If you’re sitting on the couch right now with a remote in one hand and a snack in the other, you’re probably asking the same question millions of others are: who's playing at 1:00 today? Sunday, January 18, 2026, is a bit of a weird one. Usually, 1:00 PM is the "Golden Hour" for NFL fans, the time when a dozen games kick off simultaneously and RedZone becomes the most important channel in your household. But today? Today is Divisional Round weekend.
Things work differently in the postseason.
Because the NFL spaces out its playoff games to maximize TV ratings, the typical 1:00 PM ET slot for pro football is actually empty. If you’re looking for the Houston Texans at New England Patriots game, you’ve gotta wait until 3:00 PM ET. But don’t go outside and touch grass just yet. There is plenty of high-stakes action happening right now across the NHL, NBA, and college ranks.
The Biggest Game at 1:00 PM: Lightning vs. Stars
If you want the highest level of professional competition right at the 1:00 PM ET mark, look toward the ice. The Tampa Bay Lightning are taking on the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center.
This isn't just a random mid-season filler. These two teams have a history that's been simmering since their 2020 Stanley Cup Finals clash. Dallas has been a fortress at home this season, but Tampa Bay remains one of those "zombie teams" that you can never quite kill off.
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- Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX.
- The Vibe: It’s "Kids Day" in Dallas, so expect a loud, high-energy crowd.
- Star Power: Keep an eye on Nikita Kucherov. The guy plays hockey like he's seeing the game three seconds before everyone else. On the other side, Jason Robertson is basically a human cheat code for the Stars.
Honestly, it’s one of those matchups where the goaltending usually decides the fate. Vasilevskiy vs. Oettinger? That’s about as good as it gets in January. If you're a hockey fan, this is the definitive answer to who's playing at 1:00 today.
NBA in London: Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies
If you’re a basketball fan wondering who's playing at 1:00 today, you actually have an international treat. Because of the time difference, the NBA Global Games are featuring the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies over in London.
The game tipped off at Noon ET, so by 1:00 PM, you’re hitting the meat of the second quarter or the start of the third. It’s a fascinating matchup of young rosters. You’ve got Paolo Banchero trying to bully his way to the rim while Ja Morant (if he's healthy and active, which is always the big "if") tries to defy gravity.
Watching NBA players compete on a floor in the UK always feels a bit surreal, but it’s the perfect bridge to get you to the NFL kickoff later this afternoon.
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College Hoops: The Sunday Matinee
College basketball is where the 1:00 PM slot really shines today. If you aren't into pro sports, the NCAA has filled the void with some heavy hitters.
Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State is the big one on FOX. It’s classic Big 12 basketball—gritty, defensive, and probably going to involve a lot of floor burns. In the ACC, you’ve got Louisville vs. NC State on ESPN2.
There's something about a Sunday afternoon college game that just feels right. The stakes are starting to ramp up as we move deeper into conference play, and teams are starting to look at those "Bracketology" boards with a bit of sweat on their brows.
Why the 1:00 PM Slot Matters
You might think 1:00 PM is just "pre-game time" for the NFL, but for bettors and hardcore fans, this is the window where you find the most value. While the world waits for the Patriots and Texans to take the field in Foxborough, these other games are providing the real drama.
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Basically, you have three distinct choices right now:
- NHL: High-speed, physical hockey in Dallas.
- NBA: The second half of a global showcase in London.
- NCAA: Brutal conference rivalries that will affect March Madness seeding.
Looking Ahead to the 3:00 PM NFL Kickoff
Once you've finished watching who's playing at 1:00 today, the main event finally arrives. The NFL Divisional Round kicks off with the Houston Texans traveling to New England.
Most experts are calling this a "clash of eras." You have the veteran-laden Patriots defense trying to solve the puzzle of a young, explosive Texans offense. The weather in Foxborough is expected to be crisp—classic playoff football weather.
If you're hosting a watch party, the 1:00 PM window is your time to get the wings in the oven and the drinks on ice. Don't let the lack of an early NFL game fool you into thinking nothing is happening. Between the Stars/Lightning game and the college hoops slate, there’s more than enough to keep your heart rate up.
Actionable Steps for the Afternoon
- Check your local listings: The Stars vs. Lightning game is on NHL Network, but local blackouts might apply if you're in the Dallas or Tampa markets.
- Sync your fantasy lineups: If you're playing DFS for the NFL playoff slate, make sure your rosters are locked before the 3:00 PM kickoff.
- Hydrate: It’s a long day of sports. Pace yourself.
Whether you're rooting for a buzzer-beater in college hoops or a power-play goal in the NHL, the 1:00 PM hour is the perfect appetizer for a massive day of sports. Enjoy the games.