Finding out what channel for NFL games are on today shouldn't feel like a part-time job. But here we are. It’s January 2026, and if you’re trying to catch the Divisional Round action this weekend, the "standard" cable setup might leave you staring at a blank screen. The league has sliced up the rights so thin it’s almost impressive.
We’re deep into the 2025-26 postseason. Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026. If you’ve been asking around about what channel for NFL matchups you need to tune into right now, you’ve basically got two major appointments.
The Divisional Round Breakdown: Saturday Games
Honestly, today is all about the heavy hitters. You have the Buffalo Bills visiting the Denver Broncos first. That game kicks off at 4:30 PM ET. If you’re looking for the channel, it’s CBS. If you’ve ditched cable, you’ll find it streaming live on Paramount+.
Later tonight, the vibe shifts to the NFC. The San Francisco 49ers travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET. That one is on FOX.
It’s weird to think how much this has changed. A few years ago, you just turned on the TV and flipped between two or three channels. Now? You need a spreadsheet.
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Where to Watch the Rest of the 2026 Playoffs
If you survive Saturday and want more tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is just as chaotic.
The Houston Texans (who just crushed the Steelers) head to New England to play the Patriots. That's a 3:00 PM ET start on ESPN and ABC. Then, the nightcap features the Los Angeles Rams at the Chicago Bears at 6:30 PM ET. You’ll find that on NBC and, of course, Peacock.
The Championship Games and Super Bowl LX
Looking ahead—because we all do—the Conference Championships are set for Sunday, January 25.
- AFC Championship: 3:05 PM ET on CBS.
- NFC Championship: 6:40 PM ET on FOX.
And the big one. Super Bowl LX. It’s happening February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. NBC has the broadcast rights this year, which means Peacock will be the streaming home for the biggest game of the year.
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The Streaming Maze: More Than Just "Channels"
When people ask what channel for NFL games, they usually mean "how do I actually see the picture?" In 2026, the answer is rarely just a number on a remote.
Amazon Prime Video is a permanent fixture now. They had the exclusive rights to the Wild Card game between the Packers and Bears last week. If you didn't have a Prime sub, you were basically out of luck unless you lived in the local markets of those two teams.
Then there’s Netflix. They handled the Christmas Day games this past December. It’s a trend that isn't slowing down. The NFL is effectively a tech company that happens to play football.
What About Out-of-Market Games?
Since we're in the playoffs, this matters less because every game is "national." But for those already thinking about next September, NFL Sunday Ticket remains on YouTube TV. It’s pricey—around $480 if you’re a returning customer—but it’s the only way to see every single out-of-market Sunday afternoon game.
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If you’re a student, definitely look into the student discount. It usually drops the price to about $119, which is a massive steal compared to the standard rate.
Getting the Most Out of Your Setup
If you’re tired of paying for five different apps, an over-the-air (OTA) antenna is still the best "secret" in sports. Most of the playoff games, including the Super Bowl, are on broadcast networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC). A one-time purchase of a decent antenna gets you those in 4K or high-def for free. Forever.
For the "phone-only" crowd, NFL+ is actually decent. It costs about $7 to $15 a month and lets you watch live local and primetime games on your mobile device. You can't cast it to your TV, though. They’re strict about that.
Actionable Steps for Today's Games
Don't wait until kickoff to realize your login expired or your antenna needs adjusting.
- Check your Paramount+ login now if you're planning to watch the Bills vs. Broncos at 4:30 PM ET.
- Scan your local channels if you're using an antenna to ensure FOX is coming in clear for the 49ers vs. Seahawks game tonight.
- Download the NFL App on your phone as a backup. If your power goes out or your Wi-Fi glitches, NFL+ can be a lifesaver for the fourth quarter.
- Confirm your Super Bowl plans. Since Super Bowl LX is on NBC/Peacock, make sure your subscription is active before February 8.
The playoffs move fast. Knowing what channel for NFL games are on ahead of time is the only way to ensure you don't miss a game-winning drive because of a "Buffering" icon.