If you’re waking up on this Sunday, January 18, 2026, and scrambling to find the Arizona Cardinals game on your TV guide, I've got some news that might sting a bit. Honestly, there isn't a game. You won't find Kyler Murray or the Red Sea on FOX, CBS, or even those late-night streaming slots today.
The reality is pretty straightforward: the Cardinals' season wrapped up exactly two weeks ago. Their final 2025-26 regular-season appearance was a Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams back on January 4. Since Arizona didn't clinch a spot in the postseason dance this year, they are currently in "offseason mode," which basically means the players are likely on a beach somewhere while the front office gears up for the draft.
Finding the NFL Action on Sunday, January 18
So, if you’re looking for what channel is the Arizona Cardinals game on today because you just want to see some high-stakes football, you’re in luck—just not for the Cards. Today is actually the second day of the NFL Divisional Round playoffs. The league is down to the final six teams, and the schedule is packed with two massive games that will determine who heads to the Conference Championships.
Even though Arizona is out, here is what’s actually on your screen today:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Channel: ABC and ESPN
- The Vibe: C.J. Stroud vs. Drake Maye. It’s a battle of the young guns in Foxborough.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
- Time: 6:30 PM ET
- Channel: NBC and Peacock
- The Vibe: This is the nightcap. Caleb Williams is trying to lead the Bears deeper into the bracket against a veteran Matthew Stafford-led Rams squad.
Why the Cardinals Aren't Playing Today
It’s easy to get turned around with the NFL schedule, especially with the way the playoffs stretch across January. To understand why there's no answer for what channel is the Arizona Cardinals game on today, we have to look back at how their season ended.
The Cardinals finished their year at SoFi Stadium on January 4, 2026. It wasn't exactly the fairytale ending fans wanted; they fell to the Rams 37-20. That loss solidified their spot in the draft order rather than the playoff bracket. When a team doesn't make the Wild Card round (which happened last weekend), their Sunday afternoons suddenly become very quiet.
If you're a die-hard fan, you’ve probably noticed that the "NFL Divisional Round" usually features the top four teams from each conference. Since Arizona didn't hit the win threshold to pass the Niners or the Rams in the NFC West, they’ve been sidelined since early January.
When Can You Watch the Cardinals Again?
Waiting for the fall feels like an eternity. Kinda sucks, right? But while there isn't a game on today, the 2026 path is already being paved. The NFL usually drops the official schedule in May, but we already know who the Cardinals are going to play based on the league's rotating formula.
State Farm Stadium is going to host some heavy hitters next season. You’ve got the Philadelphia Eagles, the Denver Broncos, and the Detroit Lions all slated to visit Glendale. On the road, the team is looking at trips to Kansas City and Dallas.
How to Stay Connected During the Offseason
Just because there isn't a game on ABC or FOX today doesn't mean the team is "gone." Here is how most fans are keeping the faith right now:
- The NFL Draft: This is the "Super Bowl" for teams that missed the playoffs. Keep an eye on late April.
- Arizona Sports 98.7 FM: Dave Pasch and the crew usually have plenty of post-season post-mortem and draft talk.
- NFL+: If you really need a fix, you can go back and re-watch the Michael Wilson touchdowns or the Jacoby Brissett highlights from earlier this month.
Looking Forward to 2026
It’s always a bummer when the "what channel" question leads to a dead end. But that's the nature of the NFL. One year you're the hunter, the next you're watching the Divisional Round from your couch like the rest of us.
While the Texans, Patriots, Rams, and Bears fight for their lives today, the Cardinals are basically starting their 2026 preparation. The team has already locked in their 17-game opponent list, which includes a mix of divisional rivals and AFC matchups that look pretty tough on paper.
If you’re still itching for football today, flip over to ABC or NBC. You won't see the desert birds, but you will see the teams that stood in their way.
To prep for next season, check the official Arizona Cardinals website in May 2026 for the specific dates and kickoff times for the new schedule.