If you’re wondering who plays tonight’s NFL game, you’re in for a massive Sunday. We are officially in the heart of the Divisional Round. The bracket has thinned out, the stakes are astronomical, and by the time the sun goes down today, January 18, 2026, we’ll know exactly who is headed to the Conference Championships.
The Sunday Lineup: Who Plays Tonight’s NFL Game?
The NFL saved some of the best for last this weekend. We have two heavy-hitting matchups that essentially bridge the gap between the "new guard" of the AFC and a classic NFC showdown under the lights.
Afternoon Window: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
First up at 3:00 PM ET, we have a fascinating clash in Foxborough. The Houston Texans, led by C.J. Stroud, are traveling to Gillette Stadium to take on Drake Maye and the New England Patriots.
This isn't your older brother's Patriots team. It’s a battle of two of the league's most efficient young quarterbacks. Houston is currently on a tear, coming off a dominant Wild Card win over the Steelers. Meanwhile, the Patriots have been a defensive juggernaut all season, ranking in the top five for points allowed.
The winner of this game actually has a very interesting path ahead. With Denver’s Bo Nix sidelined due to an injury sustained in their Saturday win over the Bills, the winner of Texans-Patriots will face a Broncos team led by backup Jarrett Stidham in the AFC Championship. The door to the Super Bowl is wide open.
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Primetime Window: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
The main event—the actual "tonight" game—is the Los Angeles Rams at the Chicago Bears. Kickoff is set for 6:30 PM ET at Soldier Field.
Honestly, this is the one everyone has circled. It’s a matchup of two offensive masterminds: Sean McVay and the Bears’ Ben Johnson. Both teams finished the regular season in the top ten for scoring, and they both love to hunt for the big play.
TV and Streaming Details:
- Texans vs. Patriots: 3:00 PM ET on ESPN and ABC. You can also stream it on ESPN+ or NFL+.
- Rams vs. Bears: 6:30 PM ET on NBC. Streaming is available on Peacock and the NBC Sports app.
Why the Rams and Bears is the Game of the Year (So Far)
There’s a lot of history here, even if it feels fresh. This is actually the first time these two franchises have met in the postseason since the legendary 1985 NFC Championship. Back then, Mike Ditka’s Bears shut out the Rams 24-0.
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Don't expect a shutout tonight.
The Rams are coming in with a 13-5 record and the league's #1 ranked scoring offense. Matthew Stafford is still slinging it like he’s 25, and their ability to generate big plays (over 20 yards) is nearly unmatched. They lead the league in total yardage per game.
On the other side, the Bears (12-6) are a different animal at Soldier Field. Caleb Williams has looked every bit the franchise savior, especially after that gritty 31-27 win over the Packers last week. The chemistry between Williams and DJ Moore is basically telepathic at this point. Speaking of Moore, he was on the injury report with a knee issue earlier this week, but he practiced in full on Friday and is cleared to play. That is a massive sigh of relief for Chicago fans.
Key Players and Matchups to Watch
If you're watching the Texans-Patriots game, keep your eyes on the Houston secondary. They led the league in takeaways this year. Drake Maye has been careful with the ball, but the Texans' pass rush—led by Will Anderson Jr.—has a way of forcing "hero ball" throws that turn into interceptions.
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In the late game, it's all about the Chicago offensive line against the Rams' front. The Rams move their defensive looks around constantly. If Caleb Williams gets time to breathe, he can pick apart the L.A. secondary. But if McVay’s defense gets home early, it could be a long night for the rookie.
Real-Time Weather Impact
The forecast at Soldier Field for the Rams vs. Bears game is looking... well, like Chicago in January. We’re expecting temperatures in the low 20s. Sean McVay told reporters earlier this week that the "weather doesn't concern" him and that they "always adjust," but going from sunny SoCal to a frozen Soldier Field is a tall order for any team.
How the Bracket Looks Now
While you're watching to see who plays tonight’s NFL game, don't forget what happened yesterday. The AFC and NFC landscapes shifted significantly on Saturday:
- Denver Broncos defeated the Buffalo Bills (but lost QB Bo Nix).
- Seattle Seahawks absolutely dismantled the San Francisco 49ers 41-6.
This means the Seahawks are already waiting for the winner of tonight's Rams/Bears game. If the Bears win, they stay home for the NFC Championship. If the Rams win, they’re heading to Seattle.
Actionable Tips for Game Day
If you’re planning to watch, here’s how to make sure you don't miss a snap:
- Check your Peacock login now. If you're planning to stream the Rams/Bears game, don't wait until 6:25 PM to realize you forgot your password. NBC’s coverage starts at 6:00 PM with Football Night in America.
- Monitor the inactives. Inactives are usually released 90 minutes before kickoff. For the Texans/Patriots, check around 1:30 PM ET. For Rams/Bears, check around 5:00 PM ET. This is crucial if you have any last-minute fantasy or betting interests.
- Watch the early lines. The Rams opened as slight favorites despite being the road team, mostly due to their experience, but the money has been moving toward Chicago as game time approaches.
The Divisional Round is where legends are made. Whether it's Stroud trying to take Houston to their first-ever Conference Championship or Caleb Williams trying to lead a Chicago revival, today is going to be electric. Get your snacks ready; it's going to be a long, high-stakes night of football.