You’ve seen plenty of "big" sports weekends, but the one starting January 17, 2026, is basically the center of the sporting universe. We’ve got the NFL Divisional Round kicking off, and in Europe, the title races are hitting that mid-season "make-it-or-break-it" fever pitch. Honestly, it’s a lot to keep track of.
If you're looking for football games on this weekend, you aren't just looking for a kickoff time. You're looking for the drama. You want to know if the Buffalo Bills can actually go into Denver and survive the altitude, or if Manchester United has any prayer of stopping the blue machine across town.
Let's break down the chaos.
The NFL Divisional Round: Road to Super Bowl LX
The NFL playoffs are a different beast. One loss and you’re booking a flight to Cancun. This Saturday, January 17, we start with a heavy hitter. The Buffalo Bills travel to face the Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
Sean Payton has turned Denver into a fortress. It's weird seeing the Broncos back in the elite tier, but here we are. Buffalo barely scraped by the Jaguars last week (27-24), and honestly, Josh Allen needs to be perfect to beat this Denver secondary.
📖 Related: Jake Paul Mike Tyson Tattoo: What Most People Get Wrong
Then, the nightcap. The San Francisco 49ers head to Seattle for an 8:00 p.m. ET NFC West showdown on FOX. Seattle fans are loud—everyone knows that—but the 49ers have been the "boogeyman" of the NFC for a while now. This isn't just a playoff game; it’s a rivalry that usually ends in bruises.
Sunday, January 18, keeps the momentum going:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots (3:00 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC): The Texans are surging, but going to Foxborough in January is a nightmare for young quarterbacks.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears (6:30 p.m. ET, NBC): The "Cinderella" Bears are at home. Soldier Field might be freezing, and the Rams’ offense is explosive. Something has to give.
Manchester is Red or Blue? Premier League Heat
Across the pond, Saturday’s Premier League slate is headlined by the Manchester Derby. Manchester United hosts Manchester City at Old Trafford (kickoff 3:00 p.m. local / 10:30 a.m. ET).
Pep Guardiola’s City is currently chasing Arsenal for the top spot, and they cannot afford a slip-up. United, on the other hand, is trying to prove they belong in the Champions League conversation. If City wins, the title race stays a two-horse sprint. If United pulls the upset? It opens the door for everyone.
👉 See also: What Place Is The Phillies In: The Real Story Behind the NL East Standings
Keep an eye on Tottenham vs. West Ham as well. London derbies are always messy. Spurs have been inconsistent, and West Ham thrives on playing the spoiler.
European Giants Under Pressure
In Spain, Real Madrid is looking to handle business against Levante on Saturday at the Bernabéu. But the real "popcorn" match in La Liga happens Sunday: Barcelona traveling to Real Sociedad. Sociedad at home is a trap. They play a high-press system that has historically given Barca fits.
Germany’s Bundesliga is serving up a massive clash on Saturday night: RB Leipzig vs. Bayern Munich. This isn't the Bayern of ten years ago that won by February. Leipzig is legit, and they have the pace to hurt Bayern on the counter-attack.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Weekend
A lot of casual fans think the NFL top seeds have it easy. They don't. Historically, the "rust vs. rest" debate is real. Denver and Seattle had the bye week, but if they start slow against Buffalo or San Francisco, they’ll be out of the playoffs before they even break a sweat.
✨ Don't miss: Huskers vs Michigan State: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big Ten Rivalry
In soccer, the transfer window is wide open right now. Some of the players you see on the pitch for these football games on this weekend might be wearing a different jersey by Monday. That creates a weird energy. Some players are playing for a move; others are trying to prove they shouldn't be replaced by a new 60-million-pound signing.
Actionable Insights for the Weekend
If you're planning your viewing schedule, focus on the late windows. The 49ers-Seahawks game and the Sunday night Rams-Bears matchup are likely to be the most "toxic" (in a good way) environments.
For the bettors out there—be careful with the "road favorites" in the NFL this weekend. The weather in Seattle and Chicago is forecasted to be brutal. High-flying offenses often stall when the wind starts whipping off the lake or the sound.
Next Steps for You:
- Sync your calendar for the Manchester Derby at 10:30 a.m. ET Saturday.
- Check the injury report for the Buffalo Bills' secondary before the 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
- Keep an eye on the Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona line; it's the sneakiest game of the weekend.