It is Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you're currently staring at your remote wondering what channel is tonight's game, you aren't alone. Today is essentially a national holiday for sports fans. We are right in the thick of the NFL Divisional Round, which means the stakes are about as high as they get before the Super Bowl. But it's not just football. We've got NBA cross-conference clashes, high-intensity NHL matchups, and even the start of a Grand Slam in tennis.
Honestly, trying to track where every game is streaming or airing can feel like a part-time job. Between Peacock exclusives and the usual cable giants, it's easy to miss a kickoff while scrolling through a guide. Let's break down exactly where you need to point your remote tonight so you don't miss the big moments.
The NFL Divisional Round: Patriots and Bears Take Center Stage
The NFL is the big ticket today. We have two massive Divisional Round games that will determine who moves on to the Conference Championships.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
This is the early window game, kicking off at 3:00 PM ET. If you’re looking for this one, you’ll find it on ABC and ESPN.
For the cord-cutters, it’s also streaming on ESPN+. It’s a fascinating matchup. The Texans have been the "cardiac kids" of the AFC this year, but going into Foxborough in January is never easy. The weather in New England is predictably chilly today, which always adds that extra layer of drama to the ground game.
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Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
This is the primetime "night" game. It starts at 6:30 PM ET.
You can watch the Rams vs. Bears on NBC.
If you prefer streaming or don't have a digital antenna hooked up, Peacock is your go-to destination for this one. This game is huge. The Bears haven't had a home playoff game with this much hype in years, and Soldier Field is going to be rocking. Matthew Stafford and the Rams are trying to prove they still have that championship DNA, while Chicago is looking to defend their turf in what promises to be a physical, old-school slugfest.
NBA Sunday: Hoops from London to LA
The NBA schedule today is a bit of a marathon. It actually started early with a "Global Game" and ends late on the West Coast.
- Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies: This was the London game, which aired earlier today on Prime Video. If you missed it, check for replays on NBA TV later tonight.
- Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls: Catch this at 7:00 PM ET. It's primarily on NBA League Pass, but local fans in Chicago can watch on CHSN and Brooklyn fans on YES.
- Portland Trail Blazers at Sacramento Kings: This is a late-night special for the night owls, starting at 9:00 PM ET. You can find this on NBC Sports California or NBA League Pass.
- Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers: This is the big late-window game at 9:30 PM ET. It’s airing on SportsNet LA and TSN for those in Canada.
Keep an eye on the Lakers tonight. LeBron James is still defying Father Time, but the Raptors have been a thorn in the side of Western Conference teams all month. It’s also worth noting that many of these games are available via NBA League Pass if you aren't in the local blackout zones.
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NHL Hockey: Ice Cold Rivalries
Hockey fans have plenty to dig into tonight as well. The NHL schedule is packed with regional battles and some interesting cross-border matchups.
- Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars: This one started early (2:00 PM ET) on NHL Network, but it's a great lead-in for the evening games.
- St. Louis Blues at Edmonton Oilers: Puck drop is at 7:00 PM ET. This is a huge game for the Western Conference standings. You can watch this on local regional networks or stream via ESPN+ if you're outside the local markets.
- Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings: Another 4:00 PM ET start that serves as a perfect bridge between the NFL games.
College Hoops and More
If you aren't into the pros, the college basketball slate is surprisingly deep for a Sunday in January.
Arizona State at Houston is a standout game at 6:30 PM ET on ESPN. Houston has been a juggernaut at home, and the Fertitta Center is one of the toughest places to play in the country right now.
On the women's side, there is a massive Top-25 clash: Maryland at UCLA at 4:00 PM ET on NBC. This is a rare national broadcast for a regular-season women's game on a major network, showing just how much the sport has grown in terms of TV demand.
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Don't Forget the Australian Open
Technically, it's already Monday in Melbourne. The Australian Open first round is officially underway. ESPN2 will be carrying the live coverage starting at 7:00 PM ET tonight and running through the night. If you’re a tennis fan, this is the start of two weeks of sleep deprivation.
Quick Summary Table for Tonight's Games
| Game | Time (ET) | Channel / Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Texans vs. Patriots (NFL) | 3:00 PM | ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ |
| Rams vs. Bears (NFL) | 6:30 PM | NBC, Peacock |
| Maryland vs. UCLA (NCAAW) | 4:00 PM | NBC, Peacock |
| Arizona St. vs. Houston (NCAAM) | 6:30 PM | ESPN |
| Blues vs. Oilers (NHL) | 7:00 PM | ESPN+, Regional |
| Raptors vs. Lakers (NBA) | 9:30 PM | SportsNet LA, TSN |
| Australian Open (Tennis) | 7:00 PM | ESPN2 |
Navigating the "Streaming Chaos"
Look, I get it. Having to jump between ABC, NBC, and then realizing a game is only on Peacock or ESPN+ is annoying. But that’s the reality of sports in 2026.
If you're a "cord-cutter," the best move is usually a combination of a live TV streamer like YouTube TV or FuboTV plus the specific apps like Peacock and ESPN+. Most of these services offer a free trial, so if you're only trying to catch tonight's game, you might be able to snag a 7-day pass and cancel before you get charged.
Also, a quick pro-tip: check your local listings for "blackouts." Even if a game is on a national streaming service, if you live in the same city as the team, you might be forced to watch it on a local cable channel like YES, MSG, or Bally Sports (now FanDuel Sports Network).
What You Should Do Right Now
- Check your logins: If you're planning to stream the Bears game on Peacock, make sure you know your password now. Don't be that person trying to reset a password while the kickoff is happening.
- Sync your DVR: If you're jumping between the NFL and NBA, set your DVR to record both. Playoff games have a tendency to run long, especially if we see overtime.
- Download the apps: If you're going to be away from your main TV, have the ESPN and NBC Sports apps ready on your phone or tablet.
Tonight is one of those rare nights where almost every major sport is active at a high level. Whether you're pulling for the Patriots to defend their home turf or waiting to see if LeBron can put up another 30-point night, you’re set. Grab the snacks, find the right channel, and enjoy the games.