So, you're sitting on the couch, beverage in hand, wondering is the raider game on tv today? I get it. The habit is hard to break. But if you’re looking for Maxx Crosby and the Silver and Black to suit up this afternoon, January 17, 2026, I’ve got some bad news for you.
The Las Vegas Raiders are definitely not playing today.
While the NFL playoffs are currently in full swing with the Divisional Round, the Raiders have been sitting at home since their regular season wrapped up on January 4th. If you missed the final stretch, it wasn't exactly a highlight reel. The team finished with a 3-14 record, landing them the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Honestly, seeing them on the "In the Hunt" graphics disappeared from our TV screens sometime around November.
Who is actually on TV today?
Even though the Raiders aren't on, there is still plenty of football to consume. Today is Saturday, and the NFL is running a massive double-header for the Divisional Round. If you're looking for something to scratch that pigskin itch, here is what the schedule looks like:
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- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: This one kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Since it's a divisional rival (the Broncos), most Raiders fans will probably be "hate-watching" this one. You can also stream it on Paramount+.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: The nightcap starts at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX. It's a classic NFC West battle to see who moves on to the Conference Championship.
Basically, your TV will have football, just not the specific brand of Silver and Black chaos you were hoping for.
Is the Raider game on TV today? The "Red Raider" confusion
There is one little wrinkle that might have popped up on your Google Search. If you saw a listing for a "Raiders" game at 7:00 p.m. tonight, you're probably looking at college basketball. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are playing a huge matchup against BYU on ESPN.
It’s a common mix-up. If you aren't a die-hard college hoops fan, seeing "Raiders vs. BYU" on the guide can be confusing. But for the NFL version of the team, the lights are off at Allegiant Stadium for the season.
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What’s the deal with the Raiders right now?
Since the season is over, the "game" for the Raiders has moved from the field to the front office. It’s a bit of a mess, but in a way that actually gives fans a weird kind of hope.
- The Coaching Hunt: As of today, January 17, the team is neck-deep in interviews. Just yesterday, reports surfaced that the Raiders are looking at Joe Brady (the Bills' offensive coordinator) and Klay Kubiak. They've already interviewed about ten candidates.
- The No. 1 Pick: This is the big one. For the first time since they took JaMarcus Russell back in 2007, the Raiders have the first pick in the draft. The talk around Vegas right now is all about whether they take a franchise QB—names like Fernando Mendoza are already being floated—or trade back for a haul of picks.
- The 2026 Opponents: We actually already know who they will play next season, even if we don't know the dates. Because they finished last in the AFC West, they'll have a "last-place" schedule. That means they'll face teams like the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints, which should, theoretically, be easier than the gauntlet they just ran.
Why the Raiders missed the playoffs
It’s been a rough ride. The acquisition of Geno Smith before the 2025 season didn't pan out the way the front office imagined. The offense struggled to find a rhythm, and while Brock Bowers has been a legitimate star at tight end, you can't win games with just a tight end and a prayer.
The defense, led by Crosby, had its moments, but they were on the field way too long. By the time December rolled around, the wheels had completely fallen off. That’s why, when you ask is the raider game on tv today, the answer is a resounding no. They earned this vacation, even if fans didn't want them to have it.
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Where to watch the Raiders next?
You won't see them in a competitive game until the 2026 preseason starts in August. However, if you're a draft junkie, the "next big game" is the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, starting April 23. That is essentially the Raiders' Super Bowl this year.
If you really need a Raiders fix on your television today, your best bet is hopping on YouTube or NFL+ to watch highlights of Brock Bowers' rookie season. It’s about the only thing that won’t make you want to throw your remote at the screen.
Your Actionable Offseason Checklist
Since the Raiders aren't playing, here is how you can stay updated on what the team is actually doing this weekend:
- Track the Coaching Search: Keep an eye on local Vegas insiders like Hondo Carpenter or Vinny Bonsignore. The Raiders usually move fast once they identify their guy, and we could see a hire within the next week.
- Scout the Draft: Start looking at scouting reports for Fernando Mendoza and other top QBs. With the No. 1 pick, the Raiders are the center of the NFL universe for the next three months.
- Watch the Divisional Games: Specifically, watch the Bills vs. Broncos game today. Since the Broncos are a division rival, their success (or failure) directly impacts the Raiders' path next year. Plus, you get to see Joe Brady's offense in action—a guy the Raiders are literally interviewing this week.
The season is long, and the off-season is even longer. But for today, put the jersey away and just enjoy the playoffs as a neutral observer. The Silver and Black will be back, hopefully with a better record and a much later exit from the TV schedule next time around.