Wait, did you catch that? If you're looking for the final score from a game that kicked off this afternoon, Friday, January 16, 2026, I’ve got some news that might be a bit of a letdown—or a relief, depending on how much sleep you need.
There actually weren't any NFL games played today. It feels weird, right? We're smack in the middle of the most intense part of the season, the road to Super Bowl LX, and the league just... takes a breather. But that’s the playoff rhythm. After the absolute chaos of Wild Card Weekend, the NFL sticks to its Friday "blackout" to build the hype for the Divisional Round.
Honestly, after what we saw on Monday night, we all kind of need the break. The Houston Texans didn't just win; they dismantled the Steelers 30–6 at Acrisure Stadium. It was clinical. That win officially closed the book on the first round and set the stage for the madness starting tomorrow.
What Really Happened with the Wild Card Winners
If you're asking who won the games in the NFL today because you're catching up on the recent bracket shifts, the dust has finally settled on one of the most competitive opening rounds in history. Four games were decided by four points or fewer. That hasn't happened since, well, basically ever.
Here is the quick and dirty reality of who is still standing and how they got here:
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- The Rams survived a scare: Matthew Stafford reminded everyone why he’s a future Hall of Famer. He orchestrated a 71-yard drive against the Panthers, hitting Colby Parkinson for a 19-yard score with only 38 seconds left. Final: Rams 34, Panthers 31.
- Caleb Williams is "him": The Bears rookie didn't look like a rookie against Green Bay. He threw for 184 yards in the fourth quarter alone. Chicago clawed back to win 31–27.
- The Bills and 49ers pulled road upsets: Buffalo took down the Jags 27–24, and San Francisco stunned the Eagles in Philly, 23–19.
- Patriots Defense is back: New England just suffocated the Chargers, holding them to a measly field goal in a 16–3 win.
The Divisional Round Matchups You Need to Know
Since there’s no live action today, all the talk is about tomorrow. The "Big Two"—the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks—are finally coming off their bye weeks. They've been sitting at home, healthy and rested, while everyone else was beating each other up.
Saturday, January 17: The AFC and NFC Heavyweights
Tomorrow afternoon starts with a rematch that has "trap game" written all over it. The Buffalo Bills travel to the thin air of Denver to face Bo Nix and the 14–3 Broncos.
Josh Allen finally got that fourth-quarter comeback monkey off his back last week, but Denver's defense is a different beast. They allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game this season. If James Cook can’t find a hole, Allen is going to have to throw 50 times. That’s usually when the magic—or the interceptions—happens.
Then, at night, it’s a classic NFC West bloodbath: 49ers at Seahawks. Seattle beat the Niners 13–3 just a couple of weeks ago to clinch the top seed. But San Francisco’s defense just held the Eagles scoreless in the second half of their Wild Card game. You’ve got Geno Smith’s precision vs. Kyle Shanahan’s brain. It’s going to be loud. It’s going to be cold. It’s going to be perfect.
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Sunday, January 18: The Upstarts vs. The Established
Sunday is just as loaded. We get the Houston Texans visiting the New England Patriots. Most people thought Houston was a year away, but C.J. Stroud and that defense are playing like they own the league. However, Foxborough in January is where dreams go to die. Bill Belichick might be gone, but the Patriots' ability to make young QBs look confused is still very much alive.
Finally, the Rams head to the frozen tundra of Soldier Field to play the Bears. This is the "Old Guard vs. New Guard" game. Stafford vs. Williams.
Why the "Friday Gap" Actually Matters for Bettors
If you’re looking at the lines today, you’ll notice a lot of movement. Because there are no games today, the sharp money is pouring in now.
Most experts are looking at the Rams-Bears total. Both teams showed they can score in bunches late in games, but the Chicago weather forecast is looking... let’s say "unfriendly."
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Also, keep an eye on the injury reports coming out of San Francisco. They’ve been decimated by injuries on defense, yet they keep winning. If they can’t get their secondary healthy by kickoff tomorrow night, DK Metcalf might have a career day.
Actionable Steps for the Weekend
Since there are no games today, here is how you should prep for the Saturday/Sunday onslaught:
- Check the Weather: If you're eyeing the Bears or Broncos games, check the wind speeds. High winds at Soldier Field or Mile High completely change the kicking game and deep ball threats.
- Monitor the "Bye Week Rust": Historically, No. 1 seeds can start slow. If the Bills or 49ers jump out to an early lead, don't be shocked. The live betting value usually swings back toward the home favorites in the second half.
- Finalize Your Bracket: Remember, the NFL re-seeds. The lowest remaining seed always travels to the highest.
The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting narrow. We’ve gone from 14 teams down to 8. By Sunday night, we'll be down to the Final Four. Enjoy the quiet Friday while it lasts.