Look, if you're checking for nfl games now live right this second on Friday, January 16, 2026, I have some news that might be a bummer: the field is currently quiet. We are in that weird, tense "calm before the storm" Friday where the league holds its collective breath. After a Wild Card weekend that basically saw the Philadelphia Eagles’ repeat dreams get shredded by the 49ers, we’re standing on the edge of the Divisional Round.
The real action kicks off tomorrow. Honestly, it's probably for the best because this weekend is going to be a total gauntlet. If you were hoping to catch a stray Friday night game, the NFL hasn't quite moved to a seven-day-a-week schedule yet—though with the way streaming rights are going, who knows where we'll be by 2030. For now, Friday is for the injury reports and the endless "Insiders" loops on NFL Network.
Where the Bracket Stands Right Now
Wild Card weekend was a bloodbath for home teams. The Chargers got stifled by New England in a 16-3 rock fight that felt more like 1994 than 2026. Then you had Houston going into Pittsburgh and just dismantling the Steelers 30-6. If you missed those, the replays are all over NFL+ Premium, but the gist is that the "pretenders" have been filtered out.
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The Divisional Round is where the heavyweights finally step out of the shadows. The Denver Broncos (AFC) and the Seattle Seahawks (NFC) have been sitting at home with their No. 1 seeds, resting up. They haven't played a meaningful snap in nearly two weeks. That's always the big debate: is the rest an advantage, or are they going to come out looking "rusty" against teams like the Bills or 49ers who just won high-stakes games?
Saturday’s Schedule (January 17, 2026)
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+): This is the one everyone is circling. Buffalo just scrapped past Jacksonville 27-24. Now they have to fly into the thin air of Mile High.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 p.m. ET, FOX): A classic NFC West grudge match. The 49ers just ended the Eagles' season, and Jauan Jennings is out here throwing touchdown passes like he’s the backup QB. Seattle is the favorite (-7.5), but these two teams hate each other too much for a blowout.
Sunday’s Slate (January 18, 2026)
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots (3:00 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN): Can C.J. Stroud keep this heater going against the No. 2 seed? The Pats defense only gave up 3 points last week. It’s a literal "unstoppable force vs. immovable object" situation.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (6:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock): It’s going to be freezing. The forecast for Soldier Field is in the single digits. Watching Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua try to navigate a frozen lake in Chicago is going to be must-watch TV.
How to Watch and Stream
Since we don't have nfl games now live today, you've got about 24 hours to make sure your logins actually work. Don't be the person trying to reset a password two minutes before kickoff.
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Basically, if you have a digital antenna, you can get the Saturday night game and the Sunday games for free. If you're a cord-cutter, the fragmentation is real. You'll need Paramount+ for the Bills/Broncos game and Peacock for the Rams/Bears nightcap. FOX games usually stream on the FOX Sports app or their new "FOX One" service if you’ve got a cable login or a subscription.
Honestly, the "NFL+ Premium" app is probably the best bet for mobile users, especially since they have a 40% off deal running through mid-February. It lets you watch every playoff game live on your phone or tablet. Just don't expect to cast it to your TV easily—they're pretty stingy about those rights.
The Injury Drama You Need to Know
The Friday injury reports just dropped, and there’s some serious drama in the 49ers camp. Fred Warner is officially listed as "OUT" with that ankle issue. That is a massive blow for their defense. Seattle is mostly healthy, though Sam Darnold is "questionable" with an oblique strain.
Over in the AFC, the Bills are hurting. Jordan Poyer (hamstring) is out, and they’ve got a handful of guys like Ed Oliver and Damar Hamlin listed as questionable. Playing the No. 1 seed Broncos while your secondary is held together by tape and prayers is a tough ask.
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Actionable Next Steps
- Check your streaming apps: If you're planning to watch the Sunday night game, make sure your Peacock sub didn't expire.
- Monitor the weather: Keep an eye on the Chicago forecast. If the wind picks up, the "Over" on that 49.5 point total for Rams/Bears is a risky bet.
- Sync your fantasy/betting apps: Most books have Denver as a slight favorite over Buffalo, but the line is moving toward the Bills as of this morning.
- Set your DVR: If you’re busy Saturday afternoon, the CBS game starts early.
The divisional round is usually the best football weekend of the year. No fluff, just the eight best teams in the world hitting each other for three hours. Enjoy the quiet Friday while it lasts.