The energy in the air during the Divisional Round is just different. It’s that sweet spot of the postseason where the pretenders have been weeded out, but the desperation hasn't reached the frantic, soul-crushing levels of the Championship games. If you're wondering what games are playing tonight NFL, you're in for a treat because Sunday's slate features a fascinating mix of legendary veterans and the "new guard" of quarterbacks trying to stake their claim.
We have two massive matchups today, January 18, 2026. First, the AFC takes center stage in a chilly Foxborough, followed by a primetime NFC clash in the Windy City. Both games are essentially "win or go home" scenarios with a trip to the Conference Championships on the line.
Texans at Patriots: The Battle of the Young Guns
Kicking things off at 3:00 p.m. ET, the Houston Texans travel to Gillette Stadium to face the New England Patriots. This game is being broadcast on ESPN and ABC, but honestly, it feels like it belongs on a bigger stage.
New England is a different beast this year. Drake Maye has basically lived up to every bit of the hype, putting up MVP-caliber numbers and reviving a fanbase that was, frankly, getting a little restless. They’re coming off a gritty 16-3 win against the Chargers where the defense really saved the day.
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But the Texans? They aren't just happy to be here.
C.J. Stroud has this offense humming, and their defense is statistically the most suffocating unit in the league right now. They allowed a league-best 277.2 yards per game during the regular season. Last Monday, they absolutely dismantled the Steelers 30-6. It’s a classic "unstoppable force meets immovable object" situation. If Maye can't find a rhythm against that Houston secondary, it’s going to be a long afternoon for the Pats.
Rams at Bears: Stafford vs. Williams under the Lights
Once the sun goes down, the focus shifts to Soldier Field. At 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, the Los Angeles Rams take on the Chicago Bears. If you like offense, this is the one you’ve been waiting for.
The Rams are currently 4-point favorites, which is interesting considering they’re playing in Chicago. Matthew Stafford is playing out of his mind right now. With Puka Nacua racking up over 1,700 receiving yards this season and Davante Adams catching 14 touchdowns, this Rams aerial attack is terrifying. They just narrowly escaped a Wild Card scare against the Panthers, winning 34-31.
Then there’s Caleb Williams.
The kid has brought hope back to Chicago. The Bears' win over the Packers last week was legendary—overcoming an 18-point halftime deficit to win 31-27. It was Chicago's first playoff win in 15 years. They’re the underdogs here, but Soldier Field in January is a nightmare for visiting teams. The forecast is calling for 18°F and potential snow showers. Stafford is used to the elements, but those L.A. bones might feel the chill a bit more than the local South Side crowd.
Watching the Games: Times and Channels
If you're planning your couch setup, here's the quick rundown of how to catch the action:
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN, ABC, ESPN+
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC, Peacock
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Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Why These Matchups Matter for the Bracket
The stakes couldn't be higher. In the AFC, the winner of the Texans-Patriots game moves on to face the top-seeded Denver Broncos. Denver already punched their ticket yesterday with a thrilling 33-30 overtime win against Buffalo.
Over in the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks are waiting. They absolutely rolled the 49ers 41-6 on Saturday, proving they are the team to beat. Whether it’s the Rams or the Bears, whoever survives tonight has to travel to Seattle next week to deal with that "12th Man" crowd.
Honestly, seeing the Bears back in the Divisional Round feels right for the league. But the Rams have that "win now" veteran urgency. Stafford knows his window isn't open forever. On the other side, Stroud and Maye are just starting their stories. It’s a weird, beautiful mix of eras happening all on one Sunday.
Actionable Tips for Tonight's Viewership
- Check the Weather: If you're betting or playing daily fantasy, keep an eye on the Chicago forecast. Snow showers at Soldier Field usually mean more work for D’Andre Swift and Kyren Williams and fewer deep shots to Puka Nacua.
- Streaming Reliability: If you’re watching on Peacock or ESPN+, log in about 15 minutes early. Playoff traffic can sometimes cause lag or login issues right at kickoff.
- Injury Reports: Keep an eye on Rome Odunze for the Bears. He’s listed as questionable with a foot injury. If he can't go, it puts a massive burden on DJ Moore to carry the passing game.
- Local Broadcasts: If you're in the Boston area, the Patriots game will also be on WCVB-TV Channel 5.
Keep your remote close and your snacks closer. The winner of these games will be just one step away from Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara.