If you’ve been scrolling through your phone trying to figure out exactly when to have the wings ready and the couch claimed, you aren't alone. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and we are officially in the heart of the NFL Divisional Round. This is arguably the best football weekend of the year. The stakes are massive, the atmosphere is freezing in half the country, and the schedule is tight.
What time does the first NFL game start today? The short answer is 3:00 p.m. ET.
That’s when the AFC action kicks off in Foxborough. But there is a lot more to the day than just a start time. Between injury reports that changed overnight and some weird weather moving through the Midwest, today is going to be a wild ride for anyone with skin in the game.
💡 You might also like: The Athletic College Football Rankings: Why Indiana Is Finally On Top
The Early Window: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
The first game on the docket features the Houston Texans traveling to face the New England Patriots. This one gets going at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT). You can catch the broadcast on ABC and ESPN. If you’re a streamer, it’s also live on ESPN+.
Honestly, nobody expected the Texans to be here. After they dismantled the Steelers in the Wild Card round, they’ve become the "team nobody wants to play." They’re young, they’re fast, and they’re playing with house money. On the other side, the Patriots are back in a familiar spot—the Divisional Round at Gillette Stadium. It’s expected to be a classic January afternoon in Massachusetts. Think cold, think gray, and think heavy on the run game.
The winner of this matchup moves on to face the Denver Broncos next week in the AFC Championship. Denver just survived an overtime thriller against Buffalo yesterday, but they lost quarterback Bo Nix to a broken ankle in the process. That means the winner of this Patriots-Texans game is suddenly looking at a much clearer path to the Super Bowl.
The Nightcap: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
Once the dust settles in New England, the focus shifts to the Windy City. The second and final game of the day features the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Chicago Bears.
This game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. CT). It’ll be broadcast on NBC, and you can stream it on Peacock.
Soldier Field is going to be an absolute icebox. The current forecast is calling for 16 degrees at kickoff, but it’ll feel closer to 1 degree with the wind chill. That is a massive factor for a Rams team that plays in a dome. Matthew Stafford is a veteran who has seen it all, but Caleb Williams and this Bears offense have the home-field advantage of being used to the "Frozen Tundra" vibes.
The Bears are 2-point favorites at most sportsbooks, but this feels like a coin flip. The Rams' offense led the league in scoring this year, averaging over 30 points a game. Can they do that in a Chicago blizzard? Probably not. Expect a physical, low-scoring grind.
Why Today’s Schedule Matters for the Bracket
The NFL Divisional Round is the ultimate separator. By the time tonight's game ends, we will have our final four.
Yesterday, the Seattle Seahawks absolutely crushed the 49ers, 41-6. They are waiting for the winner of Rams-Bears to see who hosts the NFC Championship. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos are waiting for the Texans or Patriots.
It is worth noting that if the Texans win today, they’ll have to travel to Denver. If the Patriots win, they’ll be the ones heading to the Mile High City. The bracket is rigid now—there’s no re-seeding left.
Watching the Games: Quick Reference
If you’re trying to manage your Sunday, here is how the television coverage breaks down:
- Game 1: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
- Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ABC / ESPN / ESPN+
- Game 2: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
- Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: NBC / Peacock / Telemundo
Last-Minute Betting and Injury Notes
Keep an eye on the Chicago injury report. Rome Odunze is currently listed as questionable with a foot injury. If he can't go, Caleb Williams loses one of his most reliable deep threats in a game where every possession is gold.
🔗 Read more: The Mets Last World Series Win and Why Fans Are Still Obsessed With 1986
Also, for the total-point bettors: the "Under" has been hitting at a high rate in Chicago home games this season. With the wind whipping off Lake Michigan today, don't expect a shootout.
The first whistle blows at 3:00 p.m. ET sharp. Make sure your streaming apps are updated and your snacks are ready, because once the Texans and Patriots kick off, it's non-stop football until nearly midnight.
Check the local weather if you’re heading to Soldier Field—layers are not optional today. If you're staying home, enjoy the best Sunday of the season.