What Time Are the Football Games on Today: NFL Divisional Round and Sunday Kickoffs

If you’re waking up today, January 18, 2026, with that specific itch that only postseason football can scratch, you’re in the right spot. The NFL Divisional Round is hitting its peak. We’ve already seen the Denver Broncos edge out the Bills in an overtime thriller yesterday, and the Seahawks basically dismantled the 49ers in the nightcap. Now, the remaining four teams are fighting for a ticket to the Conference Championships.

Honestly, there’s nothing quite like Divisional Sunday. The stakes are higher than the Wild Card, but the desperation is more palpable than the Super Bowl. You’ve got teams that have survived the first-round jitters and are now looking at the summit. If you are wondering what time are the football games on today, the short answer is that the action starts in the mid-afternoon and carries us straight into the night.

The NFL Divisional Schedule for Sunday, January 18

The NFL has kept the Sunday doubleheader format we’ve all grown to love. We have one AFC clash and one NFC showdown on the docket.

Houston Texans at New England Patriots

Time: 3:00 PM ET
Channel: ABC / ESPN
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

This one is fascinating. You have the veteran New England Patriots, led by a defense that absolutely suffocated the Chargers last week, hosting C.J. Stroud and the high-flying Texans. Houston looked unstoppable against Pittsburgh on Monday night, but Foxborough in mid-January is a different beast entirely. It’s expected to be cold. Maybe not "Ice Bowl" cold, but definitely "stiff-fingers-and-hard-turf" cold.

Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears

Time: 6:30 PM ET
Channel: NBC / Peacock
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

The nightcap features two teams that took very different paths to get here. The Chicago Bears have been a juggernaut at home, riding that ferocious defense and a rejuvenated offense. Meanwhile, the Rams are the road warriors of 2026. They managed to survive a literal dogfight against the Panthers in the Wild Card round. Now, they head into the "Monsters of the Midway" territory. If you’re streaming, Peacock is your go-to, but for the traditionalists, NBC will have the national broadcast.

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Why the Sunday Matchups Matter So Much

People often overlook how much "rest vs. rust" plays into these specific Sunday games. The Patriots and Bears have had the benefit of home-field advantage and, in New England's case, a bit more recovery time than the Texans who played late Monday.

But look at the Texans. They aren't just "happy to be here." Stroud is playing with a level of poise that makes you forget he’s still so young. On the flip side, the Rams-Bears matchup is a clash of identities. The Rams want to play fast, spread you out, and use that Southern California speed. Chicago wants to turn the game into a wrestling match in the mud.

Basically, if the Rams can't handle the grass at Soldier Field, it’s going to be a long night for Matthew Stafford.

Beyond the NFL: Other Football Today

While the pros dominate the conversation, they aren't the only ones on the pitch or the court today. If you're a fan of "the other football" (soccer) or looking for some college action, the schedule is surprisingly packed for a Sunday in January.

European Soccer (Premier League and More)

For the early birds who need a fix before the NFL pre-game shows start, the Premier League has a couple of solid fixtures.

• Wolverhampton vs. Newcastle United: 2:00 PM (Local UK time), which is 9:00 AM ET.
• Aston Villa vs. Everton: 4:30 PM (Local UK time), roughly 11:30 AM ET.

Over in Spain, La Liga is running a full slate, including a massive late-night clash between Real Sociedad and Barcelona at 8:00 PM local time (3:00 PM ET). If the Patriots game gets out of hand early, flipping over to see if Barca can handle the Basque pressure isn't a bad backup plan.

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College Basketball to Fill the Gaps

If you need a palette cleanser between the 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM NFL games, college hoops is in full swing.

• Penn State at Maryland: 12:00 PM ET (Big Ten battle to start the day).
• Arizona State at Houston: 3:30 PM ET (A high-stakes matchup for the #7 ranked Cougars).
• Washington State at San Francisco: 7:00 PM ET (Perfect for the West Coast viewers).

Where to Watch and How to Stream

Look, nobody wants to be scrolling through a guide while a kickoff is happening. Here is the reality of the 2026 sports landscape: you need a mix of apps and antennas.

For the NFL games, a standard digital antenna will get you ABC and NBC for free. It's the most reliable way to avoid the "streaming lag" where your neighbor screams because of a touchdown 30 seconds before you see it on your phone. If you've cut the cord entirely, Fubo and YouTube TV are the heavy hitters that carry all these channels.

If you specifically want the Rams-Bears game on your tablet while the family uses the main TV, Peacock is mandatory for that NBC simulcast. For the Texans-Patriots game, the ESPN App or ESPN+ will handle the digital side, though you'll still need a provider login for the ABC broadcast.

What Most People Get Wrong About Playoff Times

One thing that trips up fans every single year is the "Flexible Scheduling" myth. People think the NFL can move playoff games 48 hours before kickoff like they do in Week 14.

They can't.

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These times—3:00 PM and 6:30 PM ET—are locked in. The TV networks have paid billions for these specific windows. The only thing that changes is the weather. If there's a blizzard in Foxborough or a wind storm in Chicago, the game might slow down, but the clock starts when the NFL says it starts.

Strategy for the Ultimate Sports Sunday

If you want to survive today without your family hating you or your eyes falling out, you need a plan.

1. The Pre-Game Window (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): This is for soccer and early college hoops. Use this time to get your snacks ready. Do not—I repeat, do not—wait until 2:55 PM to realize you’re out of wings.
2. The AFC Window (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Focus on the Texans and Patriots. This is usually the "chess match" game. Expect a lot of tactical punting and defensive stands.
3. The Buffer Zone (6:00 PM - 6:30 PM): This is the danger zone. The first game might run long. Have your second device ready so you don't miss the opening drive of Rams-Bears.
4. The NFC Window (6:30 PM - 9:30 PM): This is the primetime show. Soldier Field under the lights. It's the peak of the weekend.

Knowing what time are the football games on today is only half the battle. The other half is ensuring your remote has fresh batteries.

Go grab your jersey, sync your fantasy apps if you’re playing playoff challenges, and settle in. We’re about to find out who really belongs in the Final Four of the NFL.

Actionable Next Steps:

• Check your local listings: Confirm if your local ABC affiliate is carrying the 3:00 PM game or if you need to switch to ESPN.
• Update your streaming apps: Ensure Peacock and the ESPN app are updated now to avoid "forced update" delays at kickoff.
• Sync your clock: Set a reminder for 2:45 PM ET to ensure you’re settled before the National Anthem and opening toss.