the highest quality picture with the least amount of lag.
- NFL+: You can watch on your phone or tablet, though the "big screen" experience is usually restricted unless you have a specific tier.
What’s at Stake for Next Week?
The winners of today's games don't get much time to celebrate. The bracket is already taking shape after yesterday's action.
Yesterday, the Denver Broncos took care of business against the Buffalo Bills. That means the winner of Texans/Patriots is headed straight to Denver next Sunday for the AFC Championship. Jarrett Stidham—stepping in for the injured Bo Nix—will be the underdog story everyone talks about all week.
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In the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks absolutely dismantled the 49ers last night. They are waiting for the winner of Rams/Bears. If the Bears win, they’ll have to travel to the loud, rainy environment of Lumen Field. If the Rams win, it's a divisional rematch that nobody in Seattle wants to see.
Survival Tips for Your Playoff Sunday
If you're hosting or just hunkering down, don't overcomplicate it. NFL games today aren't about fancy appetizers.
- Check your stream early. Don't wait until 2:59 PM to realize your Peacock login expired.
- Monitor the weather. The Foxborough game is going to be sloppy. Expect more runs and fewer deep bombs. Adjust your fantasy or betting expectations accordingly.
- Pace yourself. The gap between the 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM games is the perfect time to actually eat a real meal or walk the dog.
The path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is narrowing. By the time the sun goes down tonight, we'll know exactly who the final four teams are. It’s going to be a wild ride.
Next Steps for Your Game Day:
Check the local weather forecast for Foxborough if you're tracking player props, as the wind speeds are expected to pick up significantly toward the second half of the Texans-Patriots game. You should also ensure your streaming apps are updated now to avoid any mid-game buffering issues during the primetime Rams-Bears kickoff.