You're sitting there, remote in hand, or maybe just scrolling through your phone, wondering if there’s a high-stakes game to get into tonight. It’s that time of year where the "postseason" buzz is everywhere, but the actual schedule can be kind of a tease.
Honestly, the short answer is no. If you are looking for the big-ticket NFL, NBA, or NHL postseason matchups, there are no playoff games today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
It feels a bit like a letdown, especially since we just came off a massive Wild Card weekend in the NFL. But don’t toss the remote just yet. While the "playoff" label isn't officially on tonight's marquee, the sports world is actually moving at a breakneck pace. We are currently in that weird "limbo" week between NFL rounds, and the other major leagues are grinding through the heart of their regular seasons.
Is There Any Playoff Games Today? The NFL Break Explained
The question of is there any playoff games today usually comes from NFL fans still riding the high of the Wild Card round. We just saw some absolute chaos on the field. Caleb Williams and the Bears managed a late-game heroics act, and the Texans absolutely dismantled the Steelers yesterday, Monday, Jan. 12, in the final game of the opening round.
Because that last game just wrapped up about 24 hours ago, the league is catching its breath.
The NFL doesn't do Tuesday night playoff football. They save the drama for the weekends. If you're looking for the next meaningful snap, you’ll have to wait until Saturday. The Divisional Round is set, and it’s looking like a collision course of heavyweights.
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What’s Coming This Weekend (Jan 17-18)
Since there's nothing tonight, you might want to clear your schedule for these:
- Saturday, Jan 17: The Buffalo Bills head into the thin air of Denver to take on the top-seeded Broncos at 4:30 PM ET. Later that night, it’s a divisional grudge match as the San Francisco 49ers travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET.
- Sunday, Jan 18: The Houston Texans try to keep the momentum going in Foxborough against the Patriots at 3:00 PM ET. Then, the Chicago Bears host the Rams in a primetime showdown at 6:30 PM ET.
It’s basically the calm before the storm.
What About the NBA and NHL?
If you were hoping for some playoff basketball or hockey, you’re about three months too early. The NBA and NHL are deep in the "January grind." This is that part of the season where teams are fighting for seeding, dealing with injuries, and trying to stay relevant before the All-Star breaks.
There are plenty of games tonight—just none that carry the "win or go home" weight of a playoff series.
NBA Action Tonight (Jan 13)
The NBA has a busy seven-game slate. You've got the Phoenix Suns taking on the Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center. Devin Booker has been on a tear lately, and the Suns are trying to push their winning streak. Other notable matchups include:
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- Denver Nuggets at New Orleans Pelicans
- Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks (A massive cross-conference clash)
- Atlanta Hawks at L.A. Lakers
NHL Slapshots
On the ice, the schedule is even more packed. The Red Wings are playing the Bruins in an Original Six matchup, and the Hurricanes are visiting the Blues. It's great hockey, but again, we won't see the Stanley Cup Playoffs start until the spring.
The College Football National Championship Gap
Another reason people keep asking is there any playoff games today is the College Football Playoff (CFP). We just finished the semifinals on Jan 8 and 9.
If you're looking for the National Championship game, it’s not tonight either. You’ll have to wait until next Monday, January 19, 2026. That’s when the two remaining titans will meet at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to decide who takes home the trophy.
The 12-team playoff format has definitely extended the season, making it feel like there should be a game every night, but they generally avoid mid-week slots to maximize those TV ratings on the weekends and Mondays.
Why the Schedule Feels Empty
It’s a psychological trick. In October, we have the MLB World Series. In April, the NBA and NHL start their marathons. But in mid-January, the NFL is the only "active" playoff system in the United States.
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Because the NFL only plays on weekends (with the occasional Monday night Wild Card exception), Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday can feel like a sports desert if you’re only looking for postseason stakes.
Wait, what about International Sports?
If you're willing to look outside the major US leagues, there is actually some tournament action happening. The Australian Open (Tennis) is currently in its early rounds in Melbourne. While it’s not "playoffs" in the team sense, every match is an elimination match. The time difference means you’re usually watching those matches late at night or very early in the morning here in the States.
Actionable Steps for Today
Since you can't watch a playoff game today, here is how you can stay ahead of the curve for when they do start back up:
- Check your local listings for Saturday's NFL Divisional Round. If you're a cord-cutter, make sure your Paramount+ (for CBS games) or Peacock (for NBC games) subscriptions are active.
- Track the NBA "Play-In" standings. While it’s not the playoffs yet, the race for the 7th through 10th seeds is where the real drama is right now.
- Set alerts for the CFP National Championship. It’s easy to forget it’s a Monday night game (Jan 19).
- Dive into some regular season NHL. Tonight's matchup between the Lightning and Penguins often feels like a playoff preview anyway, given the history between those two rosters.
The search for is there any playoff games today might come up empty for the next few days, but the sports calendar is about to explode starting Saturday afternoon. Use tonight to catch up on those regular-season rivalries or finally finish that show you've been binging before the Divisional Round takes over your entire weekend.