So, it's Sunday, January 18, 2026. The Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs is winding down, but honestly, the best stuff might be happening right now. If you're frantically checking your phone or asking everyone around you "NFL football tonight what time," you're in the right place. We have a double-header today that basically decides the final four.
One thing you should know: the schedule for these playoff games is always tight. You don't want to miss the opening kickoff because, in the postseason, that's often when the weirdest stuff happens.
NFL Football Tonight What Time: The Sunday Schedule
Today is split between the AFC and the NFC. We’ve got two massive matchups at two very different types of stadiums.
Game 1: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
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- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- TV: ESPN / ABC
- Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV
This one is at Gillette Stadium. C.J. Stroud is leading his Texans into the Foxborough cold to face Drake Maye and the Patriots. It’s a battle of the young quarterbacks, and the atmosphere is going to be electric. If you're on the West Coast, you better have your lunch ready by noon, because that's when this kicks off for you.
Game 2: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
- Time: 6:30 PM ET
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock, Fubo
Now, this is the "tonight" part of the query. The nightcap. The Rams are traveling to Soldier Field. If you’ve seen the weather reports for Chicago today, you know it’s looking like a classic "Frozen Tundra" vibe with snow showers and temperatures dipping into the teens. Caleb Williams is looking to protect home turf against a veteran Matthew Stafford.
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Why the Timing Matters Today
Playoff timing is a science for the networks. They want the sunset game and the primetime game.
The 3:00 PM ET slot is perfect for ABC/ESPN to grab that afternoon audience. But the real heavy hitter is the 6:30 PM ET game on NBC. That’s when the Football Night in America crew starts their engine. Usually, the pre-game coverage begins around 6:00 PM ET, so if you want the full analysis of the "Rams-Bears weather factor," tune in then.
Watching the Games Without Cable
You've got options. Gone are the days when you needed a massive satellite dish just to see a playoff game.
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For the Texans and Patriots, ESPN+ is your best bet if you're a streamer. It’s cheap and reliable. If you want the Rams and Bears game, you absolutely need Peacock. NBC has been pushing their streaming service hard, and for the playoffs, it's often the most stable way to watch if you don't have a digital antenna or a cable box.
Don't forget the radio. If you're stuck in the car, SiriusXM is running the national feeds on Channel 88.
Key Matchups to Watch Tonight
It isn't just about the clock. It's about what happens when it starts.
- The Soldier Field Surface: The Chicago grounds crew has their work cut out for them. With snow expected, the Rams' high-flying offense might have to rely more on the ground game.
- C.J. Stroud’s Poise: The Patriots' defense under Jerod Mayo has been suffocating at home. Seeing how Stroud handles the Foxborough "ghosts" is worth the price of admission alone.
- The Caleb Williams Factor: This is the biggest game of his young career. A home divisional game in the snow? That’s the stuff legends are made of.
Actionable Next Steps
To make sure you don't miss a single snap of the action, here is exactly what you should do right now:
- Check Your Local Listings: While the national times are 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM ET, sometimes local affiliates have pre-game specials that start an hour early.
- Download the Apps: If you’re streaming, download Peacock and the ESPN app now. Update them. Don't wait until 6:29 PM to realize you forgot your password.
- Prep the Snacks: These games usually run about 3 hours and 15 minutes. Plan for the Rams-Bears game to end around 9:45 PM ET, assuming there isn't a wild overtime period like we saw with the Broncos yesterday.
- Monitor the Weather: Keep an eye on the Chicago forecast. If the snow gets heavy, it can delay things slightly, though the NFL rarely stops for anything short of a blizzard.
The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara goes through Foxborough and Chicago today. Set your alarms, grab your favorite jersey, and get ready for a long day of football.