You've probably been there before. You finish work, grab a drink, settle onto the couch, and start frantically scrolling through the TV guide or your favorite sports app. You're searching for that specific rush that only pro football provides. But then, the screen shows nothing but talk shows or a random regular-season basketball game. It’s frustrating.
So, let's get right to it. Is there an NFL game tonight?
If you are looking for a game on Friday, January 16, 2026, the answer is no. There is no NFL game scheduled for tonight.
I know, it’s a bummer. But don't click away just yet. While tonight is quiet, we are literally hours away from one of the most intense weekends in professional sports: the NFL Divisional Round. The league almost never plays on Friday nights during the postseason. They save the real fireworks for the doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday.
Is There an NFL Game Tonight? Why Friday is the Quiet Before the Storm
The NFL is a creature of habit. Throughout the regular season, we get our fix on Thursdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Once the playoffs hit, the schedule tightens up. The league moves away from Thursday Night Football to avoid short weeks for teams playing for their lives.
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Tonight, January 16, serves as a "travel and prep" day. While you’re looking for a kickoff, the Buffalo Bills are likely landing in Denver to face the Broncos, and the San Francisco 49ers are getting ready for the noise at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The Divisional Round is often called the best weekend of football in the entire year. Why? Because the "fluff" from the Wild Card round is gone. The #1 seeds, like the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, finally enter the fray after their week off. Everyone playing this weekend is legitimately good.
The Upcoming Divisional Round Schedule
Since there isn't a game tonight, you need to set your alarms for tomorrow. Here is how the next 48 hours look for the NFL:
Saturday, January 17, 2026
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- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: Kickoff is at 4:30 PM ET. You can catch this one on CBS or stream it on Paramount+. It's a massive AFC clash.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: This is the nightcap at 8:15 PM ET. It’s on FOX. There is nothing quite like a playoff atmosphere in Seattle, especially against a division rival.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: Starting at 3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN. The Texans have been a surprise powerhouse this year, but Foxborough in January is a different beast.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: Closing out the weekend at 6:30 PM ET on NBC/Peacock. Watching a dome team like the Rams go into the cold of Soldier Field is always a storyline to watch.
What to Watch Instead of the NFL Tonight
Just because the gridiron is empty doesn't mean your TV has to be. If you're a sports junkie, tonight is actually a pretty big night for the NBA.
The Philadelphia 76ers are hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7:00 PM ET. It’s a bit of a grudge match because Cleveland just blew them out a couple of days ago. Joel Embiid is expected to play despite some knee management issues, so if you need a fix of high-level competition, that’s your best bet.
There's also some NHL action if you prefer ice over hardwood. The Florida Panthers are taking on the Carolina Hurricanes. It’s fast, it’s physical, and it might tide you over until the Bills and Broncos kick off tomorrow afternoon.
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Why the NFL Avoids Friday Nights
You might wonder why the NFL doesn't just throw a playoff game on a Friday. Honestly, it’s mostly about TV ratings and tradition. Saturdays and Sundays are the "money" days for broadcasters like CBS, FOX, and NBC.
Furthermore, the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 actually prevents the NFL from broadcasting games on Friday nights and Saturdays during the high school and college football seasons. While those seasons are mostly over by mid-January, the NFL tends to stick to its weekend powerhouse slots to maximize viewership. They want 30 or 40 million people watching these games, and Friday night is historically a "low" TV usage night compared to the weekend.
Expert Insight: What to Expect Tomorrow
When the games finally do start tomorrow, keep an eye on the injury reports that dropped today. For example, the Houston Texans just confirmed that star receiver Nico Collins is out for Sunday’s game with a concussion. That is a massive blow for C.J. Stroud and that offense.
On the flip side, the Buffalo Bills are getting some reinforcements. They activated Ed Oliver and Curtis Samuel from the injured reserve today. Having a healthy interior pass rush like Oliver against a veteran Denver team is going to be a game-changer.
Actionable Steps for Football Fans Tonight
Since you can't watch a game tonight, the best thing you can do is prepare for the marathon that starts tomorrow.
- Check Your Subs: Make sure your Paramount+, Peacock, and ESPN+ logins are working. Three of the four games this weekend rely heavily on these streaming platforms.
- Monitor the Weather: The Bears-Rams game in Chicago is looking chilly. If you're playing daily fantasy or betting the over/under, the wind at Soldier Field is notorious for killing passing games.
- Set the DVR: If you have Saturday plans, set your recordings now. You do not want to see a spoiler on social media before you get home to watch the 49ers and Seahawks.
- Update Your Apps: NFL rosters move fast. Check the final injury reports released on Friday evening to see which "questionable" players were upgraded to "probable" or "active."
Tomorrow is going to be legendary. Enjoy the rare night of peace and quiet before the hits start landing on Saturday afternoon.