If you’re waking up on this Sunday, January 18, 2026, and scrolling through your guide wondering what channel is the raider game on today, I’ve got some news that might sting a little.
The Raiders aren't playing.
It’s Divisional Round weekend in the NFL. Allegiant Stadium is quiet. While the league’s elite are clashing for a spot in the conference championships, the Silver and Black have been home for two weeks now. Honestly, after the way the 2025 season wrapped up, most fans in Vegas are probably still processing the fallout rather than looking for a kickoff time.
Where the Raiders Stand Right Now
The 2025-2026 campaign was rough. There’s no other way to put it. The Raiders finished the regular season with a 3-14 record, landing them firmly at the bottom of the AFC West. Their final game was a narrow 14-12 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs back on January 4th.
Since they didn’t make the postseason, they aren't on the schedule today. Instead of a game, the big news in Vegas is the head coaching search. After moving on from Pete Carroll just a day after the season ended, the front office is basically in a total rebuild mode. If you’re looking for "Raiders" on your TV today, you’re more likely to see them mentioned in a segment about the 2026 NFL Draft order than in a highlight reel.
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What’s Actually on TV Today (January 18, 2026)
Even though our guys aren't on the field, it’s still one of the biggest football days of the year. If you just want to watch some high-stakes AFC and NFC action, here is the official TV lineup for today’s Divisional Round:
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT)
- Channel: ABC / ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN+
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT)
- Channel: NBC / Peacock
- Spanish Broadcast: Telemundo / Universo
It’s weird seeing the Patriots back in this position with a 14-3 record, especially considering how much they’ve struggled in recent years. Meanwhile, the Rams-Bears game is basically a "must-watch" for anyone who likes old-school defensive battles in the cold.
Why the Confusion? (The Texas Tech Factor)
Sometimes people get mixed up because of the Texas Tech Red Raiders. If you follow college ball, you might have seen them in the headlines recently. They actually played a massive College Football Playoff Quarterfinal game against Oregon back on New Year’s Day.
But as of right now, even the college Raiders are done. The National Championship game between Indiana and Miami is scheduled for tomorrow night, January 19th.
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Looking Ahead to the 2026 Raiders Season
If you’re already over this season and just want to know when the Silver and Black will be back on your screen, we actually know who they’re playing next year. We just don’t know the exact dates yet—the NFL usually drops that full schedule in May.
Because the Raiders finished last in the AFC West, they’ll have a "fourth-place" schedule in 2026. This means they’ll face the other last-place teams from the AFC South, AFC North, and NFC South.
2026 Home Opponents:
- Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers
- Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
- Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks
- Tennessee Titans
2026 Away Opponents:
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- Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers
- Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
- Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets
That’s a heavy travel schedule. Flying out to Foxborough and New Orleans in the same season isn't exactly a vacation. Plus, playing both the Niners and the Rams means the "Battle for California" vibes are going to be high, even if the team is based in the desert now.
Actionable Steps for Raiders Fans Today
Since you won't be finding what channel is the raider game on today, here is how you can stay productive as a fan:
- Check the Mock Drafts: The Raiders hold a top-10 pick (currently slated at #6). Most experts, including those at ESPN and CBS Sports, are projecting the team to look at quarterback options or potentially a franchise offensive tackle like Charles Grant.
- Monitor the Coaching Search: With Pete Carroll out, the Raiders are reportedly looking at several high-profile candidates. Keep an eye on local Vegas sports news for interview updates.
- Watch the Divisional Round: It pays to scout the competition. The Texans and Patriots are both in the AFC, and seeing how they’ve built their rosters could give you a clue as to what the Raiders need to do to get back to this stage next year.
The Raiders might be off the air today, but the work for the 2026 season is already happening behind the scenes.