If you woke up today wondering what NFL football games are on Sunday, you’re looking at one of the biggest days of the year. It is Divisional Round weekend. This is usually when the "imposter" teams get filtered out and the real Super Bowl contenders show their teeth. We are down to the final eight. By tonight, we’ll know exactly who is playing in the AFC and NFC Championship games next week.
Honestly, the energy is different this time of year. There are only two games today, January 18, 2026, but they are heavy hitters. We’re talking about rookie phenoms, seasoned vets, and some seriously cold weather.
The Sunday Afternoon AFC Clash: Texans at Patriots
First up, we have the Houston Texans traveling to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots. Kickoff is at 3:00 p.m. ET. You can catch this one on ABC or ESPN. If you’re a cord-cutter, it’s also streaming on ESPN+.
This is such a weirdly fascinating matchup. The Patriots are the No. 2 seed and they’ve been an absolute juggernaut at home this year. On the other side, you have the No. 5 seed Texans who just dismantled the Steelers in the Wild Card round. Most people expected the Texans to be "just happy to be here," but they looked like a buzzsaw last Monday night.
New England is rested. They had the week off while the Texans were battling it out. Usually, that’s a huge advantage, but sometimes teams come out a little "rusty" after a bye. Houston is coming in hot. They’ve got nothing to lose.
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The Primetime NFC Showdown: Rams at Bears
The nightcap is where things get really interesting. The Los Angeles Rams are heading to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears. This one starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Imagine Matthew Stafford, a guy who knows the NFC North like the back of his hand from his Detroit days, walking into a freezing Chicago stadium. It’s expected to be brutal out there. The Bears are the No. 2 seed and Caleb Williams has been living up to every bit of the hype in his second season. He’s got that "it" factor.
The Rams are the No. 5 seed, but they aren't your typical underdog. They took down Carolina last week in a game that felt like a heavyweight boxing match.
Why the Bears-Rams Game is Historically Huge
There is some serious buzz about this specific game. Analysts are actually predicting this could be one of the highest-scoring playoff games in history. Even Tom Brady chimed in recently, mentioning that the weather at Soldier Field is the only thing that might actually slow down Stafford’s arm. If the wind stays calm, we might see a total shootout.
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If the Bears win, they stay home for the NFC Championship if the 49ers pull an upset on the Seahawks, or they head to Seattle if the chalk holds. There is a lot on the line.
Where to Watch and How to Stream
Look, keeping track of where games are moving is a headache. Everything is split between traditional cable and about five different apps. Here is the lowdown for today:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- TV: ABC / ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN+, NFL+
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- TV: NBC / Telemundo
- Streaming: Peacock, NFL+
If you are listening on the radio, Westwood One has the national call for both. Local fans in LA can find the Rams on ESPN LA 710 AM. Chicago fans? You know the drill—tune into the local flagship for that home-field flavor.
Key Storylines for Today
It isn't just about who wins; it’s about how it happens. In the AFC game, keep an eye on the New England defense. They’ve been suffocating opponents all year. Can the Texans' young core handle the pressure of Gillette Stadium in January? It's a different beast than playing in a dome.
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In Chicago, it’s all about the Stafford vs. Williams matchup. It is literally the "Old Guard" vs. the "New Era." Stafford is looking for one more ring to cement his Hall of Fame resume. Williams is trying to bring a title back to a city that has been starving for one since the 80s.
What Happens Next?
Once these games wrap up, the bracket is set for the Conference Championships on January 25. The winners of today's AFC game will likely face the Denver Broncos (assuming the No. 1 seed took care of business). The NFC winner will look toward a date with either the Seahawks or 49ers.
The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting very short.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your local listings: If you’re using an antenna, make sure your signal for ABC and NBC is clear before kickoff.
- Update your apps: If you’re streaming on Peacock or ESPN+, log in now to avoid that "forgotten password" panic five minutes before the game starts.
- Monitor the weather: Keep an eye on the wind speeds in Chicago. High winds at Soldier Field usually mean a heavy dose of the run game and fewer deep shots from Stafford and Williams.
Enjoy the games. Sunday in January is as good as it gets for a football fan.