If you’re checking your phone or asking around about who played the nfl today, I’ve got some news that might be a little frustrating if you were hoping for a live game right this second. Today is Thursday, January 15, 2026. And honestly? There isn't a single NFL game on the schedule for today.
I know, I know. It’s the middle of January. You’d think the league would want a piece of that primetime Thursday night slot, especially with the hype surrounding the Divisional Round. But the NFL is keeping its powder dry for a massive weekend. We are currently in the eye of the storm. The Wild Card round just wrapped up on Monday with the Houston Texans absolutely dismantling the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6, and now the remaining eight teams are prepping for the biggest games of their lives.
Basically, today is all about the injury reports and the practice field. If you’re a 49ers fan, you’re probably staring at the news feed waiting to see if Fred Warner is actually going to be out for the Seattle game. Or maybe you're a Broncos fan wondering if being the #1 seed after a 14-3 season is enough to stop the Buffalo Bills' momentum.
The NFL Divisional Round: What’s Coming Next
Since nobody is taking the field today, let’s look at the absolute gauntlet that starts in about 48 hours. The schedule for the 2025-26 Divisional Round is set, and it's pretty much a dream scenario for TV networks and fans alike.
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On Saturday, January 17, the action kicks off with the Buffalo Bills visiting the Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET. Denver has been a juggernaut this year, boasting a top-five defense that only allows about 278 yards per game. But Josh Allen and the Bills just put up 27 points to knock out the Jaguars, and they’ve historically had Denver’s number, winning three of their last four matchups.
Later that night, we get the grudge match of the decade: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks at 8:00 p.m. ET. This isn't just a rivalry; it's a war. Seattle grabbed the #1 seed in the NFC, but the 49ers are coming off a gutsy win against the Eagles. The big story here? Injuries. San Francisco is already confirmed to be without safety Ji'Ayir Brown and linebacker Fred Warner. That is a massive hole in the middle of a defense that already struggles to generate a pass rush.
Sunday, January 18, keeps the pressure on with two more heavy-hitters:
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- Houston Texans at New England Patriots (3:00 p.m. ET): Drake Maye is officially the real deal, lifting the Pats over the Chargers in his playoff debut. But can they stop C.J. Stroud after he just carved up Pittsburgh?
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (6:30 p.m. ET): This is a battle of the #2 and #5 seeds. The Rams barely escaped Carolina with a 34-31 win, while the Bears handled the Packers at Soldier Field.
Why There Are No Games on Thursday
You might be wondering why "Thursday Night Football" isn't a thing during the playoffs. It’s a fair question. During the regular season, we're conditioned to expect a game to start our weekend early. But once the postseason hits, the NFL shifts its strategy to maximize rest and viewership.
Providing a team only four days of rest before a Divisional playoff game would be a competitive disaster. Imagine the outcry if the Texans had to play today after playing on Monday night. It just wouldn't work. The league prioritizes the quality of the product—and the health of the players—over the extra night of advertising revenue.
Plus, the Divisional Round is widely considered the best weekend of football in the entire year. By sticking to Saturday and Sunday, the NFL ensures that every single game is a "national" event with no overlapping times.
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What to Watch While You Wait
Just because there wasn't anyone who played the nfl today doesn't mean there isn't sports to watch. If you're looking for a fix, the NBA and NHL are filling the gap tonight.
In the NBA, the Phoenix Suns just fell to the Detroit Pistons 108-105. It was a wild one where Grayson Allen went off for 33 points, but the Pistons somehow rallied back from a 16-point deficit. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are taking on the San Antonio Spurs, which means we get another look at the Wembanyama era.
If you're more into hockey, the Dallas Stars are facing off against the Utah Mammoth. It's a big night for the league's newest market, and the atmosphere in Salt Lake City has been electric all season.
Actionable Steps for the Playoff Weekend
Since the games don't start until Saturday, you've got a little time to prepare. Don't get caught scrambling when the Bills and Broncos kick off.
- Check the Final Injury Reports: These usually drop on Friday afternoon. Pay close attention to the Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold, who is currently dealing with an oblique injury. If he can't go, that Seattle-San Francisco game changes completely.
- Verify Your Streaming Access: Most of this weekend's games are split between CBS (Paramount+), FOX, and NBC (Peacock). The Texans/Patriots game is an ESPN/ABC joint, so make sure your login credentials haven't expired.
- Track the Weather in Denver and Chicago: We're looking at potential "frozen tundra" conditions. High-scoring offenses like the Rams often struggle when the temperature drops below 20 degrees in Chicago. It might be time to look at the "under" if the wind picks up.
- Set Your Fantasy Playoff Lineups: If you’re in a playoff challenge league, Saturday morning is your last chance to swap out players from the Bills or Broncos.
The wait is almost over. While nobody played the nfl today, the four-game stretch starting Saturday is arguably the most important sequence of the entire 2025-26 season. Get your snacks ready, double-check your TV subscription, and enjoy the calm before the storm.