If you’re waking up on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and frantically checking your sportsbook app or scrolling through your TV guide for what nfl game are on today, I have some news that might bum you out. Honestly, there isn't a single NFL game scheduled for today. It’s that weird, quiet pocket of the postseason where the dust has settled from a chaotic Wild Card weekend, but the Divisional Round hasn't quite arrived yet.
We just saw the Houston Texans absolutely dismantle the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 on Monday night to close out the opening round. Now, the league takes a breather. It’s basically the "eye of the storm" for football fans.
When Does the Football Actually Start Again?
Since there are no NFL games on today, your next real appointment with the couch is Saturday, January 17. The league keeps this Thursday clear to let the teams that played on Sunday and Monday actually recover.
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Imagine being a Texans player. You just played a high-stakes playoff game in Pittsburgh on Monday night. If you had to turn around and play today, your body would basically be made of glass and regret. Instead, the NFL gives everyone a few days to get their ankles taped and their game plans installed.
The Saturday Slate (January 17)
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: This is the early window at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. The Broncos are the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and they’ve been resting since the regular season ended. The Bills, meanwhile, are coming off a tight 27-24 win over the Jaguars.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: The nightcap at 8:15 p.m. ET on FOX. This is an all-NFC West showdown. The Seahawks earned the first-round bye, but the 49ers looked terrifying in their win against the Eagles last week.
Looking Ahead to Sunday’s Matchups
If Saturday doesn't satisfy the itch, Sunday, January 18, has the remaining two slots for the Divisional Round. It’s weird seeing the Patriots as a No. 2 seed again, kinda feels like a time warp.
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- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN. After that Monday night blowout, the Texans have a short week to travel to Foxborough.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The Bears are the No. 2 seed here, and Soldier Field in mid-January is basically a giant outdoor freezer.
Why the NFL Schedule Skips Thursdays in the Playoffs
A lot of people get confused because we’ve been conditioned by "Thursday Night Football" all season long. But once the playoffs hit, the NFL ditches the Thursday slot. Why? It’s mostly about competitive balance and player safety.
During the regular season, teams hate the Thursday turnaround, but they deal with it because every team has to do it once. In the playoffs, you can’t force a team that played a Wild Card game on Monday to play again on Thursday. It would be a slaughter.
Instead, the league moves those prime-time windows to Saturday. It’s better for TV ratings, and it’s definitely better for the quality of the football. You want the athletes at 100%, not 60% and limping.
What to Do Today Instead
Since you can't watch what nfl game are on today, you might want to dive into the injury reports for the upcoming weekend. Keep a close eye on the Bills’ backfield; they took some hits in Jacksonville that could change how they match up against Denver’s pass rush.
Also, check the weather forecasts for Chicago and Denver. We’re looking at some potential snow in the Mile High City, which usually favors a heavy run game. If you're a betting person, those totals might start dropping if the wind speeds pick up.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Download the Streaming Apps: Make sure your Paramount+ (for CBS games) and Peacock (for the Sunday night NBC game) subscriptions are active. There's nothing worse than missing a kickoff because of a "forgotten password" loop.
- Monitor the Spread: The line for the 49ers/Seahawks game has been hovering around 3 points. If it moves to 3.5, it might be time to jump on the underdog.
- Prep the Menu: Saturday is a long day of football. If you’re hosting, start your grocery run today to beat the Friday rush.
The wait for the Divisional Round is always the hardest part of January, but it’ll be worth it when the Bills and Broncos kick off on Saturday afternoon.