So, you’re looking at the calendar and realized tomorrow is Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you've been living under a rock—or maybe just actually productive for once—you might have missed that we are smack in the middle of the NFL Divisional Round. This is arguably the best weekend of the entire year for football. The pretenders from the Wild Card round have been sent packing, and now we’re down to the heavy hitters.
Tomorrow isn't just a regular Sunday. It’s the day that decides who moves one step closer to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. We have two massive matchups on the docket, one in the AFC and one in the NFC.
If you're asking what nfl football teams are playing tomorrow, you’re looking at the Houston Texans traveling to Foxborough to face the New England Patriots, followed by the Los Angeles Rams heading into the freeze of Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears.
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Buckle up.
The AFC Showdown: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
First up at 3:00 p.m. ET, we’ve got a clash of styles that feels like a throwback and a leap into the future all at once. The Texans are coming off a dominant 30-6 dismantling of the Steelers. C.J. Stroud is basically playing Madden on rookie mode at this point, but going into Gillette Stadium in January is a different beast entirely.
The Patriots, under the steady hand of Jerod Mayo, secured the No. 2 seed and looked efficient as ever in their 16-3 win over the Chargers last week. They aren't the "dynasty" Patriots of old, but they are disciplined, they don't beat themselves, and their defense is currently playing like they have twelve guys on the field.
Honestly, the weather might be the biggest story here. It’s January in Massachusetts. It’s going to be cold, it might be windy, and that tends to favor the team that can run the rock and play ball control. Houston's offense is explosive, but can they handle a game where every yard feels like a fistfight?
The NFC Late Night Special: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
Then, at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC, the lights come on at Soldier Field. This is the one everyone is talking about. You have the Los Angeles Rams, who just barely survived a 34-31 shootout against the Panthers, versus the Chicago Bears, who outlasted the Packers 31-27 in a game that probably took five years off every Chicago fan's life.
The Rams are the "finesse" team here. They want to throw. They want to use that speed. But Chicago in late January? That's a different vibe. The Bears have found a weird, gritty identity this year. Their defense has been opportunistic, and Caleb Williams has shown that he can handle the pressure of the big stage, even when the wind is whipping off Lake Michigan.
Quick Hit Schedule for Sunday, Jan 18:
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: ABC / ESPN / ESPN+
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC / Peacock
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
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Why These Games Matter More Than You Think
People often overlook the Divisional Round, but statistically, this is where the eventual Super Bowl champions usually separate themselves. If you're trying to figure out what nfl football teams are playing tomorrow, you’re really looking at the four teams that have the best shot at unseating the top seeds (Denver and Seattle).
The Texans are trying to prove that their young core isn't just "happy to be here." They want a seat at the big table. Meanwhile, the Rams are looking for one last run with their veteran leadership before the window starts to creak shut.
The Bears? Well, the Bears are trying to prove that the Midway is finally a place of terror for opposing teams again. It’s been a long time since Chicago had this much hope in January.
Betting Angles and Things to Watch
If you’re into the numbers, the Rams opened as 3.5-point favorites according to most Vegas books, despite being on the road. That tells you what the sharps think of the Rams' talent compared to the Bears' grit. The total is sitting around 48.5, which feels high for a January game in Chicago, but hey, both these teams can score.
In the AFC game, the Patriots are favored, mostly because of that home-field advantage and a defense that doesn't give up big plays. Stroud is going to have to be perfect. One or two mistakes in Foxborough usually equals a flight home on Monday morning.
Moving Forward: The Path to the Championship
Whatever happens tomorrow, the winners move on to the Conference Championships on January 25. The winner of Texans/Patriots will likely be heading to Denver to face the Broncos (unless the Bills pulled off a miracle today). The winner of Rams/Bears will be looking at a date with either the Seahawks or the 49ers.
It’s high-stakes football. Basically, if you aren't parked on your couch by 3 p.m. tomorrow, you’re doing Sunday wrong.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Sync Your Calendar: Make sure you have the 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET starts set. If you're on the West Coast, that means noon and 3:30 p.m.
- Check Your Subs: If you're a cord-cutter, make sure your Peacock and ESPN+ logins are actually working before kickoff. There's nothing worse than a "password incorrect" message during a kickoff return.
- Monitor the Weather: Check the local Foxborough and Chicago forecasts about two hours before game time. If the wind speeds are over 20 mph, expect a heavy dose of the running game and a nightmare for kickers.
The Divisional Round is where legends are made. Tomorrow, we find out who's actually ready for the spotlight.