Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and if you aren't parked in front of a screen, you're missing the most intense part of the NFL postseason. The Divisional Round is where the pretenders get sent home and the legends actually start to take shape. Yesterday was a bloodbath. Denver survived a heart-stopper against Buffalo but lost Bo Nix to a season-ending ankle injury, and Seattle absolutely dismantled the 49ers in a 41-6 rout that felt like a statement of intent.
Now, we move to the Sunday slate. It's the "Young Guns vs. The Establishment" day.
If you are looking for what nfl football game is on today, we have a doubleheader that bridges the gap between the rising stars in the AFC and a classic old-school slugfest in the NFC. We are talking about Drake Maye trying to cement a legacy in New England and Caleb Williams facing the ultimate veteran test in the Windy City.
The AFC Showdown: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
The afternoon begins in Foxborough. At 3:00 PM ET, the Houston Texans visit the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. This game is being broadcast on ABC and ESPN, so it's basically everywhere.
Honestly, nobody expected the Patriots to be here this fast after the post-Belichick transition. But Drake Maye has been playing out of his mind. He’s got that "it" factor that makes you forget he's still basically a kid in NFL years. On the other side, C.J. Stroud and the Texans are no longer the "scrappy upstarts." They’re a juggernaut. Stroud is surgical. He doesn’t just throw passes; he carves open zones like he’s working with a scalpel.
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The vibe in New England is electric. It’s about 30 degrees there right now, which is perfect "Pats weather." Houston is coming off a dominant 30-6 win over Pittsburgh, while New England methodically took apart the Chargers 16-3 last week.
Expect a chess match. DeMeco Ryans has that Texans defense playing with a terrifying level of discipline. They swarm. They hit hard. But the Patriots' home-field advantage at Gillette in January? That’s a real thing. It’s loud, it’s cold, and the ghosts of championships past usually seem to hang around the uprights.
The NFC Nightcap: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
Once the sun goes down, things get really interesting. At 6:30 PM ET, the Los Angeles Rams head into the freezer to face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. You can catch this one on NBC and Peacock.
Let’s talk about the weather. The forecast is calling for snow showers and a temperature of about 18°F. That is a brutal adjustment for a team coming from sunny SoCal. Matthew Stafford has played in the cold before—he spent years in Detroit—but this Rams roster is built for speed and turf.
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Chicago is buzzing. This is the first time the Bears have hosted a divisional game in 15 years. Caleb Williams has the city of Chicago believing in miracles again after they edged out the Packers 31-27 last weekend. The kid is special, but Matthew Stafford is a veteran assassin who has seen every defensive look imaginable.
Why the Rams Might Be in Trouble
- The cold. Seriously. Moving from 70 degrees to 18 degrees affects how the ball feels and how players breathe.
- Soldier Field’s grass. It’s notoriously tricky, especially in the snow.
- The Bears' defensive front. They’ve been elite at home this year, and they smell blood.
Sean McVay said earlier this week that the weather doesn't concern him and they'll "always adjust," but that's what every coach says until their star receiver slips on a slant route. The Rams are currently 3.5-point favorites, but with the snow coming down, this feels like a coin flip.
Viewing Guide and Kickoff Times
If you're planning your day around what nfl football game is on today, here is the quick breakdown of how to watch. No fancy tables, just the facts you need to know so you don't miss kickoff.
First up, the Texans and Patriots start at 3:00 PM ET. If you don't have cable, you can stream it on ESPN+. It's the "Drake Maye versus C.J. Stroud" bowl, and it’s going to be high-flying despite the New England chill.
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Then, the main event. Rams at Bears at 6:30 PM ET. This is the primetime slot on NBC. If you’re a cord-cutter, Peacock is your best friend here. Football Night in America starts at 6:00 PM ET to get you hyped with all the pre-game analysis and weather updates.
What’s at Stake for the Winners
The winners of these two games don't just get a trophy; they get a ticket to the Conference Championships next Sunday, January 25.
We already know the hosts for those games. Because the #1 seeds won on Saturday, the Seattle Seahawks will host the NFC Championship and the Denver Broncos will host the AFC Championship. However, Denver is in a weird spot. Bo Nix is officially out with a broken ankle. Whoever wins the Texans-Patriots game today is going to be looking at a Denver team led by a backup quarterback. That changes the entire complexion of the AFC bracket.
Final Insights for Today’s Action
If you’re betting or just looking for an edge in your group chat, keep an eye on the injuries. The Bears lost linebacker T.J. Edwards to a fractured fibula last week, which is a massive blow to their middle defense. The Rams are also missing several key pieces on their offensive line, including Rob Havenstein.
This is the best day of the year for football fans. Two games. Win or go home. The stakes couldn't be higher.
To stay ahead of the action, make sure you've downloaded your streaming apps and checked your local listings, especially for the NBC broadcast which can vary slightly by region. Once these games wrap up, the road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara will be down to just four teams. Grab your jersey, get the wings ready, and enjoy the show.