So, you’re staring at your TV or scrolling through your phone trying to figure out what time do the nfl play today, and honestly, I get the confusion. Today is Friday, January 16, 2026. If you’re looking for a kickoff whistle right this second, I’ve got a bit of a "good news, bad news" situation for you.
The bad news? There are actually no NFL games scheduled for today, Friday.
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The good news? We are currently sitting in the calm before the absolute storm that is the Divisional Round weekend. This is arguably the best weekend of the entire football calendar because the "fluff" from the Wild Card round is gone, the #1 seeds are finally hitting the turf, and the matchups are usually tight enough to give you heart palpitations.
The Schedule for Saturday, January 17, 2026
Since there’s nothing on the tube tonight, you’ve basically got a few hours to prep your wings and find the "good" remote. Tomorrow is when things get real.
The AFC kicks us off in the afternoon. At 4:30 p.m. ET, the Buffalo Bills (12-5) travel to Empower Field at Mile High to take on the Denver Broncos (14-3). Denver has been a juggernaut this year, securing that #1 seed and the much-needed rest that comes with it. Buffalo, meanwhile, is coming off a gritty 27-24 win against the Jaguars. You can catch this one on CBS or stream it on Paramount+.
Once that wraps up, we head to the Pacific Northwest. At 8:00 p.m. ET, it’s a classic NFC West bloodbath: the San Francisco 49ers (12-5) vs. the Seattle Seahawks (14-3). This is the third time these two have seen each other this season. Seattle took the last one in Week 18 to clinch home-field advantage, but Brock Purdy is 5-2 in the playoffs for a reason. FOX has the broadcast for this nightcap.
Sunday, January 18, 2026: The Rest of the Bracket
If you survive Saturday, Sunday’s slate is just as heavy.
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: Kickoff is at 3:00 p.m. ET. The Patriots (14-3) are the #2 seed and look like the disciplined machine of old, while Houston is the "nobody believed in us" team of the year after dismantling the Steelers 30-6. This game will be on ABC and ESPN.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: This is the finale at 6:30 p.m. ET. It’s going to be cold at Soldier Field. The Rams (13-5) survived a 34-31 shootout with Carolina last week, and now they have to face a Bears defense that has been terrifying at home. NBC and Peacock are your go-to sources here.
Why Today’s Gap Matters for Your Bets
It’s weird having a Friday with no football in the middle of January, but it’s actually a blessing for the teams. The Texans and Rams, specifically, played their Wild Card games on a Monday and Saturday respectively. That extra day of rest today is the only reason some of these guys will even be able to walk onto the field tomorrow.
If you are looking at the lines, keep an eye on the injury reports coming out this evening. For example, the 49ers are watching George Kittle's status closely after he got banged up in the win over the Eagles. Without him, that Seattle secondary becomes a much bigger problem for Purdy.
How to Stream the Games Without Cable
Look, we've all moved past the era of needing a $200 satellite dish to see a touchdown. If you’re asking what time do the nfl play today because you’re trying to coordinate a streaming trial, here is the breakdown of where you need to be logged in:
- Paramount+: Essential for the Bills/Broncos game on Saturday.
- Peacock: You’ll need this for the Rams/Bears game if you aren't near a TV with an antenna.
- Fubo or YouTube TV: These are the "catch-all" options that usually carry FOX, CBS, and NBC.
- NFL+: Great for mobile viewing, though they usually restrict you to phone or tablet screens for live local and primetime games.
What Most Fans Get Wrong About the Times
A quick pro-tip: Always check the time zone. The NFL loves to list everything in Eastern Time (ET). If you’re in Denver for that Broncos game, a 4:30 p.m. ET start means you’re looking at a 2:30 p.m. local kickoff. Don't be the person who shows up to the bar when the game is already in the third quarter.
Also, "kickoff time" is a loose term in the NFL. If the schedule says 4:30 p.m., expect the actual ball to hit the air closer to 4:40 p.m. after the national anthem and about six truck commercials.
Actionable Strategy for the Weekend
Since you have tonight off, take ten minutes to update your streaming apps. There is nothing worse than the Bills-Broncos game starting and your TV forcing a "System Update" that takes twenty minutes.
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- Check your Paramount+ and Peacock logins tonight.
- Clear some space on the DVR if you’re planning to record the late games.
- If you're hosting, get the grocery run done today. Saturday morning at the supermarket during the playoffs is basically a mosh pit.
Tomorrow afternoon is when the real season begins. Enjoy the quiet Friday while it lasts.