If you’re staring at your TV right now wondering where the football is, you might be a day late or a few days early. It’s Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and the NFL world is collectively catching its breath. Last night was a total beatdown. The Houston Texans didn't just win; they dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers 30–6 in the final Wild Card matchup.
Honestly? It wasn't even as close as the score looked. C.J. Stroud was surgical, and that Houston defense—which is officially the real deal—just didn't let the Steelers breathe. But that game is in the books. The Wild Card round is over.
So, what about nfl games today channel and time?
The short answer: there aren't any games today. The NFL schedule-makers usually give the players (and our livers) a break during the midweek. We’re in that weird limbo between the chaos of the opening round and the high-stakes drama of the Divisional playoffs. If you’re looking for live hits, you’re mostly going to find replays on the NFL Network or talking heads debating whether the Texans can actually go into Foxboro and upset the Patriots.
When Does the Action Start Again?
The Divisional Round is where things get serious. This is when the heavy hitters—the #1 seeds who spent last week sitting on their couches—finally enter the chat. We’re talking about the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks. They’ve had their rest. Now they have to prove the rust hasn't set in.
Here is the breakdown for the upcoming weekend. You’ll want to bookmark this because the times are spread out across four different windows.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
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- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+
The Bills just survived a nail-biter against Jacksonville. Now they have to head into the thin air of Mile High. This is the "afternoon delight" slot, and it’s usually a frosty one in Denver this time of year.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: FOX
- Streaming: FOX One / FOX Sports App
An NFC West divisional rivalry in the playoffs? Yes, please. Seattle has been the class of the NFC all year, but the Niners are healthy and coming off a physical win over the Eagles. This one is going to be loud.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ABC / ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN+ / Disney+
This is the reward Houston gets for crushing Pittsburgh: a date with Mike Vrabel’s Patriots. New England’s defense looked terrifying against the Chargers last Sunday, allowing only 3 points. Something has to give when Stroud faces that secondary.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
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- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
The nightcap. The Bears are the #2 seed for a reason, and Soldier Field in January is a nightmare for warm-weather teams. But the Rams just put up 34 points on Carolina. If you like offense, this is your game.
Clearing Up the Streaming Confusion
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: finding these games is becoming a chore. You can't just flip through channels and hope for the best anymore. It’s a fragmented mess, but it’s manageable if you know the "primary" homes for each network.
For nfl games today channel and time searches, remember that every major broadcaster now has a dedicated plus-size streaming sibling. If the game is on CBS, it’s on Paramount+. If it’s on NBC, it’s on Peacock.
FOX is a bit different. They’ve leaned heavily into their "FOX One" platform recently. If you don't have cable, you’re basically looking at a patchwork quilt of subscriptions. Or, you know, just get a high-quality digital antenna. Seriously. Most of these games are still "over-the-air" broadcasts. You buy the antenna once for 30 bucks, and you get ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX for free. It’s the oldest "hack" in the book, and it still works better than a glitchy Wi-Fi stream.
Why Today Matters (Even Without a Game)
While there are no games on the Tuesday "nfl games today channel and time" docket, this is actually a huge day for the "injury report" junkies.
Keep a close eye on Foxboro. Reports are swirling about the Patriots' defensive depth after their Wild Card win. If they’re missing a key starter in the secondary, the Texans' Christian Kirk—who just went for 144 yards against Pittsburgh—is going to have a field day.
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Also, watch the weather reports for Denver and Chicago. We’re looking at a potential "Polar Vortex" situation for the weekend games. When the temperature drops below zero, the "air it out" offenses of the Bills and Rams tend to struggle.
What Most People Get Wrong About Playoff Times
A common mistake is assuming the "prime time" game is always on Saturday night. Usually, yes, but the NFL loves to flex the biggest draw to the Sunday night NBC slot. This year, that's Rams vs. Bears.
Another thing? Don't trust your DVR to end on time. Playoff games, especially ones involving high-scoring teams or controversial officiating (which, let’s be real, is every game), almost always run long. Set your recording to end at least an hour late. There is nothing worse than the recording cutting off right as a team is lining up for a game-winning field goal.
The Road Ahead to Super Bowl LX
If you're already planning your February, here's the trajectory. The winners from this weekend's Divisional Round will head to the Conference Championships on Sunday, January 25.
- AFC Championship: 3:00 p.m. ET on CBS.
- NFC Championship: 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
Everything culminates on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. NBC has the honors for Super Bowl LX this year.
Your Game Plan for the Weekend
Since there’s no football tonight, use the time to get your setup right. Check your subscriptions. If you’re planning on using Peacock for that Rams/Bears game, make sure your login actually works before 6:29 p.m. on Sunday.
- Check your local listings: Sometimes local affiliates shift things around for news, though rarely for the NFL.
- Verify your streaming bandwidth: 4K streams eat data. If you're hosting a party, make sure your router isn't hidden behind a lead-lined cabinet.
- Antenna Check: If you’re going the free route, scan your channels today to make sure the signal is clear.
The Divisional Round is arguably the best weekend of the entire year for football fans. Four games, two days, and the highest level of competition. Stay tuned to the injury reports over the next 48 hours, as those will tell you more about the outcomes than any "expert" bracket ever will.
Keep an eye on the official NFL app for any last-minute "flex" changes to the nfl games today channel and time schedule, though with the playoffs, these times are usually etched in stone by Tuesday morning. Enjoy the mid-week break; it’s the last one you’ll get until after the Super Bowl.