/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62868300/usa_today_10555425.0.jpg)
It is that specific, high-stakes time of year where your couch becomes the command center and the fridge is stocked for war. We are talking about the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. If you’re asking what football game is on today, you are looking at two massive matchups that will decide who moves one step closer to Super Bowl LX.
The regular season is a memory. The Wild Card chaos is over. Now, we are down to the heavyweights. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, features a double-header that splits the day between a battle in Foxborough and a primetime slugfest at Soldier Field.
The AFC Clash: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
The first game on the docket kicks off at 3:00 PM ET. You can catch this one on ESPN and ABC.
Honestly, nobody expected the Patriots to be this dominant so quickly in the post-Belichick era, but here they are. They secured the #2 seed and a first-round bye, and now they host a Houston Texans team that is playing like they have absolutely nothing to lose. C.J. Stroud has been surgical, but going into Gillette Stadium in January is a different kind of monster.
💡 You might also like: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
The weather in Massachusetts today is looking chilly—classic playoff football weather. If the Texans can't establish a run game early, it’s going to be a long afternoon of Stroud trying to solve a New England secondary that has been ball-hawking all season. Keep an eye on the turnover battle; it’s basically the only thing that matters in a game with this much defensive talent on the field.
The NFC Nightcap: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
Once the sun goes down, the action shifts to the Windy City. The Los Angeles Rams take on the Chicago Bears at 6:30 PM ET. This game is being broadcast on NBC and Peacock, with Spanish coverage available on Universo.
This is a fascinating matchup. You’ve got the Rams, a team that seems to reinvent itself every three years, traveling to face a Chicago team that has finally found its identity. The Bears earned that #2 seed for a reason. Soldier Field is going to be loud. It’s going to be cold. It’s going to be everything people love about January football in the Midwest.
📖 Related: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
Can the Rams' high-flying offense handle the "Monsters of the Midway" defense in a frozen stadium? It’s a classic contrast of styles. If you're looking for a close game that comes down to the final drive, this is likely the one.
International Soccer Action Today
If you’re a fan of the other kind of football, the schedule is actually pretty packed this morning and afternoon before the NFL takes over.
- Premier League: Earlier today, we saw Wolves take on Newcastle. If you’re reading this late morning, you can still catch Aston Villa vs. Everton at 11:30 AM ET.
- La Liga: The big one in Spain today is Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona at 3:00 PM ET. It’s a tough break for soccer fans that it overlaps exactly with the Patriots game, so you might need two screens.
- Serie A: AC Milan is hosting Lecce at the San Siro. That one kicks off at 2:45 PM ET.
What About College Football?
There are no college games today. I know, it feels weird. But remember, the College Football Playoff National Championship is happening tomorrow night, Monday, January 19. It’s going to be the Miami Hurricanes vs. the Indiana Hoosiers. Tonight is basically just the calm before that particular storm, though there are plenty of "Taste of the Championship" events happening down in Miami if you happen to be in Florida.
👉 See also: Why Funny Fantasy Football Names Actually Win Leagues
How to Watch and Stream
If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't out of luck.
- Texans vs. Patriots: Since it’s on ESPN and ABC, you can stream it via the ESPN app (with cable login) or through services like FuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV.
- Rams vs. Bears: This is an NBC game, which means Peacock is your best friend for streaming. It’s arguably the easiest way to watch if you don’t have an antenna.
- Radio: If you’re stuck in the car, SiriusXM has the national feeds on Channel 88, plus local broadcasts for all four teams on various other channels.
The winners of these two games will advance to the Conference Championships next Sunday, January 25. The stakes literally cannot get higher without a trophy being in the building. Grab your snacks, find your spot on the couch, and settle in.
Check your local listings to ensure there haven't been any last-minute regional broadcast shifts, especially for the early afternoon soccer matches. Ensure your streaming apps are updated before kickoff to avoid that annoying "update required" screen right as the ball is kicked.