Wild Card weekend just shredded everyone’s brackets. If you thought the regular season was chaotic, the last few days were basically a fever dream for football fans. We saw twelve fourth-quarter lead changes—a legitimate NFL record—and Caleb Williams leading a comeback for the ages in Chicago. Now, everything pivots. The field is narrowed. The stakes are higher.
If you’re trying to figure out what time the nfl game kicks off this weekend, you aren't alone. The NFL loves to wait until the last possible second to lock in these Divisional Round slots to maximize TV ratings. We finally have the hard data for the January 17 and 18 matchups.
The Divisional Round is often called the best weekend of football in the entire year. Why? Because the No. 1 seeds finally get off their couches and the "pretenders" from the Wild Card round have usually been sent packing. This year, the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks are the ones coming off their bye weeks, rested and waiting to defend their home turf.
The Saturday Slate: January 17, 2026
Saturday is traditionally when the AFC and NFC split the bill. We’re looking at a double-header that starts in the high altitude of Denver and ends in the literal loudest stadium in the league.
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
Kickoff Time: 4:30 PM ET
Network: CBS / Paramount+
Josh Allen is on a mission. After that nail-biter 27-24 win against Jacksonville, the Bills have to fly into Denver to face a Broncos team that went 14-3 this season. This is the "early" game, which means if you’re on the West Coast, you’re looking at a 1:30 PM start. Perfect for a long lunch.
The Broncos have been a defensive juggernaut under this current regime. Bo Nix might be a rookie, but the way that team is structured doesn't require him to be Patrick Mahomes. They just need him to not turn the ball over while the defense suffocates opponents in the thin air.
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San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM ET
Network: FOX / FOX One
This is the nightcap. Honestly, there isn't a better rivalry in the NFC West right now. The 49ers barely escaped Philadelphia with a 23-19 win thanks to Brock Purdy finding Christian McCaffrey late in the fourth. Now they head into the "Clink" (Lumen Field).
Seattle is the No. 1 seed for a reason. They took the division in Week 18, and they’ve had two weeks to prep for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. If you’re watching from the East Coast, get your coffee ready—this one won’t wrap up until well after 11:00 PM.
Sunday’s Matchups: January 18, 2026
Sunday feels a bit more traditional. We have the afternoon window and the primetime NBC slot.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
Kickoff Time: 3:00 PM ET
Network: ESPN / ABC / ESPN+
C.J. Stroud is officially "that guy." After the Texans dismantled Pittsburgh 30-6, they get a trip to Foxborough. The Patriots are the No. 2 seed and looked dominant in their regular-season finale, but Stroud has a way of making elite defenses look human.
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It’s interesting to see this game on ABC/ESPN rather than the usual CBS AFC slot. It suggests the league expects a massive "casual" draw for the Stroud vs. Drake Maye storyline. Two young quarterbacks, two different styles, one massive cold-weather game.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
Kickoff Time: 6:30 PM ET
Network: NBC / Peacock
This is the big one. What time the nfl game starts on Sunday night is the most asked question in Chicago right now. The Bears are hosting a Divisional game at Soldier Field. Read that again.
The Rams are coming in as 3.5-point road favorites according to the early lines at BetMGM. Matthew Stafford is the only quarterback left in the bracket who actually has a Super Bowl ring. That experience is huge. But Caleb Williams is playing with house money and a defense that hasn't allowed a touchdown in the second half for three straight weeks.
Why the Timing Matters for Your Betting and Viewing
Look, the NFL doesn't just pick these times out of a hat. They want the biggest markets in the best windows. Putting the Bears in the Sunday night slot is a "rating goldmine" move.
If you're planning a watch party, keep in mind that "kickoff time" usually means the ball is in the air about 8 to 10 minutes after the hour. The pregame shows will start an hour prior.
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- Saturday 4:30 PM ET: Bills @ Broncos (High altitude, cold weather)
- Saturday 8:00 PM ET: 49ers @ Seahawks (Loudest stadium, massive rivalry)
- Sunday 3:00 PM ET: Texans @ Patriots (The "Young QB" showcase)
- Sunday 6:30 PM ET: Rams @ Bears (The "Experience vs. Hype" battle)
How to Stream the Games Without Cable
If you’ve cut the cord, knowing what time the nfl game starts is only half the battle. You need to know where to find the feed.
- Paramount+: This is your home for the Bills and Broncos. You need the "Essential" plan at minimum to stream local CBS games.
- Peacock: They have the exclusive rights to the NBC simulcast for Rams vs. Bears.
- FOX Sports App: You can usually stream the 49ers/Seahawks game here if you have a friend's cable login or a service like FuboTV.
- ESPN+: This will carry the Texans/Patriots game, which is a nice perk for those who don't want to deal with the main ABC broadcast.
What Happens Next?
The winners of these four games move on to the Conference Championships on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The AFC game is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET on CBS, and the NFC game will follow at 6:30 PM ET on FOX.
Everything is building toward Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. That’s set for February 8, 2026.
If you're heading to any of these games, especially in Chicago or Denver, check the weather reports early. Soldier Field is notorious for wind off the lake, and Empower Field can get icy fast. Make sure your mobile tickets are downloaded to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay before you get to the gate—cell service near the stadiums is always a disaster on playoff Sundays.
Check your local listings to confirm if any blackouts apply, though for playoff games, the NFL generally ensures wide distribution. Your best bet is to have your streaming apps updated and logged in by Friday night so you aren't scrambling when the 4:30 PM Saturday kickoff approaches.