If you’re sitting on the couch wondering what football games play today, you’ve picked a hell of a day to be a fan. We aren't just talking about regular-season filler or mid-week kickabouts. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, is basically the center of the sporting universe.
We have the NFL Divisional Round in full swing, where legacies are cemented in the freezing mud. Over in Morocco, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reaches its fever pitch with a final that looks like a heavyweight title fight. Plus, the European domestic leagues are churning out massive points-table drama.
Honestly, the schedule is a bit of a jigsaw puzzle. Let’s break it down so you don’t miss a single snap or strike.
The NFL Divisional Round: Where Seasons Go to Live or Die
The NFL playoffs are just different. The air gets thinner, the hits get louder, and "next year" becomes a very real, very scary possibility for eight teams. Today’s slate features two massive matchups that determine who heads to the Conference Championships.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
This one is fascinating. We have the Houston Texans traveling to Foxborough to face the New England Patriots. This game kicks off at 3:00 PM ET (though check your local listings because the pre-game hype starts way earlier).
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The storyline here? It’s the second round of the playoffs for the 2025 season. The Patriots are hosting at Gillette Stadium, and if you know anything about January football in Massachusetts, you know the weather is usually a factor. Houston has been explosive, but playing in the Foxborough "ice box" is a different kind of challenge. You can catch this one on ESPN or stream it via Sling or Fubo.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
Later tonight, at 6:30 PM ET, the action shifts to Soldier Field. This is a big deal for Chicago—it’s the Bears' first home divisional game in 15 years. Caleb Williams basically became a city legend last week after that Wild Card upset over Green Bay, but now he faces a veteran Rams squad that knows exactly how to navigate playoff pressure.
It’s youth versus experience. It’s the "Windy City" versus the "Hollywood" stars. This game airs on NBC. If you’re a fan of old-school atmosphere, this is the one to circle.
The AFCON Final: Senegal vs. Morocco
While the US is focused on the gridiron, the rest of the world is looking at Rabat, Morocco. This is the big one. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final between Senegal and Morocco kicks off today at 8:00 PM local time (19:00 GMT).
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- The Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah.
- The Stakes: Morocco is looking to win it all on home soil. Senegal is trying to maintain their status as the kings of the continent.
- The Rankings: We’re seeing world #11 (Morocco) vs. world #19 (Senegal).
Senegal had to grind past Egypt to get here, while Morocco dispatched Nigeria in a match that felt like a final itself. If you enjoy technical brilliance mixed with insane physical intensity, you sort of have to watch this.
European League Drama: What Football Games Play Today in Soccer
If you’re an early bird, the Premier League and La Liga have been busy since breakfast.
In the Premier League, we already saw a gritty 0-0 draw between Wolves and Newcastle earlier this morning. Honestly, it was a game of missed chances—Bruno Guimarães had a late strike saved by José Sá that probably should have won it. Later today, Aston Villa hosts Everton at 4:30 PM local time. Villa Park is always rocking, and with Everton fighting for every scrap of safety, expect some yellow cards.
Over in La Liga, the highlight is definitely Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona.
Barcelona is currently sitting on a four-point lead at the top of the table. Traveling to the north coast of Spain is never easy, especially against a Sociedad side that prides itself on ruining the days of the "Big Two." That match starts at 8:00 PM local time.
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Other Notable Sunday Matches:
- Serie A: AC Milan vs. Lecce (at the San Siro). Milan needs the win to stay on the heels of Inter.
- Bundesliga: FC Augsburg and SC Freiburg just finished a 2-2 thriller.
- Ligue 1: Lyon faces Brest in a match that could shake up the European qualification spots in France.
Why This Sunday Matters More Than Usual
When people ask what football games play today, they are usually looking for a score. But the context matters. We are in a unique window where the NFL postseason overlaps with the climax of a major international tournament like AFCON.
In the NFL, the "Divisional Round" is statistically the most competitive weekend of the year. The "bad" teams are gone, and the "great" teams haven't quite reached the exhaustion of the Super Bowl yet.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the January transfer window is open. Players are playing for their lives—and their contracts. You’ll see guys putting in extra effort today because they know scouts are watching from the stands.
Actionable Steps for Today's Viewer
If you want to catch everything without losing your mind, here is how you should handle the rest of your Sunday:
- Sync Your Devices: Set your DVR for the Rams/Bears game now. If the AFCON final goes to extra time (which it often does), you’re going to have a broadcast overlap.
- Check Your Streaming Subs: Most of the NFL games are on Fubo, Sling, or Peacock (NBC). Make sure your login hasn't expired before kickoff.
- Monitor the Weather: Keep an eye on the Chicago forecast. If the wind picks up at Soldier Field, the "over" on points is going to look very risky.
- International Viewing: For the AFCON final, beIN Sports is usually your best bet in North America, though some local international packages carry it directly.
Basically, just clear your schedule. Between the drama at Soldier Field and the history being made in Rabat, there isn't much room for anything else.
Next steps for you:
Make sure to check the injury reports for the Texans vs. Patriots game about 90 minutes before kickoff. Late scratches in the secondary could completely change how that New England defense handles Houston's deep threats. Once you've got your lineups set, grab some wings and settle in—it’s going to be a long, glorious day of football.