So, you’re looking for the NFL games on FOX today. You’ve probably got the wings ready, the couch is calling your name, and you’re expecting a full Sunday slate like it’s mid-October.
But here’s the thing. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026.
We aren't in the regular season anymore. This is the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
Usually, FOX is the "King of Sundays." We’re used to that double-header energy where Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady are in our ears for seven straight hours. However, the playoff rotation is a different beast entirely. If you flip on FOX this afternoon expecting a live kickoff at 1:00 PM ET, you’re going to find yourself watching the pregame crew—Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, and the guys—talking about yesterday's action or previewing next week.
Why There Aren't Any Live NFL Games on FOX Today
Honestly, it feels weird. You’d think the network that owns the NFC package would have the big Sunday NFC game.
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Not today.
Yesterday, Saturday, January 17, was the big FOX day for this round. We saw the San Francisco 49ers travel to Seattle to take on the top-seeded Seahawks. That was the primetime 8:00 PM ET slot. Since FOX aired that massive NFC West rivalry game last night, they don't have a live game broadcast on the schedule for today, January 18.
Instead, the broadcasting rights for today's Divisional matchups belong to ESPN/ABC and NBC.
The Real Schedule for Sunday, January 18, 2026
If you’re hunting for live football right now, here is where you actually need to point your remote:
- 3:00 PM ET: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (Airing on ESPN/ABC)
- 6:30 PM ET: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (Airing on NBC/Peacock)
Basically, FOX is sitting this one out while the AFC takes the early slot on ESPN and the other NFC matchup moves over to NBC for the nightcap.
What’s Actually on FOX Today?
Just because there isn’t a live kickoff doesn't mean the lights are off at the studio. FOX still has its fingerprints all over the postseason coverage.
You’ve still got FOX NFL Sunday starting at 12:00 PM ET.
It’s kind of the gold standard for pregame shows. You get the usual chemistry between Howie Long and Michael Strahan, plus whatever chaos Terry Bradshaw decides to unleash. Today’s episode is mostly going to be a post-mortem of the Seahawks' win over the Niners from last night. They'll also be looking ahead to the NFC Championship Game, which—spoilers—will be on FOX next Sunday, January 25.
How to Watch FOX Programming Without Cable
If you’re a cord-cutter trying to find the studio show or preparing for next week's NFC title game, you have a few ways to get in.
- FOX One: This is the relatively new streaming service (launched back in late '25) that basically bundles everything FOX owns. It’s about $19.99 a month.
- The FOX Sports App: You can stream if you have a login from a provider like Xfinity or DirecTV.
- Fubo or YouTube TV: These are still the most reliable "cable replacements." They carry your local FOX affiliate, which is crucial because NFL games are still subject to local blackout rules if you aren't using the right service.
The Tom Brady Factor
People are still getting used to Tom Brady in the booth. Yesterday, he called the 49ers-Seahawks game alongside Burkhardt. Love him or hate him, the guy knows the "why" behind every play.
Since there are no NFL games on FOX today, we won't see Brady on the mic.
He’ll be back next week for the NFC Championship. It's his second full season in the No. 1 booth, and the rhythm between him and Burkhardt has definitely smoothed out compared to his debut year. They’ve become the "big game" voice for the network, especially now that Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are firmly entrenched over at ESPN.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Super Bowl 60
The winner of tonight's Rams vs. Bears game on NBC will head to Seattle next week. That game will be the one you're looking for on FOX.
It’s all leading to Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara.
The playoffs are a moving target. Networks trade games like Pokemon cards once January hits. If you missed the Seahawks game last night, you missed a classic, but don't waste your Sunday afternoon staring at a "Programming Will Resume" screen on your local FOX station.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Don't get left behind just because your favorite network is on a break today.
- Switch to ABC/ESPN right now if you want to see if the Texans can upset the Patriots in Foxborough.
- Download the FOX Sports App today and sign in so you aren't scrambling for your password five minutes before the NFC Championship kicks off next Sunday.
- Check your local listings for "FOX NFL Sunday" at noon to see the best highlights from yesterday’s 49ers-Seahawks clash.
- Clear your schedule for January 25. That is the next time you'll find a live NFL game on FOX, and it's the biggest one of the year for the network.
Enjoy the games on the other channels today. The road to the Super Bowl is narrow, and even if FOX is quiet this Sunday, the drama in Chicago and New England is going to be plenty loud.