The regular season feels like a lifetime ago. Honestly, if you're still thinking about September stats, you're already behind the curve because the NFL playoffs just hit a different gear. We are officially in the Divisional Round. This is widely considered the best weekend of the entire year for football fans—better than the Super Bowl, better than Championship Sunday. Why? Because you get the heavy hitters. The #1 seeds are finally coming off their bye weeks, rested and probably a little bit rusty, while the Wild Card winners are coming in hot, bruised, and playing with house money.
If you are looking for who is playing NFL football on Sunday, you have two massive games on the slate for January 18, 2026. We’ve got a high-stakes AFC showdown in the early afternoon, followed by a heavyweight NFC battle in the primetime slot.
It's about survival now.
The Early Window: Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
First up, the action kicks off at Arrowhead Stadium. It’s the Houston Texans taking on the Kansas City Chiefs. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET on NBC.
Think about where these two teams were a few years ago. The Texans were essentially the basement of the league, a franchise looking for an identity. Now, they’re walking into one of the most hostile environments in pro sports with a young roster that doesn't seem to know they're "supposed" to be intimidated. C.J. Stroud has transitioned from a promising rookie to a legitimate Tier 1 quarterback faster than almost anyone expected. He’s surgical. But playing in January in Kansas City? That’s a different beast entirely.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, are doing Chief things. Patrick Mahomes is still the gold standard, even if the offense looked a little clunky at times during the middle of the season. They have that "flip the switch" capability that drives opposing defensive coordinators insane. You think you have them bottled up on a 3rd and 12, and then Mahomes scrambles for 14 yards or finds Travis Kelce in a pocket of space that didn't exist two seconds prior.
✨ Don't miss: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
Why this matchup is weirder than you think
Most people assume the Chiefs will just roll because of their experience. But look at the matchups. Houston’s pass rush has been relentless lately. If they can move Mahomes off his spot without blitzing—essentially keeping seven or eight guys in coverage—they can frustrate this Kansas City offense.
On the flip side, the Chiefs' defense is the real story of their 2025-2026 campaign. Steve Spagnuolo is a master of the "creepers" and simulated pressures. He’s going to show Stroud looks that the kid hasn't seen on tape yet. It’s a chess match between a legendary play-caller and a young phenom who plays like a ten-year vet.
The Primetime Clash: Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers
Once the sun goes down, turn your attention to the West Coast. At 6:30 PM ET on FOX, we get the rematch everyone has been circling: the Philadelphia Eagles vs. the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
This isn't just a game. It's a grudge match. These two fanbases basically spent the last two years screaming at each other on social media. The 49ers have been the juggernaut of the NFC, securing the #1 seed and getting that much-needed week of rest. Brock Purdy continues to defy the "system QB" labels by simply winning games and putting up historic efficiency numbers.
But the Eagles? They are the ultimate "we'll find a way" team. Saquon Barkley has changed the entire gravity of that offense. When Jalen Hurts isn't beating you with his legs or deep shots to A.J. Brown, Barkley is hammering the A-gap and turning 2-yard gains into 20-yard explosive plays.
🔗 Read more: Why Isn't Mbappe Playing Today: The Real Madrid Crisis Explained
The Trenches will decide Sunday night
If you want to know who is playing NFL football on Sunday with the most physicality, this is it. San Francisco’s defensive line against Philadelphia’s offensive line is the best "strength vs. strength" matchup of the season.
- Nick Bosa vs. Lane Johnson: It’s a battle of titans. If Bosa can get home and disrupt Hurts’ timing, the Eagles' passing game falls apart.
- The Deebo Factor: Deebo Samuel is a human wrecking ball. The Eagles' secondary has struggled with tackling in space this year. If San Francisco gets Deebo the ball on those crossers, it’s going to be a long night for Philly.
- The Tush Push (or lack thereof): The Eagles still rely on their short-yardage dominance, but the 49ers' interior defense, led by Maliek Collins and a rotating cast of monsters, is one of the few units that can actually stand them up.
What to watch for: Weather and Injury Reports
January football is never just about the players; it’s about the elements. In Kansas City, the forecast is looking chilly—temps hovering in the low 20s with a stiff breeze. That usually favors the ground game and sure-handed tight ends. If the wind picks up, don’t be surprised if the deep passing games for both Houston and KC take a backseat to a more conservative, ball-control approach.
In Santa Clara, the weather is usually more temperate, but the grass at Levi's Stadium has been known to be a bit "slick" in the past. Traction matters when you have guys like Christian McCaffrey making 90-degree cuts at full speed.
Key Players on the Mend
Keep an eye on the final injury reports.
- Christian McCaffrey: He’s been dealing with nagging calf issues. If he's not 100%, the 49ers lose their safety valve.
- A.J. Brown: His health is paramount for the Eagles. Without him drawing double teams, the 49ers can bracket DeVonta Smith and dare the Eagles to run into a stacked box.
- Laremy Tunsil: For the Texans to have a prayer, their star left tackle needs to be a wall. He’s been playing through some stuff, and against the Chiefs' pass rush, any weakness will be exploited.
How to watch and stream Sunday's games
Don't be the person scrambling for a login five minutes after kickoff.
💡 You might also like: Tottenham vs FC Barcelona: Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
The early game (Texans at Chiefs) is on NBC. You can stream it on Peacock.
The late game (Eagles at 49ers) is on FOX. You can stream it via the FOX Sports app or through services like YouTube TV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV.
If you're out and about, NFL+ is your best friend for mobile viewing, though keep in mind it’s usually restricted to phones and tablets for the live broadcasts.
Final Insights for the Sunday Slate
When you look at who is playing NFL football on Sunday, you’re seeing the culmination of a grueling 18-week season and a chaotic Wild Card round. These aren't just games; they are legacies in the making.
For the Texans, a win makes them the "Team of the Future" right now. For the Chiefs, a win moves them one step closer to a dynasty that rivals the Brady-era Patriots. For the 49ers, it’s about finally getting over the hump after years of being "almost" champions. And for the Eagles, it’s about proving that the late-season collapses of the past are dead and buried.
Expect the home teams to be favored, but don't sleep on the road dogs. The Divisional Round is historically where favorites go to die when they overlook a battle-tested opponent.
Your Sunday Checklist:
- Verify your streaming logins by 2:30 PM ET.
- Monitor the Kansas City wind speeds; it drastically affects the over/under.
- Watch the first two drives of the Eagles-49ers game to see if Philadelphia can establish Saquon Barkley early; if they can't, they are in trouble.
- Prepare for a long day. These games often run over the three-hour mark due to the high stakes and increased commercial breaks.
The path to the Super Bowl runs through these four teams on Sunday. Grab your jersey, settle in, and enjoy the highest level of football on the planet.