So, you're sitting there, maybe just finished watching the Saturday slate, and you're wondering—is there any nfl games tomorrow? Honestly, it's the best time of the year to be asking that. We are officially in the heart of the 2026 Divisional Round. If you're looking at the calendar and it’s Saturday, January 17, then tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, 2026, is basically a football holiday.
There are two massive games on the schedule. We aren't just talking about regular-season filler here; these are the games that decide who moves on to the Conference Championships.
The Sunday Lineup: Who’s Playing Tomorrow?
Tomorrow's schedule is split between the AFC and the NFC. We’ve got the Houston Texans heading to Foxborough to face the New England Patriots, and then a primetime clash between the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
AFC Divisional Matchup: Texans at Patriots
First up, at 3:00 PM ET, we have the (5) Houston Texans taking on the (2) New England Patriots. This one is going to be airing on ESPN and ABC. You can also stream it on ESPN+.
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It’s a fascinating matchup because the Texans are coming off a dominant 30-6 win over the Steelers in the Wild Card round. CJ Stroud has been playing like a seasoned vet, but going into Gillette Stadium in January? That’s a whole different beast. The Patriots, led by Jerod Mayo, had a first-round bye (actually, they beat the Chargers 16-3 in the Wild Card, my bad—the Broncos had the bye) and they've looked incredibly disciplined.
NFC Divisional Matchup: Rams at Bears
Then, the nightcap. At 6:30 PM ET, the (5) Los Angeles Rams travel to Chicago to face the (2) Chicago Bears. This is the NBC/Peacock game.
Think about the atmosphere for a second. Soldier Field. January. It’s going to be freezing. Tom Brady actually mentioned recently that the weather in Chicago could be the biggest hurdle for Matthew Stafford and that high-flying Rams offense. The Bears beat the Packers 31-27 to get here, and that defense is playing some of the most physical football we've seen in years.
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Why These Games Matter More Than You Think
When people ask is there any nfl games tomorrow, they usually just want the time and channel. But look closer. These specific matchups are legacy-definers.
- The Houston Narrative: The Texans haven't just "improved." They've completely rebuilt their identity around a young core. If they can knock off New England on the road, they become the "it" team of the AFC.
- Stafford vs. the Cold: Matthew Stafford has plenty of experience in the NFC North from his Detroit days, but this Bears defense is a different animal.
- The Coaching Chess Match: Watching how DeMeco Ryans prepares for a Patriots team that thrives on taking away your best option is basically a masterclass in strategy.
How to Watch and Stream
You've got options. If you're a cable cutter, you aren't out of luck.
- Texans vs. Patriots: ESPN, ABC, ESPN+, and Fubo.
- Rams vs. Bears: NBC, Peacock, Telemundo (for Spanish coverage), and Universo.
Basically, if you have a smart TV or even just a phone, you can find these games. Peacock has been leaning hard into the NFL lately, and they'll have the full Sunday Night Football treatment for the Chicago game.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Divisional Sunday
A lot of folks think the No. 1 seeds (the Broncos and Seahawks this year) are the only ones with a real shot. But historically, the "Sunday" teams in the Divisional round often have the most momentum. The Rams and Texans are both coming off "road" vibes or high-pressure Wild Card wins. They’re "warm," while the higher seeds sometimes come out a little "cold" after their rest.
Honestly, the gap between a 2-seed and a 5-seed in 2026 is thinner than it's ever been.
Quick Stats to Keep in Mind:
- The Bears defense ranked top 5 in takeaways this season.
- The Texans offense averaged over 400 yards a game in the last month of the season.
- Soldier Field's grass in January is notoriously "slow," which might hurt the Rams' speedsters.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're planning to watch, don't wait until 2:55 PM to find the remote.
- Check your streaming logins: If you're using Peacock or ESPN+, make sure you aren't logged out. There's nothing worse than missing a kickoff because you forgot your password.
- Prep for the weather (if you're going): If you're one of the lucky ones with tickets to Soldier Field, dress in layers. It's expected to be a "classic" Chicago winter day.
- Set your fantasy/betting lines: If you're into the gaming side of things, keep an eye on the injury reports for the Rams' secondary; that could change the over/under quickly.
The road to Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium goes through these two games. After tomorrow, we’ll know exactly who is playing in the AFC and NFC Championship games on January 25.
Make sure your notifications are on for score updates if you’re out and about, but honestly, these are the kind of games you want to see live.