Honestly, it’s one of those Sundays where the couch is the only place to be. If you’re trying to figure out who's playing football games today, you’ve basically hit the jackpot. We are deep into the NFL Divisional Round, and across the pond, the European leagues are in full swing with some massive matchups in the Premier League and La Liga.
The stakes? Massive. We’re talking about a trip to the Conference Championships for the NFL teams and critical points for the European giants.
The NFL Divisional Round: Who’s Playing Football Games Today?
The NFL takes center stage this afternoon and evening. We have two heavy-hitting matchups that will decide who moves one step closer to Super Bowl LX.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
This one kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET and you can catch it on ABC, ESPN, or stream it on NFL+. It’s a battle of the young guns. C.J. Stroud is taking that high-powered Texans offense into Foxborough to face Drake Maye and the Patriots.
New England’s defense has been a brick wall lately, but Stroud has shown he can carve up just about anyone when he’s in a rhythm. The Patriots have that home-field advantage at Gillette Stadium, and if the Massachusetts weather stays true to form, it’s going to be a gritty, cold-weather battle.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
The nightcap is a beauty. It starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. This is the game everyone is talking about because of the quarterback storyline. You’ve got the veteran Matthew Stafford leading a resilient Rams team into Soldier Field to face the #2 seed Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams.
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The atmosphere in Chicago is going to be electric. The Bears have been a revelation this season, and their defense under Matt Eberflus has become a nightmare for visiting teams. But never count out Stafford in a playoff environment—the guy just finds ways to win when the lights are brightest.
European Soccer: The Morning and Midday Slate
If you’re an early riser, the "other" football has plenty to offer. The European schedule today is packed with some of the biggest names in the sport.
English Premier League
There are two big ones in England today. First up, Wolverhampton Wanderers host Newcastle United (9:00 a.m. ET on USA Network). Both teams are fighting for European spots next year, so expect a high-intensity match.
Then, at 11:30 a.m. ET, it’s Aston Villa vs. Everton. Villa has been a force at home under Unai Emery, while Everton is perpetually fighting for their lives in the middle of the table.
Spanish La Liga
Over in Spain, the big headline is Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona at 3:00 p.m. ET. Barcelona has been playing some of the most beautiful football in the world lately, but a trip to San Sebastián is never easy.
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Other La Liga matchups today include:
- Getafe vs. Valencia (8:00 a.m. ET)
- Atletico Madrid vs. Alaves (10:15 a.m. ET)
- Celta Vigo vs. Rayo Vallecano (12:30 p.m. ET)
Italian Serie A and German Bundesliga
Italy gives us four games today, highlighted by AC Milan vs. Lecce at 2:45 p.m. ET. Earlier in the day, you can catch Roma taking on Torino at 12:00 p.m. ET.
In Germany, the Bundesliga has two fixtures:
- VfB Stuttgart vs. Union Berlin (9:30 a.m. ET)
- FC Augsburg vs. Freiburg (11:30 a.m. ET)
What About College Football?
If you were looking for college ball today, you’re going to have to wait just a tiny bit longer. There are no games today, Sunday, January 18. However, the wait isn’t long.
The College Football Playoff National Championship is happening tomorrow, Monday, January 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET. It’ll be the Indiana Hoosiers taking on the Miami Hurricanes in a massive showdown at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. If you're in the Miami area today, the "Playoff Fan Central" at the Miami Beach Convention Center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and it’s free, which is a pretty cool way to spend the day before the big game.
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Key Viewing Tips for Today
When you're keeping track of who's playing football games today, the biggest hurdle is usually finding which app or channel has the game.
- NBC/Peacock is the move for the night game. If you don't have cable, a Peacock subscription is the easiest way to see the Rams and Bears.
- ESPN+ is a lifesaver for soccer. Most of the La Liga and Bundesliga matches are tucked away there.
- Check the weather for Chicago. Soldier Field in January is a wild card. If the wind picks up, the passing games for both Caleb Williams and Matthew Stafford might get grounded, turning it into a "three yards and a cloud of dust" kind of night.
Actionable Insights for Your Sunday
To make the most of today's schedule, here's how you should prioritize your viewing. Start with the Premier League in the morning to get your fix of high-speed soccer. By the time those wrap up, you'll have a small window to grab food before the Texans and Patriots kick off at 3:00 p.m.
Once that game hits halftime, flip over to see how Barcelona is handling the pressure in Spain. Finally, clear the schedule for 6:30 p.m. for the Rams and Bears. That NFC matchup has all the makings of an instant classic, especially with the way Caleb Williams has been handling the playoff pressure so far.
If you're betting or playing fantasy, keep a close eye on the injury reports for the Texans' receiving corps. Stroud is a magician, but if he's missing his top targets against a Belichick-schooled New England defense, it could be a long afternoon for Houston.
Plan your snacks, charge your devices, and enjoy one of the best sports days of the year.