If you’ve got a couch, a bag of chips, and a remote, you’re basically set. Tonight is one of those rare nights where the schedule is just relentless. We are deep into the meat of the NFL Divisional Round, which is honestly the best weekend of the year for football fans. While everyone loves the Super Bowl, this is where the real "gritty" football happens. But it isn't just about the gridiron. Across the pond, the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A are serving up some massive matchups that will have title implications long after the sun goes down in the States.
What football teams are playing tonight? The NFL Divisional Round Heat
The big story for anybody asking what football teams are playing tonight is the NFL playoffs. We have two massive Divisional Round games that are going to define the trajectory of the season.
First up, the Buffalo Bills are heading into the thin air of Colorado to face the Denver Broncos. This game kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. It’s a matchup that feels a bit surreal—Denver holding the No. 1 seed in the AFC while Buffalo, the No. 6 seed, tries to continue their Cinderella run. The Broncos’ defense has been a brick wall at Empower Field at Mile High all year. If Josh Allen can’t find a rhythm early, it’s going to be a long flight back to Western New York.
Then, the nightcap. This is the one everyone has circled. The San Francisco 49ers travel to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Seattle Seahawks. Kickoff is at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
It’s the No. 6 49ers vs. the No. 1 Seahawks.
Lumen Field is going to be deafening. Seattle has looked like the most complete team in the NFC, but San Francisco has that playoff "voodoo" where they just refuse to go away. This is an NFC West bloodbath on the biggest stage. You can stream it on FOX One or Paramount+, depending on which game you’re locked into.
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Watching the "Other" Football: European Giants in Action
While the NFL takes over the evening, the morning and afternoon were dominated by some of the biggest names in world soccer. If you’re catching the tail end of the European slate or looking at the results that will dominate the headlines tonight, here is the breakdown.
In the Premier League, the Manchester Derby already set the tone. Manchester United and Manchester City faced off at Old Trafford in a match that always feels like more than just three points. Later in the day, Nottingham Forest hosted Arsenal in a primetime slot (5:30 p.m. local time) that saw the Gunners trying to keep their title hopes alive against a Forest side that is notoriously difficult to beat at the City Ground.
Over in Spain, Real Madrid took on Levante at the newly renovated Bernabéu. It’s Matchday 20 in La Liga, and every point matters for Ancelotti’s squad as they chase the top of the table.
Why the NFL Schedule Tonight is a Statistical Nightmare for Road Teams
Historically, the No. 1 seed in the NFL Divisional Round has a massive advantage. They've had a week of rest. Their bodies are healed. The opposing team? They just played a high-intensity Wild Card game six days ago.
Tonight, both Denver and Seattle hold that home-field advantage.
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- Altitude Factor: Denver’s thin air is a real variable. Visiting teams often see their conditioning fall off in the fourth quarter.
- The 12th Man: Seattle’s crowd noise is legendary. It’s not just a cliché; it causes false starts and communication breakdowns for opposing quarterbacks.
However, the Bills and 49ers aren't your typical No. 6 seeds. Buffalo has a quarterback who can break a game open with his legs, and San Francisco’s roster is loaded with veterans who have played in multiple NFC Championship games. It’s the "rest vs. rust" debate personified.
European Soccer Matchups to Track Tonight
If you are a soccer fan wondering about the late-night highlights, here’s the rundown of teams that played or are finishing up:
- Serie A (Italy): Cagliari vs. Juventus was the late game in Italy. Juventus is trying to regain its former glory, while Cagliari is fighting for every inch in the standings.
- Ligue 1 (France): Angers vs. Marseille wrapped up the French schedule. Marseille’s aggressive style of play under their new leadership has made them a "must-watch" for neutrals.
- La Liga (Spain): Beyond the Madrid game, Real Betis vs. Villarreal was the late-night thriller in Seville. These two teams play some of the most attractive, attacking football in Europe.
Common Misconceptions About the 2026 Playoff Format
A lot of people are still getting used to the way the bracket works now. Some fans think the NFL re-seeds after every single round. They do! That’s why the No. 6 Bills ended up in Denver and the No. 6 49ers are in Seattle. The lowest remaining seed always travels to the highest remaining seed.
Also, don't go looking for the College Football Playoff tonight. I know, Saturday usually means college ball. But with the 2026 National Championship Game between Miami and Indiana set for Monday, January 19th, tonight is strictly an NFL and pro-soccer affair.
The Hurricanes and the Hoosiers are currently in Atlanta, prepping for their program debuts in the title game. If you're looking for college action tonight, you're out of luck. It's a "pro-only" Saturday.
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How to Handle Your Viewing Schedule
Honestly, it’s a lot to manage. If you have a multi-screen setup, tonight is the night to use it. You’ve got the Bills-Broncos game on the big screen, and you probably want a tablet or phone nearby to keep an eye on the San Francisco-Seattle updates or the late-night scores from Spain and Italy.
If you are watching via streaming, make sure your apps are updated. There is nothing worse than the FOX Sports app or Paramount+ asking for a password reset two minutes before kickoff.
Actionable Steps for Tonight's Games
- Check the Weather: It’s January. Denver is expected to be cold, which favors a power running game. Seattle will likely be damp, making ball security for the 49ers' running backs a top priority.
- Set Your DFS Lineups: If you play Daily Fantasy, keep an eye on the injury reports for the Bills' secondary. They’ve been banged up, and Denver’s receivers might find some openings.
- Order Early: If you're getting wings or pizza, do it now. Delivery times on Divisional Saturday are notoriously bad once the sun goes down.
- Check the TV Channels: Remember, CBS has the AFC game (Buffalo at Denver) and FOX has the NFC game (San Francisco at Seattle).
Tonight is about survival. For the teams on the field, it’s about surviving to the Conference Championships. For you, it’s about surviving the sheer amount of high-stakes sports on your television. Enjoy the games.
Next Steps for Your Football Saturday
Check your local listings for any last-minute kickoff delays due to weather in the Mountain West. If you’re planning to watch the National Championship on Monday, make sure to clear your schedule for the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on ESPN.