Football fans, we’ve officially hit that sweet spot of the post-season. The Wild Card chaos is behind us, and the "real" season—the Divisional Round—is in full swing. If you’re asking who plays tomorrow night NFL, you’re likely looking at the Sunday slate for January 18, 2026.
Tomorrow is a massive day. Two games. Win or go home. No second chances.
We have the AFC up first in the afternoon, followed by a primetime NFC showdown that has "instant classic" written all over it. The survivors from this weekend will head straight to the Conference Championships next week. Let's break down exactly what your Sunday schedule looks like so you don't miss a single snap.
The Sunday Lineup: Times, Teams, and Channels
Tomorrow's schedule is split between the AFC and the NFC. You’re going to want to clear your afternoon and evening because these aren't just regular-season filler games; these are the heavyweights.
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Game 1: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- TV: ESPN / ABC
- Streaming: ESPN+ / Fubo
The day starts in the cold of Foxborough. The Patriots, the No. 2 seed, are hosting a Houston Texans team that just dismantled the Steelers 30-6. Most people didn't expect the Texans to be this dominant this late in the year, but here they are. C.J. Stroud has been playing like a veteran, and that Texans defense is suddenly terrifying.
Game 2: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- TV: NBC / Peacock
- Streaming: Peacock / NFL+
This is the big one for the primetime slot. If you're specifically wondering who plays tomorrow night NFL for the late game, it's the Rams and the Bears. This is a rematch of their Week 4 battle, but the stakes are infinitely higher. Chicago is the No. 2 seed and they’re coming off a nail-biter win against Green Bay. The Rams? They survived a 34-31 shootout against the Panthers. Soldier Field is going to be loud, cold, and absolutely electric.
Why the Rams vs. Bears Game is Tomorrow’s Must-Watch
Honestly, this matchup is fascinating because of the quarterback dynamic. You’ve got Matthew Stafford, the seasoned gunslinger who has seen it all, going up against Caleb Williams in a stadium that hasn't seen this kind of playoff buzz in years.
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Soldier Field in January is a character of its own. It's not just a field; it’s a frozen wind tunnel.
The Rams' offense has been high-flying, with Kyren Williams racking up yards and Tutu Atwell stepping up in big moments. But the Bears' defense at home is a different beast entirely. They are healthy—mostly. While defensive back Nick McCloud is out with a groin injury, the rest of the unit is primed.
Key Storylines to Watch:
- Stafford’s Experience vs. Williams’ Magic: Can the rookie handle the pressure of a Divisional Round primetime game? He looked solid against the Packers, but the Rams' pass rush is a different level of stress.
- The Weather Factor: It’s Chicago in January. The forecast suggests it’ll be typical "Bears weather." How will the Southern California Rams handle the transition from the sunshine to the lakefront chill?
- The Ground Game: Kyren Williams has been the engine for LA. If the Bears can't stop the run, Stafford is going to pick them apart with play-action all night long.
Viewing Tips and Streaming Info
If you’re planning to watch, remember that the night game is an NBC broadcast. That means if you’ve cut the cord, Peacock is your best friend. For the earlier Texans-Patriots game, you’ll need access to ESPN or ABC.
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For those on the go, the NFL+ app is a solid backup, though it’s usually restricted to phone or tablet viewing for live local and primetime games. If you're out of the country, the LiSTNR app (Australia) and W Radio (Mexico) are the go-to spots for international radio coverage.
How to Prepare for Tomorrow's Games
Don't be the person who misses kickoff because they were still at the grocery store. Here’s how to handle your Sunday:
- Finalize Your Setup: Ensure your streaming apps are updated. There is nothing worse than a "forced update" at 6:29 p.m.
- Check the Injury Reports: Keep an eye on the late-breaking news. While most rosters are set, a late scratch can swing the betting lines and your expectations.
- Sync Your Schedule: Remember the 3:00 p.m. ET start for the AFC game. If you're on the West Coast, that's a noon kickoff. Plan your brunch accordingly.
The road to Super Bowl LX is getting shorter. After tomorrow night, we’ll know exactly who is playing for the AFC and NFC titles next week. Get your snacks ready; it’s going to be a wild ride.