If you’re refreshing your phone every five seconds wondering what are the scores for the nfl today, you might notice a bit of a quiet patch on your screen right now.
It's Friday, January 16, 2026.
Honestly, the NFL schedule is a bit of a tease this week. We are currently sitting in that high-tension "lull" between the chaos of the Wild Card round and the heavy-hitting Divisional matchups. There are no games scheduled for today, Friday.
I know, it’s a bummer when you're looking for live action. But while the scoreboards are dark for the next 24 hours, the bracket just underwent a massive shake-up. Last weekend was basically a fever dream for football fans. We saw the Chicago Bears pull off a late-game miracle and the Houston Texans absolutely dismantle the Steelers.
Let’s look at how we got here and exactly when the next kickoff happens.
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Everything That Happened in the Wild Card Round
The scores from this past week set a pretty wild stage for the Divisional round. If you missed the action, here is the breakdown of who survived and who’s headed to Cabo.
- Texans 30, Steelers 6: Houston didn't just win; they made a statement. The Pittsburgh offense looked completely stuck in the mud, while the Texans' defense played like they were shot out of a cannon.
- Patriots 16, Chargers 3: Drake Maye’s playoff debut wasn't a high-scoring fireworks show, but it was efficient. He did enough to lead New England past a Chargers team that just couldn't find the end zone.
- Bills 27, Jaguars 24: This was arguably the game of the weekend. Josh Allen had to do Josh Allen things late in the fourth quarter to keep Buffalo's season alive.
- Bears 31, Packers 27: Caleb Williams is the real deal. He led a 25-point fourth-quarter explosion that will be talked about in Chicago for a decade.
- Rams 34, Panthers 31: A high-scoring affair that came down to the wire. The Rams' experience eventually wore down a gritty Carolina squad.
- 49ers 23, Eagles 19: San Francisco managed to knock off the defending Super Bowl champs, though it came at a price—they lost George Kittle to an injury that could be a huge factor moving forward.
What Are the Scores for the NFL Today? (The Upcoming Schedule)
Since there are no scores to report for Friday, Jan 16, all eyes are on tomorrow. The Divisional Round kicks off Saturday afternoon.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos Time: 4:30 PM ET
TV: CBS
The Bills are coming off that nail-biter against Jacksonville and now they have to head into the thin air of Denver. The Broncos have been resting as the AFC's top seed, and that altitude advantage is no joke in January.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
This is a massive NFC West rivalry game. The Seahawks earned the bye, but the 49ers just proved they can take down giants by beating Philly. Keep an eye on the 49ers' injury report; playing without Kittle changes their entire offensive identity.
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Sunday, January 18, 2026
Houston Texans at New England Patriots Time: 3:00 PM ET
TV: ABC/ESPN
A battle of the young guns. Drake Maye vs. the Texans' defense is the matchup of the weekend. Houston's pass rush is terrifying right now, but Foxborough in January is a tough place for any road team.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears Time: 6:30 PM ET
TV: NBC
It’s going to be freezing. Literally. The forecast for Soldier Field is calling for single-digit temperatures. Caleb Williams has been "clutch," but Matthew Stafford has seen it all. This one feels like it'll be decided in the trenches.
Why the Scoreboard Stays Empty on Fridays
The NFL rarely plays on Fridays because of the "Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961." Basically, the league stays off Fridays and Saturdays during the regular season to protect high school and college football attendance.
During the playoffs, they move into Saturdays, but Fridays remain a "dark day" for games. It gives the teams an extra day of travel and allows the hype to build.
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You've probably noticed that the intensity levels are different this year. With the No. 1 seeds (Broncos and Seahawks) finally entering the fray tomorrow, the stakes are effectively doubled. A win tomorrow means a trip to the Conference Championship on January 25. A loss means your season is over in the blink of an eye.
Betting Lines and What to Watch For
If you’re looking for "scores" in terms of the betting market, the oddsmakers have some interesting takes for the upcoming games.
Denver is currently a slight 1-point favorite over Buffalo. That’s essentially a "pick 'em" game, meaning Vegas thinks these teams are dead even on a neutral field. Meanwhile, Seattle is a much heavier 7.5-point favorite over the 49ers. That spread probably reflects the Kittle injury and the fact that Lumen Field is a nightmare for visiting quarterbacks.
On Sunday, the Patriots are 3-point favorites at home, and the Rams are 3.5-point favorites over the Bears. The Chicago weather might actually keep that Rams-Bears score lower than the 50.5 over/under suggests.
Actionable Steps for Football Fans
- Check the Injury Reports: Before tomorrow’s 4:30 PM kickoff, look for final updates on George Kittle (SF) and any late-week flu bugs hitting the locker rooms.
- Sync Your Calendar: Set reminders for the Saturday double-header. The 8:00 PM game on FOX is expected to be one of the highest-rated games of the year.
- Prep for the Weather: If you're heading to Chicago for the Sunday night game, pack every layer you own. Single digits and a lake breeze are no joke for a three-hour game.
- Monitor the Bracket: Remember that the winners of the Saturday games don't necessarily play each other. The NFL re-seeds, so the highest remaining seed always plays the lowest remaining seed in the next round.
The wait is almost over. While there are no NFL scores today, the Divisional Round usually provides the best football of the entire season. Tomorrow afternoon, the scoreboard finally flips back on.