So, you’re staring at the TV or scrolling through your phone, wondering if there’s a reason to crack open a drink and settle into the couch. The answer is a resounding yes. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and if you’re a football fan, you’ve basically hit the jackpot. We are right in the thick of the NFL Divisional Round, which most die-hards will tell you is actually the best weekend of the entire season. Better than the Super Bowl? Kinda. The stakes are sky-high, the players are desperate, and the matchups are usually way more balanced.
Honestly, today isn't just about the pros. While the NFL is the main course, we’ve got a massive slate of European soccer—or "football" for the rest of the world—tearing up the pitch across the pond. Whether you want to see if the Houston Texans can keep their Cinderella story alive in the freezing Massachusetts air or you're looking for some high-octane Premier League action, today has it all.
Is There Football Games on Today? The NFL Divisional Slate
The NFL schedule today is a double-header that determines who moves on to the Conference Championships next week. We’ve moved past the Wild Card chaos, and now we’re down to the big dogs.
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Houston Texans at New England Patriots
This one kicks off at 3:00 PM ET on ABC and ESPN. It’s a fascinating matchup. You've got the Texans, who have been on an absolute tear lately. C.J. Stroud has transitioned from "promising young star" to "legitimate problem for defensive coordinators" faster than anyone expected. On the other side, the Patriots are back in the playoff hunt at Gillette Stadium. The weather in Foxborough is always a factor this time of year—expect it to be chilly, maybe even a little slick. If you’re streaming, you can find this on ESPN+ or Fubo.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
The nightcap starts at 6:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock. This is going to be a battle. The Bears are hosting this at Soldier Field, and the early reports suggest we might see some snow showers and temperatures hovering around 18°F. That’s "football weather" if I’ve ever heard it. The Rams are coming in as slight favorites, but playing in Chicago in January is a nightmare for warm-weather teams. Matthew Stafford has the experience, but that Bears defense in the cold is a different beast entirely.
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What About College Football?
If you're looking for the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship, you're exactly 24 hours early. That massive showdown between the Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers is set for tomorrow, Monday, January 19, at Hard Rock Stadium.
It’s actually wild to see Indiana in the final, right? Curt Cignetti has done something there that feels like a fever dream for Hoosier fans. They’re 15-0 and heading into Miami’s home turf as favorites. But for today, the college gridiron is quiet as everyone prepares for that Monday night spectacle on ESPN.
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European Football: Soccer Schedule for January 18
If American football isn’t enough, the soccer world is incredibly busy today. Here is what’s happening across the major leagues:
- Premier League: Newcastle United travels to face Wolverhampton at 9:00 AM ET, followed by a big clash between Aston Villa and Everton at 11:30 AM ET. Both are on USA Network.
- La Liga: Real Sociedad is taking on Barcelona at 3:00 PM ET. Seeing how Barca handles the pressure of a road trip to San Sebastian is always worth the watch.
- Serie A: AC Milan is playing Lecce late today (around 2:45 PM ET), which is a crucial match for the Rossoneri as they try to keep pace at the top of the table.
- Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON): There’s a massive heavyweight bout between Senegal and Morocco at 2:00 PM ET. If you want to see some of the most passionate fans in the world, tune into this one.
How to Watch and Stream
You’ve got options. If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't out of luck.
For the NFL games, Peacock is your home for the Rams/Bears game, while ESPN+ handles the early Texans/Patriots kickoff. If you have a digital antenna, you can catch them on your local ABC and NBC affiliates for free. For the soccer fans, Peacock carries most of the Premier League, while ESPN+ is the go-to for La Liga and the Bundesliga.
One thing to keep in mind: playoff games sometimes run long. If the 3:00 PM game goes into overtime—which, let's be real, happens a lot in the Divisional Round—the late game on NBC might have a slightly delayed kickoff.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your local listings: Confirm the exact channel for ABC/NBC in your zip code, as some regional blackouts or transitions can happen.
- Sync your fantasy apps: If you're playing playoff challenges, make sure your lineups are locked before 3:00 PM ET.
- Prep the snacks early: With the first game starting mid-afternoon and the second ending late, you're looking at about seven hours of straight football.
- Set a reminder for tomorrow: Don't forget the CFP National Championship kicks off Monday night at 7:30 PM ET.