If you’re staring at your phone and wondering what time does the football game tonight start, I’ve got some news that might be a little annoying. It’s Thursday, January 15, 2026. Usually, Thursdays are for the NFL, right? We’ve spent months conditioned to expect that 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff on Prime Video. But things change fast once the calendar flips to the postseason.
Honestly, there is no NFL game tonight.
Yeah, I know. It’s the middle of January. We’re deep into the 2026 NFL Playoffs, but the league doesn't run Thursday night games during the postseason. They save all that high-stakes energy for the weekend. We just finished a wild Monday night battle where the Houston Texans went into Pittsburgh and handled the Steelers 30-6 to close out Wild Card Weekend. Now, we’re in that weird midweek lull before the Divisional Round kicks off.
When does the NFL actually come back?
Since you're looking for football, you only have to wait about 48 hours. The NFL Divisional Round is stacked this year. If you want to plan your weekend, here is how the next few days look.
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On Saturday, January 17, we get a double-header that is basically a football fan's dream. The Buffalo Bills are heading to the thin air of Denver to take on the Broncos. That game starts at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. If you’re a streamer, Paramount+ is your home for that one. Then, at 8:00 p.m. ET, the San Francisco 49ers travel to Seattle for a massive NFC West showdown against the Seahawks on FOX.
Sunday, January 18, follows a similar vibe. The Houston Texans face the New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN). Later that night, the Los Angeles Rams play the Chicago Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
What about College Football?
Maybe you were thinking of the college game? We are right in the heart of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff era. But even there, tonight is a "dark" night.
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We just saw the semifinals wrap up last week. Miami took down Ole Miss in a thriller at the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, and Indiana outlasted Oregon in the Peach Bowl on January 9. Those two teams—the Hurricanes and the Hoosiers—are currently preparing for the biggest game of their lives.
The CFP National Championship is set for Monday night, January 19, 2026. Kickoff for that one is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. It’s going to be in Miami Gardens, so the Canes essentially have a home-field advantage for the title.
Why the Thursday gap exists
You might be asking why the NFL doesn't just keep the Thursday night momentum going. It’s mostly about player safety and "short weeks." During the regular season, teams hate playing on Thursdays because it wrecks their bodies. In the playoffs, when every hit is harder and every win is required to keep the season alive, the league gives teams a full week to recover.
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Plus, the TV networks want those prime Saturday and Sunday windows. They pull the biggest ratings when everyone is home and ready to park themselves on the couch for ten hours straight.
What to watch instead tonight
If you absolutely need a sports fix tonight, January 15, you aren't totally out of luck.
- NBA: There's usually a full slate of pro basketball on Thursday nights.
- College Basketball: Big Ten and ACC conference play is in full swing.
- NHL: Mid-season hockey is typically heavy on Thursday schedules.
So, while the answer to what time does the football game tonight start is "it doesn't," the countdown to Saturday is officially on.
Your Postseason Checklist
To make sure you don't miss the actual kickoffs this weekend, here is what you need to do:
- Check your local listings: If you’re on the West Coast, remember that 4:30 p.m. ET Saturday game starts at 1:30 p.m. for you. Don't get caught at the grocery store.
- Update your apps: If you're watching on Paramount+, Peacock, or Amazon, make sure the apps are updated now so you aren't staring at a loading bar during the opening coin toss.
- Sync your calendar: The NFL Championship Sunday is next weekend, January 25, with games at 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET.
The path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting narrow. While tonight is quiet, the next few days are going to be loud. Get your snacks ready for Saturday.