So, you’re looking for the game. You've got the snacks ready, the lucky jersey is probably on, and you just want to know what channel are the Cleveland Browns playing on today so you can settle in.
Honestly? There is some news you probably aren't going to like.
If you are looking for a live Browns game on this Sunday, January 18, 2026, you won't find one. The Cleveland Browns are officially done for the season. Their 2025-2026 campaign wrapped up a couple of weeks ago, and while the NFL playoffs are currently screaming ahead at full speed with the Divisional Round, the Browns are watching from home just like the rest of us.
Why the Browns Aren't on TV Today
It was a rough ride. The Browns finished their regular season on January 4, 2026, with a narrow 20-18 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. While winning that final rivalry game felt good, it wasn't enough to save a season that was, frankly, a bit of a rollercoaster. They ended the year with a 6-11 record.
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In the hyper-competitive AFC North, six wins just doesn't cut it. They didn't qualify for the postseason, which is why when you check the TV listings for today's Divisional Playoff games, you’ll see teams like the Texans, Patriots, Rams, and Bears—but no Browns.
What’s Actually on the Schedule Today?
Since it's Sunday, Jan 18, the NFL is still dominating the airwaves. If you just need a football fix, here is who is actually playing and where you can watch them:
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: This one kicks off at 3:00 PM ET. You can catch it on ESPN and ABC.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: This is the primetime slot at 6:30 PM ET. It’s airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
Where to Find Browns Coverage All Year
Even when there isn't a live game, the Cleveland news cycle never actually stops. Fans in Northeast Ohio know that "Wait 'til next year" starts the Monday after the season ends. If you’re trying to find Browns-related content or replays today, you still have a few solid options.
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NFL+ is basically the go-to for the hardcore fans. Since the season is over, this is where you go to watch full-game replays or condensed "all-22" coaches' film if you want to analyze exactly what went wrong with the offense this year.
Local radio is another big one. 850 ESPN Cleveland and 92.3 The Fan are usually talking Browns 24/7, even in the deep offseason. They’ll likely be spent today debating draft picks and whether or not the current roster needs a total overhaul.
Common Misconceptions About the Schedule
A lot of people get confused by the "Divisional Round" timing. Because the NFL expanded the season and the playoff format a few years back, the dates shift around. Some fans see "NFL Football" on the calendar for mid-January and naturally assume their team might be in the mix.
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Also, keep an eye on those international games. Last October, the Browns played the Vikings in London. Those games usually air on NFL Network and have weird 9:30 AM start times. If you were looking for a game today because of a weird notification on your phone, it might just be a "Year in Review" special or a replay of one of those early-season matchups.
What Happens Next for Cleveland?
Now that the question of "what channel are the Cleveland Browns playing on today" is answered (spoiler: none), the focus shifts to the 2026 offseason. The 2026 opponents are already set. We know they'll be facing the AFC East and NFC East next year, along with their usual home-and-home battles against the Ravens, Steelers, and Bengals.
The actual 2026 schedule—with dates, times, and specific channels—usually doesn't drop until May. Until then, the "channel" for the Browns is mostly going to be YouTube highlights and sports talk radio.
Actionable Next Steps for Browns Fans
- Check the Draft Order: Since the season is over, your new "game day" is the NFL Draft in April. Look up the current mock drafts to see which offensive linemen or wideouts might be headed to Cleveland.
- Cancel Unnecessary Subs: If you only bought Paramount+ or Peacock to watch the Browns, and you don't care about the remaining playoff teams, now is the time to hit cancel and save some cash until August.
- Follow Local Insiders: Keep tabs on Mary Kay Cabot or Tony Grossi for the latest on coaching changes or roster moves that usually happen right about now.
- Mark the Calendar for May: That’s when the official 2026 schedule is released, and we’ll finally know which games are on CBS, FOX, and Prime Video for the next season.