You've probably noticed the confusion. People keep searching for the nfl schedule today 2025, but if you look at your calendar, it's actually January 2026. This happens every single year because the NFL season is labeled by the year it kicks off, not when the hardware actually gets handed out.
Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026. We are officially in the Divisional Round of the 2025-26 playoffs. The stakes? Massive. We are down to the final eight teams, and today’s doubleheader features some of the most lopsided (on paper) but historically weird matchups we’ve seen in a while.
If you’re looking for kick-off times and where to watch, you’re in the right place. Just don't let the "2025" label trip you up.
The NFL Schedule Today 2025: Divisional Round Saturday
Football Saturdays are different. There’s a specific energy when the regular season is dead and buried and every snap could be a franchise-altering mistake. Today, we have an AFC clash followed by a blood-feud in the NFC West.
Game 1: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver
- Network: CBS (Streaming on Paramount+)
Bo Nix and the Broncos have been the surprise story of the year. Denver locked up the #1 seed in the AFC with a 14-3 record, earning a bye while everyone else beat each other up in the Wild Card round. They’re rested. But they're facing Josh Allen, who just finished carving up the Jaguars 27-24 last week.
Game 2: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Lumen Field, Seattle
- Network: FOX (Streaming on FOX Sports app)
This is the rubber match. The 49ers won in Week 1. The Seahawks took the rematch in Week 18 to clinch the #1 seed and home-field advantage. Seattle is the favorite here, but San Francisco is coming off a gritty 23-19 win over the Eagles in Philly. Honestly, the 49ers shouldn't even be this close to a title run given their injury list, but Brock Purdy keeps finding ways to survive.
Why the Top Seeds Are Worried Today
The NFL schedule today 2025 (technically the 2025 season playoffs) puts a huge spotlight on the "rest vs. rust" debate.
Denver and Seattle both sat home last week. Historically, #1 seeds have a huge advantage, but Josh Allen is a nightmare for a team that hasn't seen live-action speed in 14 days. Allen basically plays like a superhero when the weather gets cold and the lights get bright.
In the nightcap, Seattle has to deal with the fact that Sam Darnold—who has been incredible for them this year—is making his first career playoff start as a #1 seed. That's a lot of pressure. On the other side, Brock Purdy is 5-2 in the postseason. He’s been here. He’s done this. Even without George Kittle, who is expected to be out again, the 49ers are dangerous because they have nothing to lose as the #6 seed.
🔗 Read more: Atlanta Braves All Star Game Hat: Why the 2026 Release is Already Causing a Stir
Key Matchups to Watch
- Bo Nix vs. The Buffalo Pass Rush: Can the rookie handle the disguised looks Sean McDermott is going to throw at him?
- Christian McCaffrey vs. Seattle's Interior: Seattle has the top rushing defense in the NFC. If CMC can't get 4 yards a carry, Purdy is going to have a long night.
- The Mile High Factor: Buffalo is used to the cold, but the thin air in Denver in January is a different beast entirely.
Tomorrow’s Schedule: What’s Coming Next?
If you survive today’s emotional rollercoaster, Sunday is just as heavy. The nfl schedule today 2025 is just the appetizer for a full Divisional weekend.
On Sunday, January 18, we get:
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: 3:00 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC (Peacock).
The Texans are fresh off a 30-6 demolition of the Steelers. C.J. Stroud looks like the best quarterback in the AFC not named Mahomes or Allen. But going into Foxboro in January? That’s where dreams go to die. Meanwhile, the Rams and Bears is a matchup of two teams that basically lived on the edge all season. The Bears won the North, but Matthew Stafford in a dome—or even a cold Soldier Field—is never an easy out.
Actionable Steps for Today's Games
- Check Your Streaming Logins Now: Don't wait until 4:25 p.m. to realize your Paramount+ subscription lapsed. You'll need it for the Bills-Broncos game on CBS.
- Watch the Weather in Seattle: Forecasts show it’s around 40 degrees with light winds. It’s not a blizzard, but it’s slick enough to make ball security the #1 stat of the night.
- Monitor Injury Reports: Keep an eye on Ricky Pearsall (SF) and Sam Darnold (SEA). Both are listed as questionable or had limited practice time this week.
The path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara starts narrowing significantly over the next few hours. Whether you're rooting for a Bo Nix miracle or a Josh Allen masterclass, today's schedule is as good as it gets for playoff football.
Check local listings for any regional blackouts, though for the Divisional Round, these games are nationally televised across the U.S.