If you’re staring at the calendar realizing it’s January 18, 2026, you already know the stakes. The NFL is down to its final eight, and the European soccer giants are in the thick of a winter title race. It's that specific kind of Sunday where the remote control becomes your most valuable possession.
We aren't just looking at regular games. We’re looking at the NFL Divisional Round and high-profile Premier League and La Liga fixtures that actually matter for the standings.
The NFL Divisional Round: Sunday’s Survival Games
The NFL schedule for Sunday, January 18, 2026, is split between two massive matchups that will determine who moves on to the Conference Championships.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET)
This one kicks off mid-afternoon at Gillette Stadium. After the Patriots handled the Chargers in the Wild Card round with a suffocating 16-3 defensive performance, they now host a Houston Texans team that is riding high. The Texans absolutely dismantled the Steelers 30-6 last Monday.
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Honestly, watching C.J. Stroud go up against this New England secondary is going to be the highlight of the day. The Patriots are the No. 2 seed for a reason, but Houston’s offense is playing with house money right now. You can catch this one on ESPN and ABC.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET)
Prime time belongs to Soldier Field. This is a "rematch" of sorts for Chicago’s rookie sensation Caleb Williams, who just squeezed past Green Bay in a 31-27 thriller last weekend. The Rams are the No. 5 seed, having taken down Carolina 34-31.
It's going to be cold. It's going to be loud. The Bears’ defense, led by veteran Grady Jarrett, has been the "glue" for this team lately, and they’ll need to be perfect to stop Matthew Stafford’s connection with Puka Nacua. This game is airing on NBC and Peacock.
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European Soccer: Sunday's Big Five Action
While the US is waking up, Europe is already mid-match. If you're wondering what football teams play Sunday on the pitch rather than the gridiron, the schedule is packed with Matchweek 22 of the Premier League and Matchweek 20 of La Liga.
English Premier League
- Wolverhampton vs. Newcastle United (11:00 AM ET / 4:00 PM GMT): A mid-table scrap that usually delivers more goals than people expect.
- Aston Villa vs. Everton (1:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM GMT): Unai Emery has Villa Park rocking these days. This is a crucial game for Villa's European aspirations.
Spanish La Liga
- Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona (3:00 PM ET / 9:00 PM CET): This is the marquee matchup in Spain. Playing at the Anoeta is never easy for Barça, and with the title race tightening, every point is a knife fight.
- Atletico Madrid vs. Alavés (12:15 PM ET): Simeone’s squad is looking to keep pace at the top of the table.
Why Sunday’s Schedule is Unique
In 2026, we’re seeing a shift in how these games are broadcast. It's not just "turn on the TV" anymore. The NFL has leaned heavily into streaming, so if you're trying to find the Rams-Bears game, you need to make sure your Peacock subscription is active, or you're stuck with the local NBC broadcast.
The Texans-Patriots game is a rare Sunday ESPN/ABC simulcast, which basically means they want as many eyeballs as possible on the ManningCast, which has become a staple for these playoff rounds.
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Quick Reference Schedule for Jan 18, 2026
- 11:00 AM ET: Wolves vs. Newcastle (Premier League)
- 1:30 PM ET: Aston Villa vs. Everton (Premier League)
- 3:00 PM ET: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (NFL)
- 3:00 PM ET: Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona (La Liga)
- 6:30 PM ET: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (NFL)
Actionable Strategy for Sunday Viewers
Don't wait until kickoff to realize your streaming app needs an update.
- Check Your Logins: Ensure your Paramount+, Peacock, and ESPN+ accounts are logged in on your primary device.
- Sync the Odds: If you’re following the lines, the Patriots are currently favored at home, but the over/under on the Rams-Bears game is shifting due to the projected wind at Soldier Field.
- Plan the Overlap: The Texans-Patriots game will likely still be in the fourth quarter when the Barcelona match kicks off. If you have a dual-screen setup, today is the day to use it.
The winners today move one step closer to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara or, in the case of soccer, a vital three points in the race for the Champions League spots. It's a high-stakes Sunday. Enjoy the games.