Where is the football game today: Divisional Round and Soccer Chaos Explained

So, you're looking for the game. We've all been there—scrambling for the remote or checking three different apps because the "standard" schedule got flipped on its head. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and if you're a football fan, your couch is basically your office for the next twelve hours. We aren't just talking about a couple of random matchups; we are deep in the NFL Divisional Round, and across the pond, the European soccer leagues are in absolute overdrive.

Honestly, the schedule is a bit of a marathon. If you’re trying to figure out where is the football game today, you have to look at two different cities: Foxborough and Chicago. These aren't just regular-season filler games. This is the "win or go home" stretch where legacies are basically forged in the snow.

The NFL Divisional Round: Sunday’s Big Two

The NFL really knows how to pace a Sunday. They’ve split the day between the AFC and the NFC, and the locations couldn't be more classic.

Houston Texans at New England Patriots

First up, we have the Texans traveling North to face the Patriots. This game is happening at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET.

It’s kind of wild to see the Patriots back in this position, isn't it? After a few years of rebuilding, they’ve managed to turn Gillette back into a fortress. The Texans, meanwhile, are coming in with that "nothing to lose" energy after dismantling their Wild Card opponent. You can catch this one on ABC and ESPN. If you’re a cord-cutter, it’s streaming on ESPN+ and the NFL+ app.

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Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears

Once the afternoon dust settles, the spotlight shifts to the Windy City. The Rams are heading into the "Monsters of the Midway" territory to play the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. This is the primetime slot, kicking off at 6:30 PM ET.

Soldier Field in mid-January? That’s basically a recipe for some legendary "ice bowl" vibes. Chicago fans are loud, the lakefront wind is brutal, and the Rams—usually accustomed to that California sun—are going to have to prove they can handle the chill. This game is airing on NBC, and you can stream it live on Peacock.

What About College Football?

If you were hoping to see the college kids play today, I have some news that might bum you out. There are no college football games today.

I know, it feels weird. But everything is currently paused for the biggest game of the year. The College Football Playoff National Championship between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes is set for tomorrow, Monday, January 19. They’ll be playing at Hard Rock Stadium down in Miami. Today is basically just the calm before that specific storm, though there are plenty of fan festivals happening in Miami Beach if you happen to be in Florida.

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Soccer Across the Atlantic: The Sunday Slate

For those who call it "football" and mean the sport played with feet, today is actually busier than the NFL schedule. European leagues are mid-season, and the title races are getting tense.

Premier League (England):

• Wolverhampton vs. Newcastle: 9:00 AM ET (USA Network/Telemundo)
• Aston Villa vs. Everton: 11:30 AM ET (USA Network)

La Liga (Spain):

• Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona: This is the big one in Spain today, kicking off at 3:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Barcelona has been on a tear lately, and Sociedad’s home ground is a notorious trap for big teams.
• Atletico Madrid vs. Alaves: 10:15 AM ET.

Serie A (Italy):

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• Torino vs. Roma: 12:00 PM ET (Paramount+)
• AC Milan vs. Lecce: 2:45 PM ET (Paramount+)

How to Watch Without Losing Your Mind

Look, tracking down where is the football game today is half the battle. Between Paramount+, Peacock, ESPN+, and traditional cable, it feels like you need a PhD in streaming services just to watch a kickoff.

If you are strictly an NFL fan, you only need NBC/Peacock and ABC/ESPN. The soccer fans have it tougher; you basically need a subscription to the entire internet. Most of the Premier League matches are on USA Network, but the Spanish and German games are almost exclusively tucked away on ESPN+.

Actionable Tips for Your Game Day:

• Check the Weather: If you're betting or just curious about the score, keep an eye on the wind at Soldier Field. High winds in Chicago usually mean a heavy run game and lower scores.
• Sync Your Apps: Make sure your Peacock and ESPN+ apps are updated before kickoff. There is nothing worse than a mandatory "15-minute update" right when a touchdown happens.
• Monday Night Prep: If you’re a college fan, clear your schedule for tomorrow night. Indiana vs. Miami is a massive clash of styles, and it’s going to be the only thing anyone talks about on Tuesday.

The Divisional Round is arguably the best weekend of the entire NFL season—even better than the Super Bowl sometimes because you get more games and higher stakes. Grab your snacks, find your spot on the couch, and enjoy the chaos.

Next Steps for Your Football Sunday:
Check the live injury reports for the Rams-Bears game about 90 minutes before kickoff (around 5:00 PM ET) to see if the cold weather has moved anyone to the inactive list. If you're watching the soccer matches, keep an eye on the Barcelona starting lineup at 2:00 PM ET to see if they are resting players for their upcoming European fixtures.