Right now, the NFL is right in the thick of the Divisional Round. If you're checking the score or looking for what football game on right now, you're likely watching the Houston Texans battle the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. This game kicked off at 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN. It’s been a bit of a chaotic scene in Foxborough. Honestly, C.J. Stroud has had a nightmare of a first half, throwing four interceptions—two of those going to Carlton Davis.
By halftime, the Patriots held a 21–10 lead. Drake Maye looks comfortable, which is wild considering the pressure of a playoff atmosphere like this. He even found Stefon Diggs for a 7-yard score right before the break. If you're just tuning in, the Texans are desperately trying to claw back, but as of the late third quarter, New England is still leading 21–13.
Who plays next? The nightcap at Soldier Field
Once the dust settles in New England, the action shifts to the frozen tundra—well, the very cold grass—of Chicago. The Los Angeles Rams are taking on the Chicago Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET. You can catch that one on NBC or stream it on Peacock.
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It's expected to be roughly 18°F with some snow showers at kickoff. Total playoff weather. The Bears are the No. 2 seed here, but weirdly enough, the Rams opened as 3.5-point favorites. Matthew Stafford against Caleb Williams is a fascinating "old guard vs. new era" matchup. The winner of this one heads to Seattle next week to face the Seahawks in the NFC Championship.
Where to watch and game times
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN (Happening now).
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock (Starting soon).
What about college football?
If you were hoping for some Saturday-style campus chaos, you're a day early. There isn't a college football game on right now. We are currently in the gap before the big one. The College Football Playoff National Championship between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes isn't until tomorrow, Monday, January 19.
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That game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. It’s basically a home game for the Canes, though Indiana is surprisingly favored by 8.5 points. Curt Cignetti has done something pretty much unthinkable with that Indiana program.
Why the NFL schedule is weird today
Usually, we get three games on a playoff Sunday, but the Divisional Round keeps it tight with two. Yesterday saw the Denver Broncos edge out the Buffalo Bills and the Seattle Seahawks handle the San Francisco 49ers. That means the bracket is already halfway set. If the Patriots hold on today, they’ll be heading to Denver next week.
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The turnovers in the Texans-Patriots game have been the biggest story so far. Stroud’s four picks in the first half matched a record for the most in a playoff game since 2009. It’s tough to watch because he’s been so clinical all year. New England’s defense, led by Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis, has just been baiting him into throws he usually doesn't make.
Betting lines and what to expect
For the late game, the over/under is sitting at 48.5. With the snow forecasted for Soldier Field, that feels a bit high, but these offenses can move the ball. The Rams are the best in the NFL in total yards per game, while the Bears defense has been a bit porous, ranking near the bottom of the league in yards allowed.
Keep an eye on the injury report for the night game. The Bears are missing some key defensive pieces like T.J. Edwards (fractured fibula), which might be why the oddsmakers like the Rams on the road.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the live score for Texans vs. Patriots on the ESPN app to see if Stroud can mount a fourth-quarter comeback.
- Switch to NBC at 6:00 p.m. ET for "Football Night in America" to get the final weather and injury updates before the Rams and Bears kick off.
- Set your DVR for Monday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN if you plan on watching Indiana try to finish their undefeated season against Miami.