Honestly, if you're a sports fan and you aren't glued to a screen today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you might be missing the single most chaotic day of the winter calendar. We are talking high-stakes NFL playoffs, the literal first day of a Grand Slam in Melbourne, and a Sunday slate of NBA and NHL games that actually matter for the standings. It's a lot.
Basically, the "what is on sports today" question has about five different right answers depending on whether you want to watch pads popping, tennis balls fuzzing, or pucks sliding.
The NFL Divisional Round: Patriots and Bears Defend Home Turf
The big story—the one everyone is talking about at the water cooler—is the NFL Divisional Round. We’re down to the elite few. Today’s schedule is a double-header that feels like a throwback to the early 2000s in the best way possible.
First up, at 3:00 PM ET, the Houston Texans travel to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots. You can catch this one on ABC and ESPN. New England has been a different beast at Gillette Stadium this year, but Houston’s young core doesn't seem to care about "tradition" or "dynasties." It’s a classic matchup of the established powerhouse versus the rising disruptors.
Then, the nightcap. At 6:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, the Los Angeles Rams face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. If you like smash-mouth football in the cold, this is your game. The Bears have turned Soldier Field into a fortress this season, but the Rams' offense is built for quick strikes. One long bomb to a streaking receiver could change the entire atmosphere in Chicago.
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Australian Open Day 1: Alcaraz and Sabalenka Take the Stage
While the US is freezing, it’s mid-summer in Melbourne. The Australian Open 2026 officially kicks off today, and the Day 1 schedule is absolutely loaded.
Carlos Alcaraz is the name on everyone’s lips. He’s chasing the only major he hasn't won yet, and he starts his journey today against Adam Walton. On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka—the back-to-back champ from ’23 and ’24—is looking to reclaim her throne after a tough final last year. She’s playing French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah.
- Rod Laver Arena (Night Session): Sabalenka followed by Alcaraz.
- Margaret Court Arena: Features Alexander Bublik and Emma Raducanu.
- The "Venus" Factor: 45-year-old legend Venus Williams is making a stunning return to Melbourne Park today against Olga Danilovic. You have to respect the longevity.
NBA and NHL: The Sunday Grind
If you aren't into the "win or go home" drama of the NFL or the refined baseline rallies of tennis, the NBA and NHL have plenty of regular-season action. It’s that part of the season where teams either start clicking or start looking at mock drafts.
In the NBA, the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies tipped off early in London (noon ET on Prime Video). If you missed that, don't worry. The Los Angeles Lakers host the Toronto Raptors at 9:30 PM ET. The Lakers are favored, but they’ve been dealing with a nagging groin injury for Luka Doncic, so keep an eye on the late-breaking injury reports.
👉 See also: Mizzou 2024 Football Schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
On the ice, the NHL has a triple-header.
- Tampa Bay at Dallas (2:00 PM ET) – A potential Finals preview? Maybe.
- Ottawa at Detroit (5:00 PM ET) – Two teams fighting for relevance in the Atlantic.
- St. Louis at Edmonton (8:00 PM ET) – Watching Connor McDavid is always worth the price of admission (or the cable bill).
European Soccer: The Sunday Service
Across the pond, the domestic leagues are in full swing. In Serie A, AC Milan managed a 1-0 win over Lecce earlier today thanks to a Niclas Fullkrug goal off the bench. It wasn't pretty, and Christian Pulisic had a rare "off" day, but three points are three points.
In the Premier League, we’ve got Aston Villa taking on Everton and Newcastle visiting Wolves. These aren't just "filler" games; the mid-table battle in England is tighter than ever this year. Meanwhile, in La Liga, the late game features Real Sociedad against Barcelona at 8:00 PM local time. Barcelona has been dominant, but a trip to San Sebastian is never an easy stroll.
What You Should Actually Watch
Look, you can't watch everything. Your eyes would melt. If you have to pick, here is the "I only have one TV" strategy:
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Start with the Patriots/Texans game at 3:00. It’s the highest stakes of the day. During halftime, flip over to the NHL or check the Australian Open scores. Once the Bears/Rams game starts at 6:30, that’s your primary screen until the clock hits zero.
If you're a night owl, the Lakers/Raptors game or the Australian Open night session (which is actually Monday morning in Melbourne) will carry you through the late hours.
Actionable Insights for Today:
- Check the Weather: If you're betting the Bears/Rams game, the wind at Soldier Field is a bigger factor than the quarterbacks.
- Streaming Tip: Use the Peacock or ESPN+ apps for multi-view if your internet can handle it; it’s the only way to track the NFL and Tennis simultaneously.
- Injury Report: Monitor the Lakers' starters right before 9:30 PM ET; the spread is moving based on whether their stars actually suit up.