It is that specific Sunday in January where the air gets thin and the stakes get stupidly high. If you are scrambling to figure out where can i watch nfl today, you aren't just looking for a channel number. You're trying to figure out how the Divisional Round got split across four different apps, two broadcast networks, and a streaming service you probably forgot you subscribed to last year.
Today is January 18, 2026. The Divisional Round is in full swing.
Honestly, the schedule is a bit of a marathon. We have the Houston Texans visiting the New England Patriots in the afternoon, followed by the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Chicago Bears in a nightcap that promises to be freezing. If you're sitting on your couch wondering why the game isn't on the "usual" channel, it's because the NFL’s broadcast rights are currently a tangled web of legacy TV and "streaming-first" mandates.
The Sunday Lineup: Times and Channels
You basically have two windows today.
First up, the AFC showdown. At 3:00 p.m. ET, C.J. Stroud leads the Texans into Foxborough to face Drake Maye and the Patriots. This one is being handled by the ESPN/ABC crew. That means if you have a pair of rabbit ears (a digital antenna), you can catch it for free on your local ABC affiliate. If you’re a cable person, it’s on ESPN.
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Then we shift to the NFC at 6:30 p.m. ET. The Rams and Bears. This is the big NBC "Sunday Night Football" style production, even though it starts a bit earlier than a typical regular-season night game. You'll find this on your local NBC station.
Quick Summary of Today's Games
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots | 3:00 p.m. ET | ABC, ESPN, ESPN+
- LA Rams at Chicago Bears | 6:30 p.m. ET | NBC, Peacock
Where Can I Watch NFL Today Without Cable?
Cutting the cord used to make being a football fan a total nightmare. Now, it's just mildly annoying because you need to know which app owns which game.
For the Texans-Patriots game, ESPN+ is your best friend. It’s the easiest way to stream the ABC/ESPN broadcast without a full live-TV package. If you already pay for the Disney bundle, you're set.
The Rams-Bears game is a Peacock exclusive for the streaming crowd. NBC puts all their big playoff games there. If you don't have a cable login or an antenna, you literally cannot watch this game legally without a Peacock subscription.
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If you want a "one-and-done" solution, you've got the live TV streaming services. These are the big boys:
- YouTube TV: Has ABC and NBC.
- Fubo: Great for sports, has both channels, usually offers a 7-day free trial if you’re in a pinch.
- Hulu + Live TV: Also carries both.
- Sling TV: This is where it gets tricky. Sling Blue usually has NBC in select markets, but you’ll need Sling Orange for ESPN.
The "Secret" Options: NFL+ and Antennas
People always overlook the simplest solution: a digital antenna. Most of the "where can i watch nfl today" confusion stems from the fact that we've been trained to think everything requires a login. Both ABC and NBC are "over-the-air" networks. If you spend $20 on an antenna at a big-box store, you get these games in high definition for free. Forever.
Then there is NFL+. This is the league's own app. It’s great for watching on your phone or tablet. However, a major caveat—and this trips people up every year—is that the basic tier often limits you to mobile devices for live local and primetime games. If you want to watch the Texans or Bears on your actual 65-inch TV, you usually need the "Premium" version or a different service entirely.
Why Today’s Matchups Actually Matter
This isn't just about finding a stream; it's about what we're watching. We are seeing a genuine changing of the guard.
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In the afternoon, we have Drake Maye trying to prove the Patriots' dynasty isn't just a memory. Facing C.J. Stroud, who has basically turned the Texans into a perennial powerhouse in record time, is a massive test.
Tonight? It's the "Vibe Bowl." Caleb Williams in Chicago under the lights at Soldier Field. Against Matthew Stafford, who refuses to go away quietly. The weather in Chicago is expected to be a factor—swirling winds and temperatures dropping into the teens. That changes how you watch the game. Suddenly, deep shots aren't as important as ball security and the run game.
Practical Next Steps for Your Kickoff
If you are reading this and kickoff is 10 minutes away, here is your move:
- Check your TV first. See if you get ABC (Channel 5 in many markets) or NBC.
- Sign up for a free trial. If you have no cable, go to Fubo or YouTube TV. You can usually get a week for free and cancel tomorrow.
- Get the apps. Download Peacock for the night game and ESPN+ for the afternoon.
- Check the weather. If you're a bettor or a fantasy player, the Chicago wind is the most important "stat" of the day.
Don't wait until 2:55 p.m. to see if your login still works. The NFL playoffs don't wait for your password reset email. Get the Peacock or ESPN+ app updated now so you aren't staring at a loading bar while the Texans are already up 7-0.