It is one of those rare, heavy-hitting Sundays where the remote control basically becomes an extension of your arm. If you’ve been looking for the football schedule on tv today, you probably already know we are deep into the NFL Divisional Round, but the sheer volume of high-stakes matches across the globe right now is honestly a bit overwhelming. From the frozen grass in Chicago to the chaotic energy of the Africa Cup of Nations final, there is no shortage of drama.
Let’s be real: usually, Sundays are about pacing yourself. Not today. We have a lineup that spans three continents and about five different time zones. You’ve got the Chicago Bears hosting the Los Angeles Rams in a game that feels like a throwback to old-school NFC grit, and meanwhile, across the pond, the Premier League is serving up a massive mid-table scrap between Wolves and Newcastle.
The NFL Divisional Round: Heavyweight Clashes
The highlight for most fans stateside is undoubtedly the NFL postseason. We are officially in the "Elite Eight" stage. The football schedule on tv today features two massive Divisional Round matchups that will determine who moves one step closer to the Super Bowl.
First up, the Chicago Bears host the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. This isn't just another game. It’s the NFC's brightest young stars going head-to-head. Kickoff is slated for either 3:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. ET, depending on your local market affiliate. You can catch this one on NBC or stream it via Peacock if you’ve officially cut the cord.
The second window is equally massive. The New England Patriots are waiting for their opponent (the winner of the Steelers/Texans Wild Card clash). This game also occupies that late afternoon/early evening slot on CBS. If you’re a fan of the "Belichick-less" era in New England, seeing them back in the Divisional Round is a trip.
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- Rams vs. Bears: NBC / Peacock (Check local listings for specific 3:00/6:30 start)
- Patriots vs. TBD: CBS / Paramount+
Honestly, the weather in Chicago is looking like classic January football. We're talking single digits, maybe some light snow. It’s exactly what the Bears want and exactly what the Rams usually hate.
Sunday Soccer: A Global Feast
If you woke up early, you probably already saw the European leagues in full swing. The football schedule on tv today for soccer is particularly dense because we are in that mid-January sprint where the title races start to actually mean something.
In the Premier League, Wolverhampton Wanderers took on Newcastle United in a 2:00 p.m. GMT (9:00 a.m. ET) kickoff. Newcastle is fighting for those Champions League spots, and St. James' Park is never an easy place to play, even for a resilient Wolves side. Later on, Aston Villa faces Everton at 4:30 p.m. GMT. Villa under Unai Emery has been a juggernaut at home, so expect fireworks there.
Over in Spain, La Liga has a slate that culminates in a massive late-night clash: Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona. This one kicks off at 8:00 p.m. local time (3:00 p.m. ET). Barcelona is under immense pressure to keep pace with Real Madrid, and Anoeta Stadium is historically a "house of horrors" for the Catalan giants.
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European TV Schedule Highlights:
- Serie A: AC Milan vs. Lecce (1:45 p.m. ET) – Watch on Paramount+.
- Bundesliga: Stuttgart vs. Union Berlin (9:30 a.m. ET) – Airing on ESPN+.
- Ligue 1: Lyon vs. Brest (2:45 p.m. ET) – Catch it on beIN Sports.
And we can't ignore the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Final. It’s Senegal vs. Morocco. This is basically the heavyweight championship of African football. Senegal is looking to solidify its dynasty status, while Morocco is still riding the high of their recent World Cup heroics. It’s airing on beIn Sports at 2:00 p.m. ET.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
People often assume that "football" only refers to the NFL on Sundays. But if you're looking for the football schedule on tv today, you have to account for the overlap. The biggest mistake is missing the transition window between the 1:00 p.m. NFL games and the late-afternoon European soccer finales.
For instance, the Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona match ends almost exactly when the Rams and Bears are finishing their first quarter. If you have a multi-screen setup, today is the day to use it.
Also, a quick note on College Football: while the season is technically wrapping up, the College Football Playoff National Championship between Indiana and Miami is looming tomorrow, January 19th. Today is the "calm before the storm" for college fans, though you’ll likely see plenty of pre-game analysis on ESPN throughout the afternoon.
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How to Watch Without Cable
If you're trying to find the football schedule on tv today but don't have a traditional box, you're actually in luck. Most of today's games are fragmented across a few key apps:
- YouTube TV / FuboTV: These are your best bets for the NFL games on CBS and NBC.
- Peacock: Essential for the NBC NFL broadcast and some Premier League matches.
- Paramount+: Necessary for the CBS NFL feed and all of Serie A.
- ESPN+: The home for Bundesliga and La Liga.
It’s a bit of a "subscription soup," but that’s the reality of sports in 2026.
Actionable Steps for Your Sunday
Don't just wing it. If you want to actually see the games that matter, follow this plan:
- Sync your apps now: Make sure your Paramount+ and Peacock logins actually work before the 3:00 p.m. ET NFL window. There is nothing worse than a "forgot password" loop during a kickoff.
- Prioritize the AFCON Final: Even if you aren't a huge soccer fan, the atmosphere of a Senegal/Morocco final is unmatched. It’s high-intensity, physical, and starts right before the NFL games heat up.
- Check Local NFL Coverage: Because the NFL delayed some final start times for the Divisional Round, double-check your local listings at 2:00 p.m. ET to confirm if you’re getting the early or late window for the Bears game.
- Prep for the CFP National Championship: Since Indiana vs. Miami is tomorrow night, use the halftime of today's NFL games to check the latest injury reports for the Hoosiers. They’ve had a "Cinderella" run that nobody saw coming.
Today is about the intersection of tradition and the new guard. Whether it's the legacy of the Patriots or the rising dominance of Moroccan soccer, the schedule is packed. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the ride.