Man, the playoffs are something else. You think you have the bracket figured out, and then Saturday happens. If you’re looking for the nfl football scores for today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you’ve basically walked into the eye of a storm. Yesterday gave us an overtime heartbreaker in Denver and a complete "Dark Side" defensive clinic in Seattle. Now, we have the second half of the Divisional Round.
Honestly, the stakes couldn't be higher. We are currently looking at two massive matchups that will decide who moves on to Championship Sunday.
The Sunday Slate: Who is Playing?
Right now, the focus is on two specific games. First up, we have the Houston Texans at New England Patriots. That one kicks off at 3:00 PM ET on ABC. It’s a classic battle between a surging young Houston squad and a New England team that has looked like a well-oiled machine all year.
Later tonight? We head to the Windy City. The Los Angeles Rams are at the Chicago Bears at 6:30 PM ET. It’s going to be cold. It’s going to be loud. NBC has the broadcast, and if you aren't near a TV, Peacock is streaming it. These two games are the final pieces of the puzzle for the AFC and NFC title games.
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What Happened Yesterday: Saturday's Results
Before we get too deep into today's predictions, we have to talk about what just went down. It was wild.
Denver Broncos 33, Buffalo Bills 30 (OT)
This was an absolute roller coaster. Wil Lutz nailed a 23-yard field goal in overtime to send the top-seeded Broncos to the AFC Championship. But the victory came with a massive asterisk. Coach Sean Payton confirmed after the game that quarterback Bo Nix broke his ankle. He's out for the season. Josh Allen played his heart out with three touchdowns, but five Buffalo turnovers—including a soul-crushing interception in OT—sealed their fate.Seattle Seahawks 41, San Francisco 49ers 6
Total. Destruction. The Seahawks didn't just win; they dismantled the Niners. Rashid Shaheed took the opening kickoff 95 yards for a score just 13 seconds in. Seattle’s defense, nicknamed the “Dark Side,” forced three turnovers and held Brock Purdy to a mere 140 yards. Sam Darnold got his first career playoff win, and Kenneth Walker III punched in three touchdowns.👉 See also: Why Cumberland Valley Boys Basketball Dominates the Mid-Penn (and What’s Next)
Why Today's NFL Football Scores Matter So Much
The nfl football scores for today will determine who faces these juggernauts next week. In the AFC, the winner of Texans-Patriots has to travel to Denver. Normally, you’d say that’s a nightmare, but with Bo Nix out, the Broncos will be starting Jarrett Stidham. That completely changes the math for Houston and New England.
In the NFC, the Seahawks are waiting at home for the winner of Rams-Bears. Considering how Seattle looked yesterday, the Rams and Bears better hope they have a plan for that crowd noise at Lumen Field.
Breaking Down the Matchups
The Patriots finished the season 14-3, matching Denver for the best record in the AFC. They are disciplined. They don't beat themselves. Meanwhile, the Texans (13-5) are coming off a dominant Wild Card win over the Steelers. They have that "nothing to lose" energy that makes them dangerous.
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The Bears (12-6) are actually home underdogs against the Rams (13-5). That’s sort of rare for a No. 2 seed. Caleb Williams has been spectacular for Chicago, but the Rams have Puka Nacua and a veteran poise that usually travels well in January.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the nfl football scores for today, here is what you should be watching for to see who actually has the edge:
- Turnover Margin: As we saw in the Bills-Broncos game, you can outgain your opponent by 100 yards and still lose if you give the ball away. Watch the Texans' ball security early.
- The Weather Factor: Chicago is going to be chilly. Warm-weather teams like the Rams often struggle if the wind starts swirling off the lake.
- Injury Reports: Keep an eye on the Patriots' offensive line. If they can’t protect against Houston’s pass rush, we might see an upset.
- Live Updates: Use official apps like NFL+ or major sports networks to track play-by-play. The "box score" doesn't always tell the story of a momentum shift.
The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting narrow. By the time the sun sets tonight, we’ll know exactly which four teams are still standing. It's a brutal, beautiful grind.
Get your snacks ready. Today is going to be a long one.