If you’re refreshing your sports apps or flipping through channels looking for an nfl game on right now, you’re going to find a whole lot of nothing. It’s Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Honestly, it’s that weird, quiet pocket of the postseason. We just survived the chaos of Wild Card Weekend—which, by the way, ended with a massive 30-6 thumping of the Steelers by the Texans—and now we’re just... waiting.
The NFL doesn't play on Wednesdays. Not usually, anyway. Unless there’s a blizzard or a global catastrophe, mid-week is for practice reports, injury updates, and coaches like Mike Tomlin stepping down (which actually happened yesterday).
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You’ve got a few days to catch your breath. The Divisional Round doesn't kick off until Saturday, January 17.
The Current State of the 2026 NFL Playoffs
Right now, the league is in a "freeze" period. Rosters for the remaining teams are basically locked, and the surviving eight squads are grinding through film in Denver, Seattle, Chicago, and Foxborough.
It feels empty, doesn't it? After a three-day marathon of playoff football from January 10 to January 12, the sudden silence is jarring. But the bracket is finally set. If you're looking for the nfl game on right now, you’re actually looking for the preparation phase for the biggest weekend of the year so far.
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The big story isn't a game being played this second; it’s the fallout from Monday night. The Houston Texans didn’t just beat Pittsburgh; they ended an era. Mike Tomlin, the longest-tenured coach in the league, called it quits less than 24 hours after that loss.
That is the "game" happening behind the scenes today. The coaching carousel is spinning faster than a CJ Stroud spiral.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Week
A common misconception is that teams with byes, like the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, have an unfair advantage. Well, maybe they do. But history shows that "rest vs. rust" is a very real thing.
The Broncos finished 14-3. They’ve been sitting at home while the Buffalo Bills had to fight for their lives against the Jaguars. On Saturday, we'll see if that week off helped Sean Payton’s squad or if they come out flat.
The Upcoming Divisional Round Schedule
Since you can't watch a game today, you might as well mark your calendar for when the real action returns.
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- Saturday, January 17, 4:30 PM ET: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (CBS). This is the one everyone is talking about. Buffalo is actually a 1.5-point favorite in some circles, despite being the road team.
- Saturday, January 17, 8:00 PM ET: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (FOX). An NFC West grudge match. They split their regular-season games. This is the rubber match.
- Sunday, January 18, 3:00 PM ET: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (ESPN/ABC). Can the Texans keep this Cinderella run going against the 14-3 Patriots?
- Sunday, January 18, 6:30 PM ET: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (NBC). The nightcap at Soldier Field. It’s going to be freezing.
Why Today Matters for Your Fantasy or Betting Pix
Even without an nfl game on right now, today is the deadline for underclassmen to apply for "Special Eligibility" for the NFL Draft. While the pros are focused on the Lombardi, the scouts are looking at the next generation.
Also, keep an eye on the injury reports coming out of Seattle. The 49ers-Seahawks game is going to be a physical bloodbath. If the Seahawks' secondary isn't 100%, Brock Purdy is going to pick them apart.
Practical Steps for Your Wednesday
- Check the Weather: If you're planning on betting the "Under" for the Rams vs. Bears game, look at the Chicago forecast today. Early reports suggest heavy wind, which kills the deep passing game.
- Scout the Texans: Go back and watch the condensed replay of Texans vs. Steelers from Monday. Houston’s defensive line is playing at a level we haven't seen in years.
- Update Your Apps: Since the games are on multiple networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN), make sure your streaming logins for Paramount+ and Peacock are actually working before Saturday afternoon.
There isn't a live whistle blowing today, but the Divisional Round is the best weekend in all of sports. Use this downtime to settle your bets and get your snacks ready. Saturday is coming fast.