You're probably staring at your TV remote or refreshing your sportsbook app right now. We've all been there. It's mid-January, the air is crisp, and you're ready to see some pads popping. But if you’re asking what time is the nfl football game on today, I have some news that might be a little frustrating: there isn't one.
Today is Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Usually, "Thursday" and "NFL" go together like wings and ranch. But the playoffs are a completely different animal. The league has wrapped up a chaotic Wild Card weekend—seriously, did anyone see that Texans blowout coming?—and now everything is paused. We are currently in that weird, quiet "eye of the storm" between the opening round and the Divisional playoffs.
Why the NFL Schedule Pauses This Week
The regular season thrives on the Thursday Night Football (TNF) schedule. It’s a weekly ritual. However, once the postseason hits, the NFL abandons the Thursday slot entirely. Why? Because short weeks are a nightmare for player safety and game quality, especially when the stakes are "win or go home."
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The league wants the best version of the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos on Saturday. They aren't going to force a team to travel and play on four days' rest during the most important month of the year.
So, instead of a game today, the teams are grinding through their heaviest practice days. Coaches like Sean McVay and Jim Harbaugh are deep in film study right now. If you're looking for football today, you'll mostly find talking heads on ESPN and NFL Network arguing about whether the Rams can actually upset the Bears in Chicago.
Looking Ahead: The Divisional Round Schedule
Since you're clearly itching for some action, you don't have to wait much longer. The Divisional Round is arguably the best weekend of the entire year. The No. 1 seeds—the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos—are finally coming off their bye weeks, rested and ready to defend their home turf.
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Here is exactly when you need to be on your couch this weekend:
Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS/Paramount+).
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: 8:15 p.m. ET (FOX/FOX One). This is an absolute heavyweight NFC West rematch.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
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- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: 3:05 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN). CJ Stroud vs. the Patriots' defense is going to be fascinating.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: 6:40 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock). Soldier Field in January? Bring a coat.
Honestly, the Saturday night game in Seattle is the one everyone is circling. The 49ers just scraped by the Eagles in the Wild Card round, and Lumen Field is going to be deafening.
What to Watch While You Wait
If you’re still asking what time is the nfl football game on today because you need a sports fix, there are a few alternatives. While the NFL is dark, the NBA and NHL are in full swing.
For instance, the Atlanta Hawks are taking on the Portland Trail Blazers tonight at 10 p.m. ET. It’s not a goal-line stand, but it’ll keep the TV warm. Also, the NFL Network is basically running 24/7 analysis and "mic'd up" segments from last week's games. It's actually a great time to catch the replays you missed while you were busy during the Wild Card triple-headers.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since there’s no game tonight, use this time to get your setup ready for the weekend. The Divisional round moves fast, and you don't want to be scrambling for a login when the Bills and Broncos kick off on Saturday.
- Check your streaming logins: If you're watching on Paramount+ or Peacock, make sure your subscription is active. The Sunday night Bears game is a big one for NBC's platform.
- Monitor the injury reports: Keep a close eye on the 49ers’ injury list today and tomorrow. They looked banged up after that physical game against Philadelphia.
- Update your apps: If you use the NFL app for live scores, ensure it’s updated so you get the scoring alerts for the weekend games without lag.
- Plan your food run: Saturday's first game is mid-afternoon. Get the grocery shopping done today so you aren't stuck in line when the first whistle blows.
The wait is almost over. Enjoy the quiet Thursday, because Saturday and Sunday are going to be absolute mayhem.