If you woke up today wondering why your group chat was blowing up or why the local sports bar was packed by noon, you aren't alone. Today, January 17, 2026, turned into one of those rare "perfect storm" days where the NFL playoffs, a massive slate of NBA games, and some truly bizarre European soccer results all hit at once.
Honestly, it’s been a lot to keep track of.
Between Josh Allen trying to survive the thin air in Denver and Kylian Mbappé dealing with a restless crowd in Madrid, the question of who was playing today isn't just a quick list—it’s a whole vibe. We saw legacies tested in the Divisional Round and some serious upsets across the pond that might actually change how the Premier League title race looks by May.
The NFL Divisional Round: Mile High Drama and NFC West Grudge Matches
The biggest draw for most fans today was undoubtedly the start of the NFL Divisional Playoffs. This is where the pretenders get sent home and the real contenders start smelling a Super Bowl.
First up, we had the Buffalo Bills visiting the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. This wasn't just a game; it was a battle of the No. 6 seed trying to dethrone the AFC’s No. 1. Denver, coming off that first-round bye, looked a little rusty early on, but the narrative quickly shifted to whether Buffalo's defense could hold up in the fourth quarter. It was high-stakes, loud, and exactly what playoff football is supposed to be.
Later in the evening, the lights got even brighter at Lumen Field. The San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks renewed their rivalry in a massive NFC West showdown. Seeing the No. 6 Niners travel to face the top-seeded Seahawks is the kind of matchup that keeps Vegas oddsmakers up at night. There’s no love lost here, and the atmosphere in Seattle was, predictably, deafening.
NBA Saturday: A Coast-to-Coast Marathon
While football dominated the conversation, the NBA didn't exactly take a back seat. There were nine games on the schedule, spanning from early afternoon tips to late-night West Coast battles.
One of the most talked-about matchups featured the Phoenix Suns at the New York Knicks. Playing at Madison Square Garden always adds a layer of pressure, and today was no different. Both teams are fighting for playoff positioning, and with Jalen Brunson and Devin Booker both dealing with ankle issues, the depth of these rosters was on full display.
Over in Atlanta, the Boston Celtics faced the Hawks. Boston has been a juggernaut, but playing without Jayson Tatum (recovering from that Achilles repair) has forced Jaylen Brown to carry a massive load. It’s been fascinating to see how they adapt.
Other notable games included:
- Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat: A clash of styles in South Beach.
- Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: Always a fun watch with the young talent on both sides.
- Golden State Warriors vs. Charlotte Hornets: Steph Curry at the Chase Center is still a ticket people will pay anything for.
- L.A. Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers: The late-night special for the "League Pass" junkies.
Chaos in the Premier League and La Liga
If you’re a soccer fan, today was... weird. There’s no other way to put it.
In the Premier League, the Manchester Derby usually takes the headlines, but today it was about the struggle. Manchester United and Manchester City kicked things off early. But the real shockers happened later. Liverpool somehow managed to draw with 19th-placed Burnley despite taking a staggering 32 shots. You read that right. Thirty-two. It was one of those games where the ball just refused to go in.
Meanwhile, at Stamford Bridge, Liam Rosenior got his first win as the Chelsea manager. Goals from João Pedro and Cole Palmer secured a 2-0 win over Brentford, giving the Blues a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Over in Spain, Real Madrid beat Levante 2-0, but it wasn't a celebration. The fans at the Bernabéu actually jeered the team before Kylian Mbappé finally found the back of the net. It’s a reminder that even when you’re winning, the expectations in Madrid are basically impossible to meet.
Hockey, Hoops, and More
We can't forget the ice. The NHL had a packed Saturday, highlighted by the Minnesota Wild at the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Rangers visiting the Flyers. If you like old-school rivalries, Rangers-Flyers delivered exactly what you’d expect—lots of hits and a very angry crowd in Philly.
In the college ranks, it was a massive day for "Saturday Hoops." We saw Kentucky at Tennessee and UConn at Georgetown. These games are starting to carry huge weight for March Madness seeding, and the intensity in those arenas is starting to mirror the pros.
Why Today Felt Different
Usually, one sport takes the "lead" on a Saturday. But because of where we are in the calendar—the heart of the NFL playoffs, the midway point of the NBA and NHL seasons, and the post-holiday grind of European soccer—today felt like a massive collision of fandoms.
Basically, if you have a favorite sport, who was playing today likely included your favorite team. It’s the kind of day that makes you glad you have a multi-screen setup or a very understanding family.
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What to Watch for Next
The dust hasn't quite settled, but the implications are already clear. The winners of today's NFL games are now just one step away from the Super Bowl. In the NBA, the injury reports for teams like the Suns and Celtics are going to be the most refreshed pages on the internet tomorrow.
If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the waiver wires in your fantasy leagues—today’s breakout performances from bench players in the NBA (like those filling in for Brunson or Tatum) are usually a sign of things to change. Also, check the Monday morning headlines for the fallout in Madrid; those whistles at the Bernabéu usually lead to some interesting locker room drama.
Make sure to clear your schedule for tomorrow, too. The Divisional Round continues with the Texans taking on the Patriots and the Rams heading to Chicago. The sports weekend is only halfway over.