So, you’re looking for preseason football on tonight. I get it. The itch for the gridiron never really goes away, especially when the weather turns cold and every hit feels a little harder through the TV screen. But honestly, if you flip on the TV expecting to see a rookie quarterback trying to prove he belongs in a Week 1 roster spot, you're going to be a bit confused.
The reality of the calendar is a little different than most casual fans realize. Tonight, January 17, 2026, isn't actually about the "preseason" in the way we think of August heat and 90-man rosters. We are deep in the heart of the NFL Divisional Round. While the term "preseason" is floating around search bars, what’s actually happening is high-stakes, win-or-go-home playoff football.
What is Actually on Tonight?
If you are looking for live action, you have two massive NFL games taking center stage. We are talking about the final eight teams fighting for a ring.
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET): This one is kicking off in the thin air of Denver at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos, holding that coveted #1 seed in the AFC, are hosting a Bills team that has looked like a buzzsaw lately. You can catch this on CBS or stream it on Paramount+.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET): This is a classic NFC West grudge match. It’s being played at Lumen Field in Seattle, and if you know anything about that stadium, it’s going to be deafening. This one is on FOX.
I know, I know—you asked about preseason. So why is everyone searching for it? Usually, it's because of the confusion surrounding the "spring leagues" or international schedules that are just starting to ramp up their training camps.
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The Confusion Around Preseason Football on Tonight
Basically, the term "preseason" right now usually refers to one of three things that aren't the NFL.
First, the UFL (United Football League). They just finished their player draft earlier this week (January 9-14). Their actual preseason training camp starts soon in Arlington, Texas, which serves as their central hub. But they don't actually kick off the regular season until March 27, 2026. If you're seeing news about them, it's mostly "roster-building" news rather than actual games on grass.
Second, you might be seeing news about MLS preseason. I know, it's a different kind of football, but the Philadelphia Union literally just departed for Marbella, Spain, today (January 17) to start their preseason friendlies. If you're a multi-sport fan, that might be where the "preseason" keyword is popping up in your feed.
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Lastly, there's the college football factor. The National Championship between Indiana and Miami is this Monday, January 19. People often mistake the "off-week" for some sort of preseason or exhibition window, but tonight is strictly an NFL pro-day.
Why Preseason Schedules Usually Matter (and Why They Don't Tonight)
Normally, preseason is the time for "evaluation over execution." You're looking at the bottom of the roster. Tonight is the exact opposite.
In the NFL playoffs, coaches like Sean Payton or Kyle Shanahan aren't "testing" anything. They are running their most polished schemes. If you’re a bettor or a fantasy enthusiast looking for the "preseason" vibe—where you look for the diamond in the rough—you should instead focus on the injury reports for tonight’s games.
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For example, keep an eye on how the 49ers handle the crowd noise in Seattle. In a "preseason" game, they’d just take the delay of game and move on. Tonight? A single false start could end a season.
How to Find Real Preseason Action Later This Year
If you truly want that preseason feel—where you can relax and watch the future of the league without the stress of a playoff bracket—you have a few dates to circle:
- Late February/Early March 2026: This is when the UFL will hold its "scrimmage" style preseason games in Arlington. These usually aren't televised on major networks but often get streamed on social platforms or league apps.
- August 2026: The NFL preseason returns. The Hall of Fame game in Canton usually kicks this off in early August.
- Spring 2026: Various regional leagues and indoor leagues (like the AFL) often have local preseason exhibitions around this time of year.
Actionable Next Steps for Tonight
Since there are no traditional "preseason" games tonight, here is how you should actually spend your football evening if you want the best experience:
- Download the Paramount+ or FOX Sports App: If you aren't near a TV for the 4:30 PM or 8:00 PM kickoffs, get these set up now. The 49ers-Seahawks game is expected to have massive streaming numbers.
- Check the UFL Roster Moves: If you’re a die-hard for the developmental side of the game, go to the official UFL website. Since the draft just ended on January 14, teams are currently signing their undrafted "preseason" invites.
- Set a Reminder for Monday: The College Football Playoff National Championship (Indiana vs. Miami) is the last "amateur" game before the long drought.
Ultimately, tonight is about the elite, not the "pre-elites." Grab some wings, find a comfortable spot on the couch, and enjoy the Divisional Round. It's the best football you'll see all year, even if it's not the preseason game you were initially looking for.