You're probably sitting there with your remote in hand, scrolling through the guide and wondering why on earth you can't find the Purple and Gold. It's frustrating. You've got the snacks ready, the jersey's on, and you're asking the same question thousands of other fans are: what channel is the vikings game on today?
Well, I’ve got some news, and it might not be what you want to hear. Honestly, if you're looking for a Minnesota Vikings kickoff right now, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, you're going to be looking for a long time.
The Vikings are not playing today.
It's a tough pill to swallow after that late-season surge, but Minnesota’s 2025-2026 campaign officially wrapped up a couple of weeks ago. They finished the regular season with a solid 16-3 win over the Green Bay Packers on January 4, but that 9-8 record wasn't quite enough to crack the NFC playoff bracket. While the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams are duking it out on NBC and Peacock right now in the Divisional Round, Kevin O'Connell's squad is already looking toward the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
What Channel Is the Vikings Game On Today (and Why It’s Not Your TV)
Since the Vikings missed the postseason cut, there is no broadcast channel for a game today. The NFL Divisional Round schedule for Sunday, January 18, 2026, features two major matchups, but neither involves Minnesota.
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- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: This AFC clash aired earlier today on ESPN and ABC.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: This NFC showdown is the primetime slot on NBC, also streaming on Peacock.
If you were hoping to see Justin Jefferson or Jordan Addison today, you'll have to settle for the highlight reels. The team finished third in the NFC North, just a half-game behind Green Bay. It was a rollercoaster. We saw some brilliant moments, like that Week 3 blowout of Cincinnati and a four-game winning streak to end the year, but the mid-season slump—where they lost five straight—ultimately did them in.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Even though they aren't on the field today, we actually know quite a bit about what the next season looks like. The NFL released the 2026 opponents just a few days ago. Because of how they finished in the standings, the Vikings will be playing a third-place schedule.
Basically, they’ll face every team from the AFC East and the NFC South. They also have "place-holder" games against the Indianapolis Colts, the Washington Commanders, and a tough road trip to see the San Francisco 49ers.
For those of you who like to plan your Sunday afternoons way in advance, here is the breakdown of who will be coming to U.S. Bank Stadium in the fall of 2026:
The usual suspects are there—the Bears, Lions, and Packers. Then you add the Falcons, Panthers, Bills, Dolphins, Commanders, and Colts.
The road schedule is arguably tougher. They have to travel to New Orleans and Tampa Bay, plus long flights to face the Patriots and the Jets. And, of course, that matchup against the 49ers in Santa Clara is already looking like a "circle the calendar" kind of game.
How to Follow the Vikings This Offseason
Just because there isn't a game on TV doesn't mean the work stops. The Vikings have officially secured the 18th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Historically, that’s been a weirdly lucky spot for them. They’ve picked guys like Garrett Bradbury and Dewayne Washington at 18 before.
The real conversation right now isn't about what channel is the vikings game on today, it's about what the roster looks like by April. With the season over, the front office is shifting into free agency mode. We’re looking at significant decisions on the defensive side of the ball and whether they can keep this late-season momentum alive.
If you’re still craving football today, your best bet is to tune into the Bears-Rams game on NBC. It’s weird seeing a divisional rival like Chicago still playing while we’re on the couch, but that’s the reality of a 9-8 finish.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since there's no game to watch, here’s how you can stay locked in:
- Check the Mock Drafts: Now that the 18th pick is locked in, analysts at The Athletic and ESPN are already projecting who the Vikings might grab. Defensive line depth seems to be the consensus.
- Review the 2026 Opponent List: Familiarize yourself with the home/away splits released on January 5th so you can plan your travel if you're a road-game warrior.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Even without the Vikings, these games determine who will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. It’s worth scouting the competition.
The search for the game channel ends here for today, but the 2026 season cycle is already spinning. Keep an eye on the waiver wire and the coaching staff updates as we head toward the scouting combine in February.