If you’re waking up today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, wondering what time does the game come on today NFL, you’re likely feeling that specific brand of playoff anxiety. We are deep into the Divisional Round. The pretenders are gone. The Wild Card chaos from last week—where the Chicago Bears managed to outlast the Packers in a 31-27 thriller—is behind us. Now, the stakes are massive.
Today is the day that determines the second half of the Conference Championship bracket. We have two heavy-hitting matchups on the slate. One is an AFC showdown in Foxborough; the other is an NFC clash at a likely freezing Soldier Field.
Today's NFL Playoff Schedule: Kickoff Times and Channels
You don't want to miss the first snap because you were fumbling with the remote. Seriously. Here is the exact breakdown for today’s double-header.
AFC Divisional Round: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ABC / ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN+, NFL+, Fubo
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
The Texans are coming off a dominant 30-6 win over the Steelers. They look scary. But they have to go into New England, where the Patriots are resting after a bye and a convincing Wild Card win over the Chargers. It’s CJ Stroud versus a New England defense that has been suffocating all year. Honestly, if the Texans can't establish the run early, it's going to be a long afternoon for them in the Massachusetts cold.
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NFC Divisional Round: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock, NFL+, Fubo
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
This is the one everyone is talking about. The Rams survived a 34-31 shootout against Carolina, and now they have to face Caleb Williams in Chicago. The Bears are hosting their first divisional home game in 15 years. It’s loud there. It's cold. If you’re watching this one, expect Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth to be on the call for NBC.
Where to Stream the Games if You Don't Have Cable
Look, cable is expensive. Most of us are streaming these days. If you’re trying to figure out what time does the game come on today NFL and realize you don't even have a way to watch ABC or NBC, you have options.
- Peacock: This is the exclusive streaming home for the night game (Rams vs. Bears). If you have a subscription, you’re set.
- ESPN+: You can catch the Texans-Patriots game here.
- NFL+: This is the league’s own service. It works great on phones and tablets, though it can be a bit wonky if you're trying to cast it to a big screen without the right tier.
- Fubo or YouTube TV: These are basically "cable over the internet." They carry both ABC and NBC in most markets.
Why Today’s Games Matter for the Bracket
Yesterday was a bloodbath. The Denver Broncos narrowly escaped the Buffalo Bills with a 33-30 win in overtime. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks absolutely dismantled the San Francisco 49ers 41-6.
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Because Denver won, they are already locked into the AFC Championship game as the host. The winner of today’s Texans/Patriots game will travel to Mile High next Sunday. On the NFC side, the Seahawks are waiting. They will host the winner of the Rams and Bears.
The path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is narrowing. By 10:00 p.m. tonight, we will know exactly who is one win away from the big stage.
A Few Things Most People Forget
People always ask about the weather. In Foxborough, it’s looking like typical January football weather—crisp, but clear. Chicago is another story. Soldier Field is notorious for "The Lake Effect." Even if it isn't snowing, that wind off Lake Michigan can turn a 20-degree day into a "I can't feel my face" afternoon. Kickers hate it. Quarterbacks with smaller hands hate it.
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Also, keep an eye on the injury reports. The Bears are relatively healthy, but the Rams have been leaning heavily on a few veteran stars who took some hits in Charlotte. Depth is what wins in the Divisional Round.
Key Matchups to Watch Today
- CJ Stroud vs. The Patriots Secondary: New England hasn't allowed a 300-yard passer in six weeks. Stroud is a generational talent, but Bill Belichick’s disciples always have a plan for young QBs.
- Caleb Williams vs. The Rams Pass Rush: If the Rams can get to Williams early, they can neutralize the home-field advantage. If Caleb escapes the pocket? It’s over for LA.
- The Kicking Game: In these tight playoff games, one missed 40-yarder changes everything. Keep an eye on the wind flags at the top of the uprights in Chicago.
Next Steps for Your Game Day:
Check your local listings right now to ensure your digital antenna or streaming app is updated. If you are planning on watching the Rams vs. Bears game on Peacock, make sure you’re logged in at least 15 minutes before the 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff to avoid any last-minute "password forgotten" meltdowns. For the afternoon game, ensure your ESPN+ or ABC signal is clear by 2:45 p.m. ET so you don't miss the opening kickoff.