You know that feeling when you wake up on a playoff Sunday and the air just feels different? That’s today. Honestly, the Divisional Round is usually the best weekend of the entire year for football fans. Better than the Super Bowl, some might say. Today, January 18, 2026, we’ve got a double-header that basically determines who moves one step closer to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara.
If you’re trying to keep track of who played in the nfl games today, you’re looking at two massive matchups that bridge the gap between young superstars and the old guard. We’ve got the Houston Texans traveling to Foxborough to face the New England Patriots, and then a late-night showdown at Soldier Field between the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears.
It's a lot to process.
The Afternoon Battle: Texans vs. Patriots
First up at 3:00 PM ET, we had the Houston Texans taking on the New England Patriots. This game is sort of a "dream matchup" for anyone who loves high-level quarterback play.
C.J. Stroud has been on an absolute tear. He basically dismantled the Steelers in the Wild Card round last week, winning 30-6. But going into Gillette Stadium in January? That’s a whole different beast. The Patriots, led by Drake Maye, earned themselves a first-round bye (though some sources remind us they actually played and beat the Chargers in the Wild Card, let's look at the official seedings: they are the 2-seed). Actually, looking at the bracket, New England is the 2-seed and they've been waiting for this.
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The Patriots finished the regular season at 14-3. They’re tough. Drake Maye threw for over 4,300 yards this year, which is kinda insane for a guy in his second season. He’s got Stefon Diggs out there—yeah, remember when he moved to New England?—and they’ve developed this chemistry that is just frustrating for opposing secondaries.
What happened on the field?
The Texans came in with Nico Collins looking like a human highlight reel. He had over 1,100 yards this season. But the Patriots' defense, spearheaded by Harold Landry III, is designed to take away your best option.
- The Matchup: Houston’s explosive offense vs. New England’s disciplined "bend-but-don't-break" scheme.
- The Location: A cold, crisp afternoon at Gillette Stadium.
- The Stakes: A trip to Denver to face the Broncos in the AFC Championship.
It wasn't just about the quarterbacks, though. TreVeyon Henderson has been a touchdown machine for the Pats, racking up 9 rushing scores this year. If Houston couldn't stop the run, Stroud was never going to get the ball back.
Primetime at Soldier Field: Rams vs. Bears
Once the sun goes down, the focus shifts to Chicago. At 6:30 PM ET, the Los Angeles Rams face off against the Chicago Bears. This is the one everyone’s talking about because of the Caleb Williams factor.
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The Bears are the 2-seed in the NFC, but don't let the "home game" status fool you into thinking it's an easy win. The Rams are the 5-seed and they are coming off a gritty 34-31 win against the Panthers. Matthew Stafford is still under center for LA, and he’s playing like he’s 25 again. Having Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp (if healthy) makes that offense almost impossible to scheme against.
The Caleb Williams Era
Chicago has been waiting for a quarterback like Caleb Williams since... well, forever. He led the Bears to an 11-6 record and a Wild Card win over the Packers (31-27). But the Rams' defense is sneaky. They allow a lot of yards, but they rank well in red-zone efficiency.
The weather at Soldier Field is always a factor. You’ve got the wind coming off the lake, and for a team like the Rams that plays in a dome, that’s a big adjustment. Sean McVay says they aren't worried, but we've seen "warm weather" teams struggle in the Chicago "Bear Weather" before.
Why Today Matters So Much
When you look at who played in the nfl games today, you’re seeing the future of the league. We’ve moved past the Brady-Rodgers era. Now it’s Stroud, Maye, and Williams.
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The winner of the Rams-Bears game has a date with the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday. The Seahawks looked terrifying yesterday, absolutely crushing the 49ers 41-6. Kenneth Walker III tied a franchise record with three touchdowns in that game. Whoever wins tonight has to go into the "Loudest Stadium in the NFL" to face a team that seems to be peaking at the exact right moment.
A Quick Look at Yesterday's Results
In case you missed the Saturday action:
- Denver Broncos 33, Buffalo Bills 30 (OT): A total heartbreaker for Josh Allen. The Broncos move on to host the AFC Championship.
- Seattle Seahawks 41, San Francisco 49ers 6: A complete blowout. The 49ers just didn't have the health to keep up with Sam Darnold and Kenneth Walker.
What to Watch for Tonight
If you're settling in for the late game, watch the line of scrimmage. The Bears’ offensive line has been a bit shaky, and the Rams like to bring pressure from everywhere. If Caleb Williams gets flustered early, it could be a long night for the Windy City.
Also, keep an eye on the injuries. The Bears are missing some key defensive pieces like T.J. Edwards (broken fibula) and Kyler Gordon. That opens up a huge opportunity for Stafford to exploit the middle of the field.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Live Scores: Since these games are happening right now, hop over to the NFL app or ESPN to get the real-time drive summaries.
- Prepare for the Championship Round: Start looking at travel if you're a Seahawks or Broncos fan—those home games are locked in for next Sunday, January 25.
- Fantasy/Betting: If you’re playing daily fantasy, look at the "Over" for the Rams-Bears game; historically, the Rams have hit the over in 8 of their last 10 road games.
The road to Super Bowl LX is narrowing. By the time the clock hits zero tonight, only four teams will be left standing.