It is finally here. If you’ve been living under a rock or just haven't looked at the calendar lately, today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and we are right in the thick of the NFL Divisional Round. This is the weekend where the pretenders get sent home and the real contenders start smelling a Super Bowl ring. Honestly, yesterday was a total rollercoaster. We saw the Denver Broncos barely survive a heart-stopper against the Buffalo Bills with a 33-30 overtime win, and then the Seattle Seahawks absolutely dismantled the 49ers 41-6.
Now, the pressure shifts. Today’s slate features the final two tickets to the Conference Championships. We’ve got the Houston Texans traveling to Foxborough and the Los Angeles Rams heading into the frozen tundra of Soldier Field.
You’re probably here because you need the nfl football game schedule today to make sure you don't miss a single snap while you're grabbing wings or setting the fantasy lineup. Let’s get straight into the timing and the matchups that are going to define the season.
The NFL Football Game Schedule Today: Times and Networks
The league didn't mess around with the scheduling this year. We have a classic AFC-NFC split that covers the afternoon and the evening. Basically, your couch is going to be your best friend for the next seven to eight hours.
First up, the AFC takes center stage. The Houston Texans face the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. This game kicks off at 3:00 PM ET. If you’re looking for it on your dial, it’s being broadcast on ESPN and ABC. You can also stream it on NFL+ or through the ESPN app if you're on the move.
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Once that dust settles, we switch gears to the NFC. The Los Angeles Rams take on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. That one is a primetime special, kicking off at 6:30 PM ET. You’ll find that on NBC and Peacock. It’s going to be cold in Chicago, which usually means some old-school, smash-mouth football.
Breaking Down the AFC Matchup: Texans at Patriots
The 3:00 PM game is fascinating because of the "new era" feel to it. New England is hosting its first deep playoff run since the Brady days, and Drake Maye has looked every bit the part of a franchise savior. But man, the Texans are scary. Their defense is currently ranked number one in the league, giving up only 277.2 yards per game.
Houston is coming off a dominant 30-6 win over the Steelers where they didn't even need their offense to be perfect because the defense kept scoring touchdowns. If Maye can't find a way to navigate that secondary, it's going to be a long day for the Pats.
The storylines are everywhere:
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- Drake Maye’s first real "legacy" moment at home.
- A Texans defense that has been feasting on turnovers all month.
- The winner gets a date with the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship.
The Nightcap: Rams at Bears at Soldier Field
This is the one a lot of people are circling. You’ve got the veteran savvy of Matthew Stafford against the pure, unadulterated talent of Caleb Williams. The Bears are hosting a divisional game for the first time in 15 years. That city is going to be vibrating.
Chicago’s path here was wild. They had a massive comeback against the Packers last week where Caleb Williams threw three touchdowns in the fourth quarter alone. On the other side, the Rams just edged out the Panthers 34-31. It’s a classic matchup of a high-flying offense versus a Chicago team that finally feels like it has its swagger back.
Expect a lot of noise. Expect some weird weather. Most importantly, expect the winner to move on to face the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday.
How to Watch and Stream Today’s Games
If you’ve cut the cord, don't panic. You have plenty of ways to catch the nfl football game schedule today without a traditional cable box.
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- Peacock: This is the exclusive home for the Rams-Bears game if you're streaming.
- ESPN+: Will have coverage for the Texans-Patriots game.
- Fubo / YouTube TV / Hulu + Live TV: These services carry ABC, ESPN, and NBC, making them a one-stop shop for the whole doubleheader.
- NFL+: Great for mobile viewing, though keep in mind it's usually restricted to phones and tablets for the live broadcasts.
Final Betting Angles and What to Watch For
Looking at the lines, the Rams are actually slight favorites on the road, which is a bit surprising given how tough Soldier Field is in January. The over/under for that game is sitting around 48.5, but with the Chicago defense playing the way it is, the "under" might be the smart play.
For the afternoon game, New England is the favorite, but nobody is counting out Houston's ability to create chaos. If you're a fan of defensive battles, the 3:00 PM window is your bread and butter. If you want fireworks and high-stakes drama from young quarterbacks, stay tuned for the 6:30 PM kickoff.
Check your local listings to confirm the exact channel for ABC/ESPN in your area, as some regional affiliates vary. Make sure your devices are charged and the snacks are prepped. It's playoff football.
Actionable Insights for Today’s Games:
- Finalize Your Setup: Verify your Peacock login now if you plan on watching the Rams vs. Bears game, as high traffic can sometimes cause login delays right at kickoff.
- Track the Weather: Keep an eye on the wind speeds at Soldier Field. High winds in Chicago often lead to a heavy run game, which could favor the Rams' backfield or limit Caleb Williams' deep ball attempts.
- Monitor the AFC Injury Report: Watch for late updates on New England’s offensive line; if they are down a starter, the Texans' front four will likely dominate the early possessions.
- Plan for the AFC Championship: Note that the winner of Texans-Patriots will travel to Denver next Sunday, while the Rams-Bears winner heads to Seattle.