If you're waking up today wondering what are the nfl games on sunday, you’ve likely realized the stakes just got a whole lot higher. We are officially in the heart of the Divisional Round. This is the weekend where the "pretenders" from the Wild Card round are gone, and the heavyweights finally come out to play. Yesterday gave us a taste of the chaos, but today, January 18, 2026, is when the AFC and NFC championship spots truly get decided.
We have two massive games on the slate. One takes us to the chilly coast of Massachusetts, and the other drops us right into the "Monsters of the Midway" territory in Chicago. Honestly, if you love old-school football mixed with new-school quarterback drama, today is basically your Christmas.
The AFC Showdown: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
First up at 3:00 p.m. ET, we have the Houston Texans traveling to Foxborough to face the New England Patriots. You can catch this one on ESPN/ABC or stream it via ESPN+.
This isn't the same Patriots team of a decade ago, but Gillette Stadium in January is still a house of horrors for visiting teams. The Patriots earned the No. 2 seed this year with a stifling 14-3 record, mostly off the back of a defense that just doesn't beat itself. They handled the Chargers with ease last week (16-3), showing that they don't need a 40-point explosion to win; they just need to suffocate you.
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On the other side, the Texans are coming in hot. They absolutely dismantled the Steelers 30-6 on Monday night. C.J. Stroud has been playing like a ten-year veteran, and his connection with Nico Collins is becoming the stuff of nightmares for defensive coordinators. The big question is whether Houston’s fast-paced offense can survive the "bend-but-don't-break" style of New England. It's a classic matchup of a high-flying underdog against a disciplined powerhouse.
The NFC Nightcap: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
Once the sun goes down, things get even more intense. At 6:30 p.m. ET, the Los Angeles Rams take on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. This one is the "Sunday Night Football" special on NBC and Peacock.
The Bears are the No. 2 seed and they’ve been a surprise juggernaut all season. They managed to survive a nail-biter against Green Bay last week (31-27), proving they can win when the pressure is maxed out. Their defense, led by the schemes of Dennis Allen, is going to have its hands full. Allen actually noted earlier this week that stopping the Rams' receiving duo of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams—yeah, remember he's a Ram now—is going to take an "exceptional effort."
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The Rams are the quintessential "scary" team. They entered the playoffs as the No. 5 seed but played like a top-three unit down the stretch. They just put up 34 points on Carolina and Matthew Stafford looks like he’s found a fountain of youth. Watching Stafford throw into tight windows in the Chicago wind is going to be high-level theater. If the Bears' secondary can't hold up, the Rams might just spoil the party in the Windy City.
TV Schedule and Streaming Cheat Sheet
If you're trying to plan your snacks around the kickoffs, here is the quick breakdown of the nfl games on sunday for today:
Game 1: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
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- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN / ABC / ESPN+ / ESPN Deportes
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Game 2: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: NBC / Peacock / Telemundo / Universo
- Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Why These Matchups Actually Matter
Most people think the Divisional Round is just a stepping stone, but historically, this is where the Super Bowl winner is usually "revealed." The winners today move on to the Conference Championships next Sunday, January 25.
If the Patriots win, they likely set up a collision course with the No. 1 seed Denver Broncos in the AFC. If the Bears win, they keep the dream of a home-field advantage alive if things go weird in the other NFC matchups. There’s a lot of talk about the weather in Chicago being a factor for Stafford—who spent years in the Detroit dome—but he’s played plenty of cold games at Soldier Field. Don't let the "warm weather QB" narrative fool you; he knows exactly what he's walking into.
Watching Without Cable
If you’ve cut the cord, don't panic. You aren't locked out. For the 3:00 p.m. game, ESPN+ is your best friend. For the 6:30 p.m. game, you’ll need Peacock. Both services have been reliable this season, though you should definitely check your internet connection before the Rams/Bears kickoff. Nothing ruins a playoff Sunday like a "buffering" wheel when a 50-yard bomb is in the air.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check the Weather: Keep an eye on the wind speeds in Chicago. High winds at Soldier Field drastically change the betting lines and the way the Rams will use Davante Adams.
- Update Your Apps: If you're streaming on Peacock or ESPN+, log in now to ensure your subscription is active and the app is updated. You don't want to be resetting a password at 2:59 p.m.
- Monitor Injury Reports: Look for late-breaking news on the Texans' offensive line. Protecting Stroud against the New England pass rush is the only way Houston pulls off the upset.
- Set Your Reminders: The gap between the first and second game is usually just enough time to grab dinner, so plan accordingly so you don't miss the 6:30 p.m. kickoff.