If you woke up this morning, grabbed your lucky Myles Garrett jersey, and started scouring the TV guide to see what time is the cleveland browns game on today, I have some tough news for you.
The Cleveland Browns are not playing today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer for the Dawg Pound. While today is a massive day for NFL football—it’s the Divisional Round of the playoffs—the Browns are currently watching from home like the rest of us. After a 2025 season that saw the team finish with a 5-12 record, the orange and brown are already deep into "next year" mode.
Instead of a kickoff at Cleveland Browns Stadium, the front office is busy in the middle of a high-stakes head coaching search.
The 2026 NFL Divisional Round: Who is Actually Playing Today?
While you might be disappointed that there's no Browns game, the NFL schedule is still packed with high-level drama. Today features two massive games that will determine who moves on to the Conference Championships.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
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- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Channel: ESPN/ABC
- Why it matters: The Texans are the last AFC South team standing, and they're trying to take down a Patriots squad that has surprised everyone this year.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
- Time: 6:30 PM ET
- Channel: NBC/Peacock
- The Vibe: This is the primetime slot. Soldier Field is going to be rocking, and for Browns fans, it’s a chance to see if the Bears’ recent resurgence is the real deal.
Why aren't the Browns in the playoffs?
It’s been a rough ride. The 2025 season ended just a couple of weeks ago with a narrow 20-18 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, which was a nice way to go out, but it wasn't nearly enough to save the season. Cleveland finished at the bottom of the AFC North.
Basically, the team struggled with consistency all year. Between offensive line injuries and a quarterback situation that felt like a rollercoaster, the "win-now" window felt like it was starting to creak. Kevin Stefanski’s tenure has officially come to an end, and the search for a new leader is the biggest story in Cleveland right now.
What Time Is The Cleveland Browns Game On Today? Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Since there is no game today, let’s talk about when you can expect to see them back on the field. The NFL doesn't release the specific dates and kickoff times for the 2026 regular season until May, but we already know exactly who the Browns will be playing.
Because they finished in last place in the AFC North, they actually have a "last-place schedule" for 2026. On paper, this is a huge advantage. It means they'll face other fourth-place finishers, which is often the easiest path back to the postseason.
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The 2026 Home Opponents:
- Baltimore Ravens (Division Rivalry)
- Cincinnati Bengals (The Battle of Ohio)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (The rivalry that never sleeps)
- Houston Texans (A tough matchup against C.J. Stroud)
- Indianapolis Colts
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- Las Vegas Raiders
The 2026 Away Opponents:
Cleveland will be hitting the road to face some interesting teams, including a trip to the Big Apple and a few warm-weather games that fans usually love to travel for.
- New York Giants
- New York Jets
- New Orleans Saints (Road trip to the Superdome!)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
The Coaching Search: The Real "Game" Happening Now
While the Texans and Patriots battle it out on the field, the Browns' "game" is happening in the meeting rooms.
The biggest rumor circulating today, January 18, is the team’s intense interest in Grant Udinski. If you haven't heard the name, he’s the offensive coordinator for the Jaguars. At just 30 years old, he would be the youngest head coach in NFL history if Cleveland pulls the trigger.
It’s a bold move. Kinda risky? Maybe. But after the way last season went, the organization seems ready to pivot toward a young, creative offensive mind to pair with whatever quarterback direction they take. Reports indicate that the Browns have already requested a second, in-person interview with him.
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What should Browns fans do today?
If you’re still itching for some football, your best bet is to tune into the NBC game tonight. The Rams and Bears represent two different ways to build a contender—one through veteran trades and the other through a young, homegrown core.
For those who want to start planning their 2026 trips, keep an eye on the schedule release this spring. Usually, it drops the second Thursday in May. That’s when we’ll finally have an answer for what time is the cleveland browns game on today for the actual season openers.
Until then, keep an eye on the local beat reporters like Mary Kay Cabot or the latest updates from Adam Schefter. The next few weeks of coaching hires and draft prep will define the next three years of Cleveland football.
Actionable Next Steps for Browns Fans:
- Check the Coaching Tracker: Follow the NFL's official coaching move tracker to see when the Browns schedule their final interviews with Grant Udinski or other candidates.
- Review the Draft Order: Since the season is over, the Browns are looking at a high draft pick. Start scouting the top offensive tackle and wide receiver prospects, as those are the glaring holes on the current roster.
- Set a Calendar Alert for May: The 2026 NFL Schedule is expected to be released around May 14, 2026. That is when you can officially book your travel for the Saints or Buccaneers away games.