So, it's Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you're waking up and wondering exactly what NFL team is playing today, you're looking at the tail end of the Divisional Round. This is arguably the best weekend of the entire football calendar.
Yesterday was a bloodbath. The Denver Broncos managed to survive the Buffalo Bills in a 33-30 overtime thriller, but it cost them dearly—Bo Nix is reportedly out for the season with a broken ankle. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks absolutely dismantled the San Francisco 49ers 41-6.
Today, we find out who joins them in the Conference Championships.
The AFC Showdown: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
First up in the afternoon slot, we had the Houston Texans visiting the New England Patriots. If you're catching this late, the result is already in, and it wasn’t the "slugfest" some experts predicted.
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New England took it 28-16.
It was a rough outing for C.J. Stroud. Honestly, the Patriots' defense just had his number, forcing four interceptions. Drake Maye, on the other hand, looked like the real deal, tossing three touchdowns and punching New England's ticket to Denver for the AFC Championship. It’s their first trip back to that stage since the Brady era ended in 2018.
The Nightcap: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
This is the big one still on the horizon or currently unfolding depending on your timezone.
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Game Info:
- Time: 6:30 PM ET
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- TV/Streaming: NBC, Peacock, Telemundo
The weather is looking like classic Chicago January—18 degrees with snow showers. This is exactly why the Bears wanted that home-field advantage. You’ve got Matthew Stafford and a high-flying Rams offense coming into a freezer.
Why This Game Matters
The winner here heads to Seattle to face those terrifying Seahawks.
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The Rams are actually 3.5-point favorites despite being the road team. They’ve been on a tear, led by a healthy Stafford and a receiving corps that usually finds grass even in a blizzard. But the Bears? Caleb Williams has turned Soldier Field into a fortress lately.
Chicago is 4-1 in their last five at home. They aren't the same "bad weather" team of the 80s, but they know how to play in the mud and the slush.
Key Matchups to Watch
If you’re wondering what NFL team is playing with the most pressure on them, look at the Rams' offensive line. They’re missing Rob Havenstein, which is a massive blow when you’re trying to block in the snow.
- Caleb Williams vs. The Elements: Can the kid handle a slick ball? We saw him thrive in the Wild Card win over Green Bay, but this is a different level of cold.
- The Rams' Defensive Front: They need to rattle Williams early. If he gets comfortable and starts scrambling, the secondary will break down in the zone.
- Special Teams: In 18-degree weather with snow, kickers usually have a nightmare. Every extra point becomes a 50/50 toss-up.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're following the action today, here is how to stay ahead of the curve for next week:
- Monitor Injury Reports: With Bo Nix officially out for Denver, keep a close eye on the Broncos' quarterback situation before the AFC Championship. Jarrett Stidham is the likely starter.
- Check the NFC Championship Line: As soon as the Rams-Bears game ends, Vegas will drop the line for the Seahawks game. If it’s the Bears, expect Seattle to be a massive favorite.
- Prepare for Championship Sunday: Mark your calendars for January 25. The AFC game kicks off at 3:00 PM ET on CBS, followed by the NFC at 6:30 PM ET on FOX.
The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting very short. Whether it’s the veteran Stafford or the rookie Williams moving on, the NFC title will go through a very loud Lumen Field in Seattle next week.