If you woke up today thinking the NFL season was winding down, you’ve got it all wrong. It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026, and we are right in the thick of the Divisional Round. This is arguably the best weekend of the entire year for football fans. Why? Because the pretenders were weeded out during Wild Card weekend, and now we’re left with the heavyweights.
Yesterday was absolute madness. The Denver Broncos managed to survive a heart-stopper against the Buffalo Bills, winning 33-30 in overtime, though it came at a massive cost with Bo Nix going down. Then, the Seattle Seahawks basically turned the lights out on the San Francisco 49ers in a 41-6 blowout that nobody—and I mean nobody—saw being that lopsided.
But that’s history. You’re here because you need to know nfl who’s playing today. We have two massive games on the slate that will decide who moves on to the Conference Championships next week.
The Sunday Slate: Times, Channels, and Matchups
Honestly, the NFL scheduled these perfectly. You have a late-afternoon AFC battle in the cold of Massachusetts followed by a primetime NFC showdown at Soldier Field.
Game 1: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
- Kickoff: 3:00 PM ET
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- TV Channel: ESPN / ABC
- Streaming: ESPN+, NFL+
Game 2: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
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- Kickoff: 6:30 PM ET
- Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- TV Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock, NFL+
Houston Texans at New England Patriots: The Stroud vs. Maye Showdown
This game is fascinating. You’ve got C.J. Stroud, who is basically the "old guard" of the young elite QBs now, taking his Texans into the frozen tundra of Foxborough to face Drake Maye and the Patriots.
The Texans are coming off a dominant 30-6 win over the Steelers. They looked untouchable. But there is a huge "if" hanging over this roster: Nico Collins. He’s been dealing with a concussion, and losing your WR1 right before facing a New England defense that just suffocated Justin Herbert and the Chargers is... well, it’s not ideal. Christian Kirk stepped up huge last week with 144 yards, but can he do it twice?
The Patriots defense is the real story here. They registered six sacks last week. Six. If they can get that kind of interior pressure on Stroud, it’s going to be a long afternoon for Houston. Milton Williams has been playing like a man possessed on that defensive line.
What the Texans Need to Do
Basically, they have to protect Stroud. The Texans' offensive line ranked 22nd in pass blocking this year. If they let the Patriots' pass rush dictate the tempo, the Texans' season ends today. They need to find a way to get Rhamondre Stevenson off the field early by forcing three-and-outs, because once that guy gets rolling as a runner and a receiver, the Patriots chew up the clock and die.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams’ Biggest Test
This is the one everyone is talking about. The 6:30 PM ET slot on NBC. Caleb Williams at home in the playoffs. It’s the kind of atmosphere Bears fans have been dreaming about for over a decade.
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The Rams are tricky. They aren’t the same "all-in" team from a few years ago, but Matthew Stafford is still under center, and he knows how to win these games. They barely escaped the Carolina Panthers last week in a 34-31 shootout. Their defense is bend-but-don't-break, which might be a problem against a Chicago offense that is starting to find its rhythm.
Chicago's win over the Packers (31-27) was a statement. Caleb Williams showed he can handle the late-game pressure. But the Rams bring a different kind of veteran savvy.
The Weather Factor
It’s mid-January in Chicago. Sean McVay has already told the press he isn’t worried about the forecast, but come on. Matthew Stafford has played in plenty of cold games, but the Rams are a dome team at heart. If the wind starts whipping off Lake Michigan, this becomes a game of "who can run the ball better?"
Keep an eye on:
- The Bears' Pass Rush: Can they rattle Stafford?
- Kyren Williams: If the Rams' RB can find holes in the Chicago front, it opens up the play-action for Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp.
- Special Teams: In close playoff games at Soldier Field, a missed field goal or a shanked punt usually decides the fate of the franchise.
Where to Watch and How to Stream
If you’re trying to catch the nfl who's playing today without a cable subscription, you actually have a few solid options.
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For the afternoon game (Texans/Patriots), it’s an ESPN/ABC production. That means if you have a digital antenna, you can probably get it for free on ABC. If you're digital-only, ESPN+ will have the simulcast.
For the nightcap (Rams/Bears), it’s all about NBC. If you have Peacock, you’re good to go. They’ll start the pre-game coverage with Football Night in America around 6:00 PM ET.
Why Today Matters for the Bracket
The winners today aren't just moving on; they are setting up the Championship Sunday matchups for January 25.
- The winner of Texans/Patriots will head to Denver to face the Broncos. (Since the Broncos are the 1-seed, they host the AFC Championship).
- The winner of Rams/Bears will travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Actionable Insights for Your Sunday
Don't just sit on the couch and let the games pass you by. Here is how to actually prep for the double-header:
- Monitor the Texans' Injury Report: Check the final inactive list 90 minutes before the 3:00 PM kickoff. If Nico Collins is officially out, the under on Houston's total points might be the play.
- Check the Chicago Wind Speeds: If you see gusts over 20 mph, expect a heavy dose of the run game and shorter, conservative passes from Caleb Williams.
- Update Your Apps: If you're streaming on Peacock or ESPN+, log in now to make sure you don't have a surprise update or password issue right at kickoff.
The stakes couldn't be higher. By the time the sun goes down in Chicago tonight, we will know exactly which four teams are still standing in the hunt for Super Bowl LX. Enjoy the games.