So, you're looking for the kickoff. You’ve got the snacks ready, or maybe you’re just trying to plan your Wednesday evening around the big game. Here’s the cold, hard truth that might sting a little: there are no NFL games today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
I know, it’s a bummer.
We just came off a wild Triple-Header weekend that saw the Chicago Bears pull off a miracle comeback against the Packers and the Houston Texans dismantle the Steelers defense. But right now? The league is in that quiet, intense "lab" phase. It’s Wednesday. In the NFL world, Wednesday is the heavy lifting day. It’s the day when teams like the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos—who both sat out last week on a bye—are finally hitting the practice field to install the schemes they hope will carry them to the Super Bowl.
If you’re wondering what time are the nfl football games today, the answer is unfortunately "none," but the Divisional Round is lurking right around the corner. We are currently in the eye of the storm.
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When Does the Action Actually Start?
If you can hold out for just a few more days, the Divisional Round is going to be massive. The NFL doesn't do mid-week playoff games (thankfully, because player safety is already a tightrope act), so we have to wait for the weekend.
Here is exactly what the schedule looks like for the upcoming slate:
Saturday, January 17, 2026
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- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: Kickoff is at 4:30 PM ET. This is the AFC clash everyone is eyeing. Josh Allen is coming off a massive road win in Jacksonville—the Bills' first road playoff win in over three decades. They’re heading into the thin air of Mile High to face a Broncos team that has been resting and waiting. You can catch this one on CBS or stream it on Paramount+.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: Kickoff is at 8:00 PM ET. This is a classic NFC West rivalry renewed on the biggest stage. The 49ers just scraped by the Eagles, and now they have to go into Lumen Field. Seattle’s "12s" are already being asked to bring the noise. This game airs on FOX.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: Kickoff is at 3:00 PM ET. Drake Maye vs. the Texans' No. 1 ranked defense. The Texans' D just put on a clinic against Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers, but Foxborough in January is a different beast. This one is on ABC and ESPN.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: Kickoff is at 6:30 PM ET. Caleb Williams is fresh off a 381-yard performance. The Rams are coming in as the road warriors. It’s the primetime "nightcap" on NBC and Peacock.
Why Is Today (Wednesday) Still Important?
You might think nothing is happening because the TV is dark, but today is actually the "Big Install" day for every remaining team.
In the NFL, Wednesdays are when the game plan is officially handed out. Players get those massive digital playbooks loaded with the specific wrinkles designed to stop a guy like Josh Allen or contain a rookie sensation like Caleb Williams.
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The Underclassmen Deadline
Interestingly, today is also a massive day for the future of the league. January 14, 2026, is the deadline for college underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft. While we’re waiting for the pros to play, the next generation of stars is currently faxing in paperwork that will change their lives—and the fortunes of teams like the Panthers or Giants—forever.
Injury Reports are Dropping
If you’re a betting person or just a die-hard fan, today is the day you start watching the wire. The first official injury reports for the Divisional Round come out on Wednesday afternoons. For example, we’re already seeing that Seattle’s Ernest Jones IV missed practice today with an illness, and the 49ers are keeping a close eye on Trent Williams' hamstring. These "boring" mid-week details are exactly what determine who wins on Saturday night.
How to Get Your Football Fix Today
Since you can't watch a live game right now, you aren't totally out of luck.
- Re-watch the Wild Card Highlights: If you haven't seen the Texans' defensive touchdowns from Monday night, you're missing out. The Calen Bullock pick-six was a work of art.
- Check the Betting Lines: The spreads for the weekend are already moving. Denver opened as a slight favorite over Buffalo, but the money is starting to shift as people realize just how hot Josh Allen is playing right now.
- Fantasy/Playoff Challenges: If you’re in a playoff survivor pool, today is the day to make your picks before the Saturday afternoon deadline.
Honestly, the mid-week break is kinda necessary. It builds the tension. By the time Saturday at 4:30 PM ET rolls around, the hype is going to be at a fever pitch.
Actionable Steps for the Weekend
- Sync Your Calendar: Set reminders for Saturday at 4:30 PM ET and 8:00 PM ET. The 49ers-Seahawks game is almost guaranteed to be a physical bloodbath.
- Check Your Subs: If you’re planning on streaming, make sure your Paramount+ (for CBS games) and Peacock (for the Bears-Rams game) subscriptions are active. There’s nothing worse than a login error five minutes before kickoff.
- Monitor the Weather: Keep an eye on the forecast for Denver and Chicago. Cold weather and wind in those stadiums can completely change how you should expect those games to go.
While there are no games at the moment, the road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting shorter by the hour. We’re only three days away from the best weekend in football.