Snow is dumping on Lake Shore Drive right now. If you're looking for nfl games for today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you aren't just getting football; you’re getting a survival test in Chicago and a legacy-defining showdown in Foxborough. We are officially in the heart of the Divisional Round.
Yesterday was wild. The Denver Broncos clawed out an overtime win against Buffalo, but they lost Bo Nix to an ankle injury in the process. That changes everything for the AFC. But today? Today is about who gets to challenge the giants. We have two massive matchups on the slate that will decide the final Four.
NFL Games for Today: Sunday’s Full Schedule
If you're planning your couch time, here is the breakdown of the two games happening today. Keep in mind the weather in Chicago is already looking like a factor for the primetime slot.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Channel: ABC / ESPN / ESPN+
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
- Time: 6:30 PM ET
- Channel: NBC / Peacock
- Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Honestly, the contrast between these two games is kind of hilarious. You have the high-flying Texans offense trying to handle the Foxborough chill, followed by a literal "Ice Bowl" replica developing at Soldier Field.
Texans vs. Patriots: The Drake Maye vs. C.J. Stroud Chess Match
The early game is a pure quarterback nerd’s dream. We’ve seen the Patriots (14-3) reinvent themselves this year behind Drake Maye. They’ve been clinical. But the Texans (12-5) are coming off a grueling Monday night win against Pittsburgh and they look like they have nothing to lose.
C.J. Stroud has been surgical, but there’s a massive "but" here. The Texans are officially without Nico Collins and Justin Watson due to concussions. That is a massive blow to their deep threat capability. If you’re Houston, you're basically asking Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz to carry the entire vertical load against a New England secondary that just got Christian Gonzalez back from protocol.
The Patriots are the favorites here for a reason. They’re at home, they’re rested, and Drake Maye has looked like a veteran in the pocket all December. However, New England has their own headaches. Harold Landry III is questionable with a knee, and if he can’t go, the pass rush loses its teeth. If Stroud gets time, he will pick apart even the best secondary.
Rams vs. Bears: Chaos in the Snow at Soldier Field
This is the one everyone is texting about. The Rams (12-5) are heading into a literal freezer. The forecast for kickoff at Soldier Field is 19°F with snow showers. For a team from Los Angeles that relies on the timing of Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua, that is a nightmare scenario.
The Bears (11-6) are finally the team Chicago fans have been waiting decades for. Caleb Williams has been efficient, limiting turnovers and letting that defense do the heavy lifting. But let's be real: this game is going to be won in the dirt.
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Key Injuries to Watch
- Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze is questionable with a foot injury. That sucks for Caleb Williams, but they just elevated Nikola Kalinic from the practice squad as insurance.
- LA Rams: Jimmy Garoppolo is dealing with a back issue, but Stafford is the guy anyway. The real concern is their defensive depth after a flurry of IR stints earlier this month.
The Rams are actually 4-point favorites, which feels high given the weather. Stafford has the arm to cut through the wind, but Kyren Williams is going to have to carry the ball 25+ times if they want to escape Chicago with a win. The Bears' defense thrives on takeaways in the cold. If the ball is slick, expect a low-scoring, ugly affair.
What's Actually at Stake?
The winner of the Texans-Patriots game heads to Denver next week. With Bo Nix out, that AFC Championship game suddenly feels wide open. Whoever wins in Foxborough today might actually be the favorite to make the Super Bowl now.
Over in the NFC, the winner of Rams-Bears has to travel to Seattle. The Seahawks looked dominant yesterday, and they'll be watching tonight's game from their heaters, hoping for a triple-overtime slugfest that leaves the winner exhausted.
Actionable Insights for Today’s Slate
If you're watching or looking at the numbers, here’s how to approach nfl games for today:
- Watch the Chicago Kicking Game: Cairo Santos is a pro, but the wind at Soldier Field is no joke. Don't be surprised if both teams go for it on 4th down more than usual.
- Monitor the Texans' Target Share: With Collins out, see who Stroud leans on in the first quarter. If it’s all Schultz, the Patriots will start doubling him by the half.
- The Over/Under Trap: The Rams-Bears total is sitting around 48.5. In a snowstorm at Soldier Field, the "Under" is looking like the smartest play on the board.
The Divisional Round is where the pretenders get exposed. Whether it's the cold in Chicago or the tactical brilliance in New England, today's games are going to be defined by who handles the elements—both environmental and mental.
Clear your schedule. Order the wings. It’s going to be a long Sunday.