So, you're looking for the kickoff time, the channel, maybe even the betting line for the Raiders game this Sunday, January 18, 2026.
I’ve got some news. It’s not great.
The short answer is: The Las Vegas Raiders do not play this Sunday. They aren't playing Saturday, either. Honestly, they aren't playing until next season.
While the NFL world is buzzing about the Divisional Round of the playoffs, the Silver and Black are officially in "offseason mode." After a brutal 2025 campaign that saw more headlines about coaching changes than touchdowns, the Raiders finished with a 3-14 record. That landed them at the bottom of the AFC West, nowhere near a playoff berth.
The NFL Divisional Round Schedule: Who IS Playing?
Even though the Raiders aren't on the field, this Sunday is actually one of the biggest days in the football calendar. If you were hoping to park it on the couch and watch some high-stakes ball, you still have two massive games to keep you busy.
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The Sunday, January 18 slate features a double-header that determines who moves on to the Conference Championships:
- Game 1: The Houston Texans travel to Foxborough to face the New England Patriots. Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM ET. You can catch this one on ESPN or ABC.
- Game 2: The Los Angeles Rams take on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. This is the primetime slot, starting at 6:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock.
It’s a bit of a sting for Raiders fans, especially seeing the Patriots and Bears—two teams the Raiders actually saw on their 2025 schedule—still alive in the hunt for Super Bowl LX.
What Happened to the Raiders This Year?
If you’re wondering how we got here, it was a bit of a rollercoaster. Actually, it was more like a rollercoaster that got stuck upside down.
The Raiders started the 2025 season with a surprising win against the Patriots, but things went south fast. Pete Carroll, who took over as head coach, couldn't find a rhythm with the roster. Between a stagnant offense that ranked dead last in rushing and a defense that struggled to get off the field, the losses piled up.
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By January 5, the day after the regular season ended with a narrow 14-12 win over the Chiefs, the organization pulled the plug on Carroll. That makes it three straight seasons where the team has fired its head coach.
Key Stats From a Rough 2025
- Final Record: 3-14 (4th in AFC West)
- Rushing Offense: 32nd in the league.
- Points Per Game: Only 241 total points scored all season.
- Bright Spots: Maxx Crosby was still a beast, and tight end Brock Bowers showed why he’s the future, even with his late-season injury.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents
Since you won't be watching them play this Sunday, you might be curious about who they’ll face when they finally return to Allegiant Stadium. The 2026 opponents are already locked in based on the NFL's scheduling formula.
Next season, the Raiders will have a heavy dose of the AFC East and the NFC West.
Home Games at Allegiant Stadium:
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- Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos
- Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
- Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks
- Tennessee Titans (as the fellow 4th place finisher)
Road Games:
- Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos
- Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
- Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints
It’s a tough draw. Having to travel to play the 49ers and the Jets in the same year is never fun. Plus, those divisional games against Denver—who finished 14-3 this year—are looking more daunting than ever.
Why the "Raiders Play This Sunday" Search Is Trending
A lot of people get confused this time of year because of how the NFL playoffs are marketed. You see "NFL Sunday" everywhere, and if you aren't tracking the standings every week, it’s easy to assume your team is still in the mix.
Also, the Raiders have a massive national following. Whether they are 13-4 or 3-14, people are looking for them.
Actionable Insights for Raiders Fans This Weekend
Since the Raiders are out, here is how you can actually spend your football Sunday:
- Scope the Competition: Watch the Texans vs. Patriots game. The Raiders beat New England in Week 1, and seeing how a team they defeated managed to make it this far is a good exercise in "what if."
- Draft Prep: Start looking at mock drafts. Since the Raiders finished 3-14, they’ve secured a top-5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Most experts are eyeing a franchise quarterback or a dominant offensive tackle to fix that 32nd-ranked run game.
- Coaching Search: Keep your notifications on. General Manager John Spytek and the front office (including Tom Brady’s influence) are currently interviewing candidates. This is basically the Raiders' "playoff game" right now.
Don't bother checking the TV listings for the Silver and Black this weekend. They're on the couch just like the rest of us, likely planning how to avoid another 3-win season. If you want to see live football, tune into NBC or ESPN for the Divisional matchups, but leave the Raiders jersey in the closet for now.