Honestly, if you're a football fan, today is basically the equivalent of a national holiday. We aren't just talking about a couple of random games; it's the heart of the NFL Divisional Round, and across the pond, some massive European soccer clashes are kicking off. You've probably got three different apps open trying to figure out which remote to grab.
Don't panic.
Whether you’re looking for the high-stakes drama of the NFL playoffs or the morning ritual of the Premier League, here is exactly what channels are the football games on today so you don't miss a single snap or goal.
The NFL Divisional Round: Heavyweights on Big Networks
The NFL doesn't mess around once we hit the middle of January. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we have two massive games that will decide who moves one step closer to Super Bowl LX.
First up, at 3:00 PM ET, the Houston Texans travel to Foxboro to face the New England Patriots. This one is a fascinating clash of styles. You’ve got Drake Maye putting up huge numbers for the Pats, going up against a Texans defense that has been absolutely suffocating this year.
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Where to watch the Texans vs. Patriots:
- National TV: ESPN (and ABC in some markets like Boston on WCVB-TV).
- Streaming: NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and ESPN+.
- Spanish Language: ESPN Deportes.
Then, the nightcap. At 6:30 PM ET (5:30 PM local time in Chicago), the Los Angeles Rams take on the Chicago Bears at what is sure to be a chilly Soldier Field. The Bears are coming off a wild win over the Packers, and the vibe in Chicago is electric right now.
Where to watch the Rams vs. Bears:
- National TV: NBC.
- Streaming: Peacock (this is the big one for cord-cutters), NFL+, and Fubo.
Morning Soccer: Premier League and La Liga Action
If you’re an early riser, the "other" football has plenty to offer before the NFL pregame shows even start. The English Premier League and Spain's La Liga have a full slate this Sunday.
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In the UK, it’s all about the battle for European spots, while US fans can catch the action on the usual NBC-owned properties.
- 9:00 AM ET: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Newcastle United — Catch this on USA Network or Telemundo.
- 11:30 AM ET: Aston Villa vs. Everton — Also on USA Network and Telemundo.
- 3:00 PM ET: Real Sociedad vs. FC Barcelona — This is a huge one for La Liga fans. It’s airing on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.
If you're wondering about the Bundesliga or Serie A, there's action there too. Juventus vs. Napoli is a massive 5:00 PM (local Europe time) kickoff that often finds its way onto Paramount+ or CBS Sports Network depending on the specific weekend rotation.
Finding the Games: A Quick Checklist
Look, keeping track of ten different streaming services is a nightmare. Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to have ready on your smart TV today:
- Peacock: Required for the night NFL game (Rams at Bears).
- ESPN/ABC: For the afternoon NFL window (Texans at Patriots).
- USA Network: Your home for the Premier League morning matches.
- ESPN+: Necessary for the Barcelona game and most of the La Liga slate.
It’s worth mentioning that if you’re using an antenna, you can probably snag the Bears game for free on your local NBC affiliate. For the afternoon game, even though it’s on ESPN, many local markets will simulcast it on a broadcast station, so check your local listings if you don't have cable.
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College Hoops and Other Distractions
While we’re focused on football, it's worth a quick nod to the hardwood. There are some big women's college basketball games today, specifically UCF vs. Colorado at 2:00 PM ET on ESPN+ and Wisconsin vs. Oregon at 4:00 PM ET on the Big Ten Network.
Sometimes the football games get a bit lopsided, so it’s always good to have a backup plan for the second half.
Why Today’s Schedule is a Bit Different
Usually, Sunday afternoon NFL games are split between CBS and FOX. However, because it's the Divisional Round, the league moves things around to maximize prime-time viewership. That’s why you’re seeing an ESPN/ABC window in the middle of a Sunday—it’s the "Monday Night Football" crew taking over a weekend slot.
Also, for the soccer fans, remember that kickoff times can shift slightly for TV. The 9:00 AM ET window is pretty standard, but always give yourself a five-minute buffer to deal with app updates or login issues. There is nothing worse than missing a goal because your Roku decided it needed to restart right at 9:01.
To make sure you're ready, log into your streaming accounts now and check for any required updates. If you're hosting a watch party, double-check that your Peacock subscription is active, as that Rams-Bears game is going to be the most-watched event of the night. Grab your snacks, sync your fantasy apps, and enjoy one of the best sports days of 2026.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your local NBC affiliate if you're using an over-the-air antenna to ensure a clear signal for the evening game.
- Download the NFL+ app if you plan on watching the games on your phone or tablet while on the go.
- Set a reminder for 2:45 PM ET to get the Texans-Patriots pregame coverage on ESPN and settle in for the long haul.