So, you’re sitting there, remote in hand, and you’re wondering what network is the nfl game on tonight because, honestly, the playoff schedule feels like it was designed by a chaotic neutral wizard. We’ve all been there. You check the usual spots, maybe flip to ESPN or CBS, and... nothing. Or maybe you see a talking head discussing a game that happened yesterday.
Here is the quick, no-nonsense reality check for Tuesday, January 13, 2026: There is no NFL game on tonight. I know, it’s a bit of a letdown. After a Wild Card weekend that saw the Houston Texans absolutely dismantle the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 and Caleb Williams leading the Bears to a nail-biter over the Packers, the league is taking a collective breath. We just wrapped up that final Monday night triple-header/double-header cycle, and now we’re in that weird midweek "dark zone" before the Divisional Round kicks off.
The Playoff Hangover: Why Tuesday is Empty
Usually, by the time Tuesday rolls around in mid-January, we’re all just recovering from about 18 hours of straight football. The Wild Card round ended last night, January 12, with that Texans-Steelers matchup on ESPN and ABC.
Historically, the NFL has flirted with Tuesday games—mostly when COVID-19 or extreme weather forced their hand—but under the current 2025-2026 postseason structure, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are reserved for practice, injury reports, and talking heads debating whether Bo Nix can actually handle the pressure of being the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
If you’re seeing "NFL" on your guide tonight, it’s likely a replay of NFL Total Access or maybe a re-run of the 49ers knocking out the Eagles (a game that, quite frankly, Philly fans would probably like to delete from the archives).
What Network is the NFL Game on Tonight? Looking Ahead to Saturday
Since you’re already looking for the game, let's talk about when you actually need to have your snacks ready. The Divisional Round is where things get serious. The "bye week" teams—the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks—are finally entering the fray.
Saturday, January 17, 2026 is your next big date. Here is how the broadcast map looks for the start of the next round:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: This one kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. It’s a massive matchup. You’ve got Josh Allen, who just survived a slugfest in Jacksonville, heading into the thin air of Mile High to face a rested Broncos team. You can stream this on Paramount+ if you’ve cut the cord.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: The nightcap starts at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX. It’s an NFC West divisional rivalry on the biggest stage. Expect Lumen Field to be deafening. If you aren't near a TV, the FOX Sports app or NFL+ are your best bets.
Sunday’s Slate and Where to Watch
If you survive Saturday, Sunday, January 18, brings the rest of the heat. The networks shift a little bit here, so don't get caught looking at the wrong channel.
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- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: 3:00 p.m. ET. This is the ESPN/ABC simulcast. CJ Stroud vs. Drake Maye. It’s a "new era" quarterback battle that feels like it belongs in a video game.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC. This is the prime-time slot. Matthew Stafford heading into Soldier Field to face Caleb Williams. You’ll find this streaming on Peacock as well.
Why the NFL Network Matters Tonight Even Without a Game
Even though there isn't a live game tonight, Tuesday is actually a huge day for "meaningful" content if you’re a degenerate—I mean, a dedicated fan. This is when the All-22 film usually starts circulating among the analysts.
If you tune into NFL Network tonight, you’re going to see Film Session or The Insiders. This is where you find out why the Steelers' offensive line crumbled or how the 49ers managed to stifle the Eagles' run game. It’s not a live game, but it’s the "how-to" of what you just watched.
Common Misconceptions About Midweek Games
People often get confused because the NFL has expanded its schedule so much. We have Thursday Night Football on Prime Video, we have Black Friday games, and we even had those Christmas Day games on Netflix this past December.
But the playoffs are a different beast. The league prioritizes player recovery and "event" scheduling. They want those massive weekend windows where they can pull in 30 to 40 million viewers. A Tuesday night game in the playoffs would likely tank in the ratings compared to a Saturday afternoon slot, so they avoid it unless there’s a literal blizzard or a global catastrophe.
Streaming vs. Cable: A 2026 Survival Guide
Kinda crazy how many apps we need now, right? If you're asking what network is the nfl game on tonight later this week, remember that "network" is a loose term these days.
- Paramount+: Essential for the Bills/Broncos game and the AFC Championship later this month.
- Peacock: You'll need this for the Sunday night Bears game.
- Sling/YouTube TV: These are still the GOATs for catching the local FOX and CBS affiliates without a digital antenna.
- NFL+: Great for mobile, but remember, you can’t usually cast the live playoff games to your big screen unless you have the premium tier and even then, it's finicky.
Getting Ready for the Next Kickoff
Since there’s no game tonight, use this time to actually talk to your family or, more likely, check your fantasy playoff lines or betting odds. The Broncos opened as 1.5-point favorites over the Bills, which feels disrespectful to Josh Allen, but hey, the bye week is a powerful thing.
Actionable Steps for the Rest of the Week:
- Wednesday: Check the injury reports. Keep an eye on the Bills' backfield; they took some hits against the Jaguars.
- Thursday: Double-check your streaming logins. There’s nothing worse than the "Forgot Password" loop five minutes before kickoff.
- Friday: Set your DVR or clear your Saturday afternoon. The Broncos/Bills game is going to be the "game of the week" for most analysts.
Basically, enjoy the quiet Tuesday. The storm starts again on Saturday.