The Divisional Round is usually when the "fake" contenders get weeded out. We’re down to the final eight teams, and honestly, the nfl schedule this weekend on tv is a gauntlet of cold-weather games and massive quarterback storylines. If you think the Wild Card round was intense, wait until you see the No. 1 seeds finally take the field. The Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks are coming off their byes, fresh and likely chomping at the bit to remind everyone why they earned that week of rest.
Most people assume they can just flip on the TV and find the games on the same channel all day. It doesn't work like that anymore. The NFL has spread these games across CBS, FOX, ABC/ESPN, and NBC. Plus, if you're a cord-cutter, you've got to juggle Paramount+, Peacock, and ESPN+.
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Saturday, January 17: The Heavyweights Return
Saturday kicks off with a classic AFC matchup that feels like a throwback. The Buffalo Bills, fresh off a 27-24 nail-biter against Jacksonville, have to travel to Mile High.
4:30 PM ET: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
This one is on CBS. If you’re streaming, you’re looking at Paramount+. The Broncos (14-3) have been a juggernaut this year, securing that top seed. Buffalo is playing with house money at this point, but can Josh Allen survive the altitude and a rested Denver defense?
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8:00 PM ET: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
This is the nightcap on FOX. It’s an NFC West bloodbath. We just saw the 49ers edge out the Eagles 23-19, and now they have to go into the loudest stadium in the league. Seattle (14-3) has been waiting for this. Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady are on the call, which basically means it’s the biggest game of the week in the eyes of the network.
Sunday, January 18: Tactical Warfare
Sunday’s nfl schedule this weekend on tv shifts the focus to the East Coast and the Midwest.
3:00 PM ET: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
You’ll find this on ABC and ESPN. If you like the "alternate" broadcasts, the ManningCast is usually a safe bet on ESPN2 for these afternoon slots, though check your local listings for the specific Divisional feed. The Texans absolutely dismantled Pittsburgh 30-6 last Monday. They look dangerous. But the Patriots (14-3) at home in January? That’s a different beast entirely.
6:30 PM ET: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
The finale is on NBC and streaming on Peacock. The Bears (11-6) survived a scare against the Packers, winning 31-27. Now they host a Rams team that just put up 34 points on Carolina. Chicago’s Soldier Field in January is usually a swamp or a freezer—either way, it’s going to be ugly and beautiful at the same time.
Where to Stream if You Don't Have Cable
Look, cable is dying, we know. If you’re trying to catch the nfl schedule this weekend on tv without a traditional box, here’s the breakdown:
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- Paramount+: Essential for the Bills-Broncos game.
- Peacock: You’ll need this for the Rams-Bears nightcap on Sunday.
- ESPN+: Streams the Texans-Patriots game simultaneously with ABC.
- Fubo/YouTube TV/Hulu Live: These carry all the local channels (CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC), so they’re the easiest "all-in-one" solution if you’re willing to pay the monthly fee.
Why This Weekend is Different
The Divisional Round is statistically the highest-quality weekend of football. In the Wild Card, you often get a sub-.500 team that won a weak division. Not here. Every team playing this Saturday and Sunday has legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.
One thing people often miss: the "re-seeding" factor. The NFL doesn't use a fixed bracket. The No. 1 seed always plays the lowest remaining seed. That’s why Buffalo (the 6 seed) is heading to Denver, while the No. 5 Texans are heading to the No. 2 Patriots. It’s designed to reward the regular season's best teams with the easiest possible path, though "easy" is a relative term when you're facing a team that just won a playoff game.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check your digital antenna: If you’re watching for free, make sure your antenna is positioned for a clear signal for FOX and CBS, especially if the weather is turning.
- Update your streaming apps: Don't wait until 4:25 PM on Saturday to realize your Paramount+ app needs a 500MB update. Log in now and make sure your subscription is active.
- Monitor the weather: Denver and Chicago are the two stadiums to watch. High winds or heavy snow can drastically change the betting lines and the way these teams call plays.
- Sync your DVR: If you’re recording the games, always add an extra 60 minutes. Playoff games, especially those involving the Bills or Rams, have a habit of going into overtime or having long review periods.
The road to Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium is narrowing. By Sunday night, only four teams will remain. Enjoy the madness.