Football fans, we’ve officially hit the point of the year where every single snap feels like it’s life or death. The Divisional Round is basically the best weekend of the whole season because the pretenders are gone and the heavyweights are finally rested. If you're looking for who is playing NFL tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you're looking at two massive matchups that will decide the final spots in the AFC and NFC Championship games.
Honestly, the energy is different this year. We have a mix of the old guard and some serious young talent trying to crash the party. Tomorrow's slate gives us a look at the AFC’s next great quarterback rivalry and an NFC showdown that feels like a throwback to the black-and-blue division days.
The Early Window: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
The action kicks off in Foxborough at Gillette Stadium. This one starts at 3:00 p.m. ET and you’ll be able to catch it on ESPN and ABC.
Seeing the Patriots as the No. 2 seed feels a bit like a "nature is healing" moment for New England fans. They earned the first-round bye and they’ve had two weeks to prepare for a Houston Texans team that is playing with house money right now. Houston just survived a slugfest against the Steelers in the Wild Card round, and C.J. Stroud has looked every bit the superstar people expected.
But playing in Foxborough in mid-January is a different beast. The wind off the coast can be brutal. If you’re a Texans fan, you’re hoping the New England pass rush doesn't decide the game early. The Patriots’ defense has been a brick wall at home all season.
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Key Matchup: Nico Collins vs. The Patriots Secondary
Nico Collins has been the engine for this Houston offense. However, he's coming off a concussion protocol, and facing a New England secondary that specializes in taking away a team's best option is a tall order. If Houston can’t get the deep ball going, it’s going to be a long afternoon for them.
The Nightcap: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
This is the one I'm personally hyped for. The No. 5 seed Los Angeles Rams travel to Soldier Field to take on the No. 2 seed Chicago Bears. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET and it'll be nationally televised on NBC and Peacock.
Think about the atmosphere for a second. Soldier Field. Under the lights. Likely freezing.
The Bears have been one of the biggest stories of the 2025-2026 season. Hosting a Divisional Round game is a massive milestone for a franchise that has spent a lot of time in the basement lately. But the Rams aren't your typical five-seed. They’ve got Super Bowl DNA and an offense that can score 30 points in their sleep when Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are clicking.
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The Weather Factor
Chicago in January is no joke. The Rams are a warm-weather, turf-loving team. If the wind starts whipping off Lake Michigan, that high-flying Rams passing attack might have to rely on the ground game more than Sean McVay would like. Chicago's DC Dennis Allen has already gone on record saying it will take an "exceptional effort" to slow down the Rams' receivers, but the cold is a great equalizer.
TV Schedule and Streaming for Sunday, Jan 18
If you're planning your day around these games, here’s the quick rundown of the broadcast info.
- Game 1: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN, ABC
- Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo, NFL+
- Game 2: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: NBC, Universo
- Streaming: Peacock, NFL+
Basically, if you have a digital antenna or a basic cable package, you’re good to go. If you're a cord-cutter, Peacock and ESPN+ are your best friends tomorrow.
Why Tomorrow Matters for the Super Bowl Picture
Whoever wins these games is one step away from Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. The winners of tomorrow will move on to the Conference Championships on January 25th.
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In the AFC, the winner of Texans-Patriots will face either the Buffalo Bills or the Denver Broncos. Over in the NFC, the Rams or Bears will move on to face the winner of the 49ers vs. Seahawks rivalry game.
It’s worth noting that the home teams—the Patriots and the Bears—are the favorites here, but the Divisional Round is notorious for upsets. Road teams often come in with more "game speed" because they didn't have the week off. Sometimes a bye week can lead to a little bit of rust in the first quarter, and in the playoffs, a slow start is usually a death sentence.
Making the Most of the Games
If you're watching, keep an eye on the injury reports leading up to kickoff. The Bears have been relatively healthy, but the Rams are always managing the workload of their veteran stars. For Houston, it's all about whether their young offensive line can hold up in a hostile environment.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Set Your DVRs Early: Playoff games frequently run long due to reviews and commercials. Make sure you add an extra hour to your recording if you aren't watching live.
- Check Local Weather: If you're betting or playing fantasy, look at the wind speeds for Chicago. High winds at Soldier Field usually mean a lower-scoring game.
- Sync Your Streams: If you're watching on Peacock or ESPN+, remember there is usually a 30-60 second delay compared to the live cable broadcast. Avoid Twitter/X if you don't want spoilers!
The road to the Super Bowl goes through the cold tomorrow. Whether you're rooting for a dynasty to continue in New England or for the "Monsters of the Midway" to reclaim their glory, it’s going to be a classic day of football.