Football on a Sunday in January just feels different. The air is thinner, the stakes are basically "win or go home," and your couch becomes a sacred site for the next ten hours. If you're looking for football games on tonight on tv, you’ve hit the jackpot because we are officially in the thick of the 2026 NFL Divisional Round.
This isn't just regular season filler. This is the weekend that separates the contenders from the "maybe next year" crowd. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, features a double-header that essentially pits the future of the league against the established old guard. We’ve got C.J. Stroud leading a hungry Houston squad into Foxborough, followed by a heavyweight NFC clash between Caleb Williams and Matthew Stafford.
If you aren't parked in front of a screen yet, you’re already behind. Let’s get into exactly where and when you need to be.
The NFL Divisional Double-Header Tonight
The NFL doesn't miss when it comes to scheduling. Tonight is a tale of two very different cities and two very different quarterbacks.
Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
Time: 3:00 PM ET
TV Channel: ABC / ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo
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Honestly, nobody expected the Patriots to be back in this position so soon after the post-Brady slump, but Drake Maye has turned Foxborough back into a fortress. On the other side, C.J. Stroud is doing C.J. Stroud things. This game is a rematch of sorts for the young guns. Expect a lot of "chunk" plays. The Texans' offense under Bobby Slowik has been aggressive all year, and they aren't going to stop now just because it’s 25 degrees in Massachusetts.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
Time: 6:30 PM ET
TV Channel: NBC
Streaming: Peacock, NFL+
This is the one. Soldier Field. Under the lights. There is something truly special about playoff football in Chicago, even if the wind off the lake makes you want to never leave your house again. Caleb Williams has been the story of the year, but he’s facing a Rams team that refuses to age out. Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay are like that final boss in a video game you just can't quite beat on the first try. This game will likely come down to whether the Chicago defense can rattle Stafford early. If they don't, it's going to be a long night for the Bears faithful.
Don't Forget the Global Football (Soccer) Action
While the NFL dominates the evening, the morning and early afternoon were packed with European action that you might still be catching up on via DVR or on-demand streams. If you’re a fan of the "other" football, today was a massive day for both the Premier League and La Liga.
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- Wolverhampton vs. Newcastle United: A gritty 9:00 AM ET start on USA Network. Newcastle is still fighting for those Champions League spots.
- Aston Villa vs. Everton: Villa Park was rocking at 11:30 AM ET. Unai Emery has Villa playing some of the most cohesive soccer in Europe right now.
- Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona: This was the late-afternoon banger for La Liga fans. Watching Barca try to navigate the hostile environment in San Sebastian is always a tactical masterclass (or a total disaster, depending on the week).
How to Watch Without Cable
If you’ve cut the cord, finding football games on tonight on tv is actually easier than it used to be. You don't need a $200 satellite contract anymore.
For the NFL games specifically:
- Peacock: You absolutely need this for the Rams vs. Bears game. NBC has been leaning heavily into their streaming platform, and it’s usually the smoothest way to watch if you have a decent internet connection.
- ESPN+: This will carry the Texans/Patriots game.
- YouTube TV / Fubo: These are the "all-in-one" solutions. They’re pricey (around $75/month), but they give you the local channels like ABC and NBC without the hassle of an antenna.
Speaking of antennas, if you're old school, a $20 digital antenna from any big-box store will pick up NBC and ABC in high definition for free. It’s the most underrated "hack" in sports viewing. The picture quality is actually often better than cable because it isn't compressed.
Why Tonight's Schedule is Historically Significant
We are witnessing a massive transition in the sport. Tonight features three quarterbacks—Williams, Maye, and Stroud—who are the face of the "New NFL." Watching them navigate the pressure of the Divisional Round is a peek into what the league will look like for the next decade.
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The pressure on Caleb Williams tonight is particularly immense. Chicago hasn't had a "guy" at quarterback since... well, arguably ever. To host a playoff game at Soldier Field against a former Super Bowl MVP like Stafford? That's the stuff legends are made of.
Actionable Tips for Tonight’s Viewers
To make the most of the games tonight, here is how you should prep:
- Check your local listings early: Sometimes ABC and ESPN simulcast, but sometimes local affiliates switch things up. Don't be the person scrambling for the remote at 3:01 PM.
- Sync your fantasy or betting apps: If you're into player props, keep an eye on the weather in Chicago. If the wind picks up, those "over" bets on passing yards are going to look real shaky.
- Update your streaming apps now: There is nothing worse than opening Peacock five minutes before kickoff only to be met with a 1.2GB mandatory update.
- Prep the snacks: Divisional Sunday is a marathon. If you’re doing wings, get them started during the halftime of the first game so they're ready for the nightcap.
The road to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara is getting shorter. By the time the clock hits zero in Chicago tonight, we’ll know exactly who is one step away from the championship. Enjoy the games.