So, you're sitting on the couch, maybe grabbed a drink, and you're wondering: what time and channel is the football game tonight? Well, I’ve got some news for you, and it depends on what kind of "football" fan you are. If you’re looking for the NFL, take a breath. Tonight is actually the "calm before the storm." Today is Friday, January 16, 2026. The NFL Divisional Round—where the real heavy hitters like Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills face off against the top-seeded Denver Broncos—doesn't actually kick off until tomorrow.
But don't flip the TV off just yet.
There is plenty of action happening if you know where to look. While the NFL is taking a breather before Saturday's massive doubleheader, we are in the absolute peak of the sports calendar. We've got massive college basketball matchups, NHL clashes, and the looming shadow of the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The NFL Schedule: When Does the Real Action Start?
If you were hoping to catch an NFL game tonight, you're exactly one day early. The league traditionally keeps Friday clear during the postseason to let the hype build for the Divisional Round.
Honestly, it’s probably for the best. Your liver and your nerves need the rest. Here is exactly when you need to be back in front of the tube for the professional games:
Saturday, January 17, 2026
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- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: This one kicks off at 4:30 PM ET. You can catch it on CBS or stream it on Paramount+. Seeing the No. 6 seed Bills travel to the altitude of Empower Field at Mile High is going to be something else.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: The nightcap starts at 8:00 PM ET on FOX. This is a classic NFC West rivalry on the biggest stage possible.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: Set your alarm for 3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: The weekend wraps up at 6:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock.
Basically, tonight is for prep. Stock the fridge. Buy the wings. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.
Is There Any College Football Tonight?
The short answer is no. But the big answer is: Monday.
The College Football Playoff National Championship is the game everyone is actually talking about. It’s set for Monday, January 19, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET. It’s going to be a weird, historic night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Why weird? Because the Miami Hurricanes are playing for the title in their own home stadium. They’re facing off against the Indiana Hoosiers, who have had a Cinderella run for the ages under Curt Cignetti.
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Even though there isn't a game tonight, the hype in Miami is already at a boiling point. If you want to watch that one, you'll need ESPN. Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit will be on the call, as per usual. It’s the first time we’ve seen a team play a national title game on their home turf since the mid-90s.
What to Watch Tonight Instead
If you absolutely must have sports on the screen tonight, Friday, January 16, the NHL is filling the void.
The Carolina Hurricanes are taking on the Florida Panthers at 7:00 PM ET. You can find that on NHL Network. It’s a battle between two of the East's better teams, and since the Panthers are basically neighbors with the Hurricanes (at least in terms of the standings), it’s usually a physical game.
You've also got a massive slate of NBA and College Basketball. If you’re a hoops fan, the Boston Celtics are likely the headline act tonight depending on the regional coverage, usually airing on NBC Sports Boston or FanDuel Sports Network.
How to Stream the Big Games
If you've cut the cord, you're probably worried about missing the NFL games tomorrow or the National Championship on Monday. Don't sweat it.
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For the NFL on CBS, Paramount+ is your best friend. For the FOX games, you can usually use the FOX Sports app if you have a login, or a service like FuboTV or YouTube TV.
For the big Monday night game (Miami vs. Indiana), you'll need a way to get ESPN. If you don't have cable, Sling TV or Hulu + Live TV are the quickest ways to get access before kickoff.
Pro Tips for Your Weekend Viewing
- Check your local listings: While the national times are solid, local blackouts or pre-game shows can sometimes shift things by 30 minutes.
- Download the apps early: Don't wait until 4:25 PM tomorrow to try and remember your Paramount+ password. It will end in tears.
- Watch the weather: The Bills/Broncos game in Denver is looking chilly. The weather often dictates how these Divisional games go, especially with Josh Allen's arm strength in the cold.
While you won't find the answer to "what time and channel is the football game tonight" resulting in a live NFL kickoff right now, the next 72 hours are arguably the best 72 hours of the entire year for sports fans. Take tonight to relax, watch some hockey or hoops, and get ready for a Saturday/Sunday/Monday marathon that will determine who goes to Super Bowl LX and who lifts the CFP trophy.
The wait is almost over. Get your setup ready now so you don't miss a single snap of the Divisional Round starting tomorrow afternoon.