Football in January just feels different. The air is thinner, the hits are louder, and every single snap could be the last for a team’s season. If you're waking up and asking what are the nfl games today, you’ve basically landed on the biggest day of the year for the AFC and NFC North.
We are deep in the Divisional Round. Yesterday was a bloodbath. The Seattle Seahawks absolutely dismantled the 49ers, and the Broncos barely escaped Buffalo in an overtime thriller. But today? Today is about the young guns and the veterans trying to keep their windows open for just one more week.
The AFC Showdown: C.J. Stroud vs. Drake Maye
First up at 3:00 PM ET on ESPN and ABC, we have a quarterback matchup that feels like a glimpse into the next decade of the league. The Houston Texans are heading into the frozen tundra of Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots.
It’s kinda wild to see the Patriots back in this position so quickly after the Brady era. Drake Maye has been playing with a level of poise that usually takes years to develop. He’s coming off a massive performance where he picked apart the Chargers' secondary in the Wild Card round. But honestly, the Texans' defense is a whole different beast.
Houston’s defense finished the regular season allowing the fewest yards per game. They aren't just fast; they're disciplined. During their Wild Card win against the Steelers, they forced multiple turnovers that basically ended the game by the third quarter. If Maye can handle the pressure from Will Anderson Jr. and company, we’ve got a classic on our hands.
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Quick Stats for the AFC Clash:
- Kickoff: 3:05 PM ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium (Expect it to be cold)
- TV: ABC/ESPN/ESPN+
- The Line: Most books have the Patriots as slim 3-point favorites at home.
The Texans are 12-5 for a reason. C.J. Stroud has this uncanny ability to find the open man even when the pocket is collapsing. If you've been following Houston all year, you know they don't care about being the "road underdog." They’ve won in tougher environments than this.
The NFC Nightcap: Stafford’s Rams at Caleb Williams’ Bears
Then, at 6:30 PM ET on NBC, the lights go up at Soldier Field. This is the one everyone is talking about. The Los Angeles Rams against the Chicago Bears.
Think about the storylines here. You have Matthew Stafford, a guy who has seen it all and won a Super Bowl, going up against Caleb Williams. This is the Bears' first home divisional game in 15 years. Chicago is literally vibrating with excitement.
Caleb Williams has been everything the city hoped for. His three fourth-quarter touchdowns to sink the Packers in the Wild Card round were legendary. But the Rams aren't the Packers. Sean McVay’s offense is clicking, and Stafford looks as healthy as he did in 2021.
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What to Watch for in Chicago:
- The Weather: It’s looking like 18°F with snow showers. Classic "Bear weather."
- Injuries: DJ Moore practiced in full and is cleared to play, which is huge for Caleb. However, the Bears' defense took a hit with T.J. Edwards being out.
- Streaming: If you aren't near a TV, this one is live on Peacock.
The Rams are actually 4-point favorites on the road, which tells you how much Vegas respects Stafford and Cooper Kupp. But playing in Chicago in January is a different kind of challenge. The wind off Lake Michigan can turn a perfect spiral into a dying duck in seconds.
Why Today Matters More Than Most Sundays
When people ask what are the nfl games today, they usually just want the schedule. But the context is what makes it. These aren't just games; they are the gateway to the Conference Championships.
The winner of Texans-Patriots has to travel to Denver to face a rested, albeit slightly banged-up, Broncos team. Meanwhile, the winner of Rams-Bears has to fly out to Seattle to face a Seahawks team that looks like the best version of themselves in years.
There’s a common misconception that the higher seed always has the advantage. Tell that to the Bills, who just got bounced. Or the 49ers, who were the "experts' pick" and got blown out. In the Divisional Round, momentum usually beats "rest."
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Survival Guide for Today’s Slate
If you’re planning your day around these matchups, here’s the reality. You’ve got roughly seven hours of high-stakes football ahead.
- Check the injury reports one last time. Keep an eye on Rome Odunze. If he can't go or is limited, it puts a massive burden on DJ Moore and the Bears' run game.
- Verify your streaming logins. NBC/Peacock for the late game, ESPN/ABC for the early one. Don't be that person trying to find their password as the opening kickoff is happening.
- Watch the lines. The Rams' line has been moving toward Chicago slightly as the weather forecast got worse. Professional bettors love a "cold weather under," and with two stout defenses, that 48.5 over/under looks a bit high.
The Patriots haven't been this deep in the playoffs without No. 12 under center in a long time. The Bears haven't felt this relevant since the mid-2000s. Whether it’s the veteran savvy of the Rams or the explosive youth of the Texans, today’s games are going to reshape the hierarchy of the NFL.
Once the final whistle blows tonight, we’ll know exactly who is left standing for the Final Four. Get your snacks ready; it’s going to be a long, cold, and brilliant afternoon of football.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your local listings for ABC and NBC to ensure your antenna or cable package is ready for the 3:00 PM ET and 6:30 PM ET kickoffs. If you’re a cord-cutter, make sure your Peacock and ESPN+ subscriptions are active, as these are the primary streaming homes for today’s Divisional Round action.