You’ve got the wings ready. The couch is staked out. But if you’re staring at the TV guide wondering what time is football on tonight, you aren't alone—the NFL has a funny way of shifting these late-January kickoff windows just enough to mess with your dinner plans.
Tonight is Sunday, January 18, 2026. We are deep into the Divisional Round, and the stakes are basically "win or go home." By the time the sun sets tonight, we’ll know exactly who is headed to the AFC and NFC Championship games next weekend.
Honestly, today’s schedule is a bit of a dream for anyone who loves high-stakes quarterback matchups. We’re seeing the next generation of the AFC go head-to-head in the afternoon, followed by a classic NFC heavyweight battle under the lights at Soldier Field.
The Sunday Night Finale: Rams vs. Bears Kickoff
If you are looking for the "main event," the Los Angeles Rams are taking on the Chicago Bears in a game that feels like a collision of two different eras.
Kickoff for Rams vs. Bears is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. PT).
You can catch this one on NBC. If you’ve cut the cord, it’s also streaming live on Peacock.
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The vibe in Chicago tonight is going to be electric. We’re talking about Caleb Williams, the Bears' young star, trying to outduel a veteran like Matthew Stafford in a stadium that’s notorious for being a nightmare for visiting teams in January. The "Sunday Night Football" crew will be on the call, with Football Night in America starting the pre-game hype at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Why this game is weird (in a good way)
Usually, Sunday night games start a bit later, around 8:20 p.m. ET. But for the Divisional Round, the NFL slides the start time up to 6:30 p.m. ET. It’s actually kinda nice—you get the "night game" feel without having to stay up until midnight on a work night.
Don’t Forget the Afternoon Slot: Texans vs. Patriots
Before we get to the Chicago showdown, we’ve got a massive AFC battle.
The Houston Texans face the New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET.
This game is being broadcast on ABC and ESPN. If you're on the move, you can stream it through the ESPN app or Fubo.
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It’s C.J. Stroud vs. Drake Maye. Two of the most exciting young arms in the league. The Patriots have that home-field advantage at Gillette Stadium, and if you know anything about Foxborough in January, you know the wind can turn a 40-yard field goal into a total guessing game.
What Time Is Football On Tonight: Quick Reference
If you just need the raw numbers without the chatter, here is how the evening breaks down:
- 3:00 p.m. ET: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (ABC/ESPN)
- 6:00 p.m. ET: Football Night in America Pre-game (NBC/Peacock)
- 6:30 p.m. ET: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (NBC/Peacock)
Is there any College Football tonight?
Short answer: No.
If you’re looking for the college kids, you’re about 24 hours early. The College Football Playoff National Championship between Miami and Indiana is actually scheduled for tomorrow night, Monday, January 19.
Tonight is strictly about the pros. There was some chatter about the schedule moving, but the NCAA is sticking to that Monday night tradition. So, if you see "football" on the schedule and it's not the NFL, it’s probably a replay or a hype show for tomorrow’s big game.
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International Action: AFCON Final
If "football" means soccer to you, tonight is actually a massive night on the international stage.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Final is happening tonight in Rabat.
Morocco vs. Senegal kicks off at 7:00 p.m. GMT (2:00 p.m. ET).
This is a huge deal. Morocco is trying to win their first title in fifty years on home soil. Senegal is the powerhouse looking to spoil the party. If you have access to beIN Sports, this is the perfect lead-in to the NFL afternoon game.
Tips for Watching Tonight
Streaming can be a pain if your internet is spotty, especially with Peacock. If you’re watching the Bears/Rams game on Peacock, try to hop on the stream about 10 minutes before kickoff. These high-traffic playoff games sometimes cause "digital traffic jams" where the app takes a minute to authenticate your login.
Also, keep an eye on the weather in Chicago. Soldier Field is right on the lake. If the "Lake Effect" snow starts kicking in, that 6:30 p.m. kickoff might start looking like a literal blizzard. It doesn't change the start time, but it definitely changes how the game is played. Expect a lot of running and a lot of slipped tackles.
Actionable Next Steps
Check your local listings to ensure your antenna or cable package carries NBC and ABC. If you're relying on a streaming service like Fubo or YouTube TV, log in now to make sure your subscription is active. Set your DVR for 6:30 p.m. ET if you think you’ll be late getting home from Sunday dinner, as the NFL is famously strict about starting exactly on the dot for playoff windows.