If you’re refreshing your sportsbook app or frantically scrolling through the TV guide looking for pro football games on tonight, I have some bad news. Take a breath. Put the jersey back in the closet for a second.
Honestly, there aren't any professional football games happening tonight, Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
I know, it feels like there should be. We just came off a wild Wild Card weekend where the 49ers stunned the Eagles and the Texans absolutely dismantled the Steelers. But Wednesday is the "eye of the storm" in the NFL calendar. It's the day of ice baths, heavy film sessions, and coaches like Mike Macdonald and Mike Vrabel giving cryptic press conferences about hamstring injuries.
The NFL Divisional Round Wait is Real
The NFL doesn't do mid-week playoff games. They crave the weekend spotlight. While we’re all itching for more action, the league is currently in a holding pattern until the Divisional Round kicks off this Saturday.
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Basically, the players are currently practicing in 30-degree weather while we sit on our couches wondering why Wednesday night TV is so boring. If you were hoping for a stray Thursday Night Football vibe, you’re about 72 hours too early.
What the Schedule Actually Looks Like
Since there are no pro football games on tonight, you’ve got to look toward the weekend to get your fix. Here is how the Divisional Round is actually shaking out:
- Saturday, Jan 17: The Buffalo Bills travel to face the Denver Broncos at 4:30 PM ET. Later that night, the San Francisco 49ers head to Seattle to face the Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET.
- Sunday, Jan 18: The Houston Texans visit the New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET. The weekend wraps up with the LA Rams visiting the Chicago Bears at 6:30 PM ET.
It’s a brutal wait. Especially since tonight is technically "Injury Report Wednesday." If you want to feel "close" to the game, you can go read about Charles Cross’s hamstring or the fact that Ernest Jones IV is currently battling an illness in Seattle. That’s about as much "football" as we're getting tonight.
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What About the UFL or Other Leagues?
You might be thinking, "Hey, what about that spring league?"
Well, the United Football League (UFL) is currently in its offseason. They actually just finished their 2026 Quarterback Draft yesterday and today. While guys like Matt Corral and Jaren Hall were getting assigned to teams like the Birmingham Stallions, they aren't actually putting on pads yet.
The UFL season doesn't start until late March. They aren't even dropping the full schedule until January 22nd. So, no luck there either.
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Why the "Wednesday Gap" Exists
There’s a reason you won't find pro football games on tonight. The NFL is incredibly protective of its players' recovery time, especially in the postseason. Playing a game on a Wednesday would mean someone is playing on three days' rest, which—frankly—would be a disaster for the quality of play (and player safety).
Tonight is for the junkies who want to argue about point spreads. For example, the Broncos are currently sitting as home favorites against Buffalo, and the line on that Rams-Bears game is moving faster than a Tyreek Hill sprint.
Better Ways to Spend Your Wednesday Night
Since the screen is blank on the football front, here’s what’s actually happening in the sports world tonight:
- NBA Action: The New Orleans Pelicans are hosting the Brooklyn Nets. Zion is healthy, and the Nets are... well, they’re playing hard.
- College Hoops: Mid-week conference play is in full swing.
- The "Film Room": Honestly, just go watch the highlights of the Jaguars' upset over the Bills from last Sunday. It’s better than most things on Netflix right now.
Actionable Next Steps for Football Fans
Don't let a lack of pro football games on tonight ruin your week. Use this downtime to prep for the massive weekend ahead.
- Check the Weather: Saturday in Denver is looking chilly. If you’re betting the over/under on the Bills-Broncos game, keep an eye on those wind speeds at Empower Field.
- Set Your Notifications: January 22nd is the day the UFL schedule drops. If you need a football fix for the spring, mark your calendar.
- Fantasy/Betting Lines: Keep an eye on the injury reports coming out of Foxborough. Drake Maye and the Patriots are facing a Houston defense that is playing lights-out right now.
The wait for Saturday feels long, but it’s better than a sloppy Wednesday night game with backup punters. We’ve got four elite matchups coming in 72 hours. Grab some wings, stay patient, and get ready for the Divisional Round.