If you're staring at your remote wondering what channel is tonight's NFL football game on, you're probably feeling that specific brand of playoff anxiety. It’s the Divisional Round. The stakes are massive. Honestly, if you miss the kickoff, you're basically missing the season's turning point.
Tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026, features a double-header that determines who moves on to the Conference Championships. We’ve got the AFC battle in the afternoon and a frosty NFC showdown in the evening.
The Sunday Night Cap: Rams vs. Bears
The biggest question for most fans is the primetime slot. The Los Angeles Rams are heading into the "Windy City" to face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local Chicago time).
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You can catch this game on NBC. If you’ve cut the cord, your best bet is Peacock, which will be streaming the game live simultaneously. For those who prefer a Spanish-language broadcast, head over to Telemundo or Universo.
The weather report is looking pretty brutal. We’re talking 19°F with snow showers. Watching Matthew Stafford try to grip a frozen football while Caleb Williams utilizes his mobility in the slush? That's peak January football.
The Afternoon Slate: Texans vs. Patriots
Before the snow starts flying in Chicago, we have a fascinating matchup out east. The Houston Texans are visiting the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
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Kickoff for Texans-Patriots is 3:00 p.m. ET.
This one is being handled by the Disney networks. You’ll find it on ESPN and ABC. If you’re a mobile viewer or a streamer, the game is available via NFL+ and ESPN+.
Quick Reference Schedule for Tonight
- 3:00 p.m. ET: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (ESPN/ABC)
- 6:30 p.m. ET: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (NBC/Peacock)
How to Stream Without Cable
Look, cable is expensive. I get it. If you don't have a box under your TV, you aren't out of luck.
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Since the games are on major broadcast networks like ABC and NBC, a simple digital antenna actually works wonders. It’s the "old school" way, but it’s free and often provides a crisper 1080p signal than compressed cable feeds.
If you want to go the digital route:
- Fubo: Probably the best for sports fans because it carries every local channel and ESPN. They usually offer a free trial if you just need it for the weekend.
- YouTube TV: Very reliable. It has the "Key Plays" feature which is great if you join the game late and want to see how the Texans scored their first touchdown.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes Disney+ and ESPN+, which makes it a solid value for the Patriots game.
- Peacock: Specifically for the Rams vs. Bears night game. You can’t watch the afternoon game here, but it's the cheapest way to see the nightcap.
Why These Games Matter
The Rams are currently 4-point favorites over the Bears, which feels a bit disrespectful to a Chicago defense that has been playing lights-out at home. Matthew Stafford has been on a tear, but playing in a dome in LA is a lot different than playing in a Chicago blizzard.
Meanwhile, the Texans vs. Patriots game is a battle of the "new guard." Seeing CJ Stroud go up against the New England system is the kind of tactical chess match that usually ends up being decided by a late field goal.
Actionable Tips for Tonight
- Check your local listings: If you are using an antenna, do a "channel scan" now rather than five minutes before kickoff. Signals can shift.
- Update your apps: If you're using Peacock or ESPN+, make sure the app is updated on your Smart TV. There is nothing worse than a "Mandatory Update" screen while the national anthem is playing.
- Watch the injury reports: Keep an eye on the Bears' wide receivers. Rome Odunze is currently questionable with a foot issue. If he can't go, the Rams' secondary might have an easier night than expected.
Grab your wings, find your spot on the couch, and make sure your internet bandwidth isn't being hogged by someone else in the house. It's playoff time.