Look, we've all been there. It's Sunday morning, the coffee is brewing, and you're frantically scrolling through a cluttered TV guide trying to figure out which remote to grab. Today isn't just any Sunday, though. It’s Divisional Round Sunday, January 18, 2026. This is where the pretenders get sent packing and the real Super Bowl contenders start to separate themselves from the pack.
If you came here asking nfl games today what channel, you're probably looking for the short answer so you can go back to prepping the wings. Here is the deal: we have two massive playoff games today. One in the AFC and one in the NFC. They aren't on the same network, so don't get too comfortable with one channel.
The Afternoon Battle: Texans at Patriots
First up, we’ve got a clash of the titans in Foxborough. The Houston Texans are traveling to face the New England Patriots. This one kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET.
TV Channel: ESPN and ABC.
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Honestly, it’s kinda nice when they simulcast on both. If you have a basic antenna, you can catch it on ABC. If you're a cable subscriber or a cord-cutter with a live TV bundle, ESPN has you covered. For the streamers out there, ESPN+ is going to be your best friend for this window.
The Texans are coming off a dominant Wild Card win where they basically dismantled the Steelers. Now they have to face a Patriots team that has been oddly quiet but incredibly efficient under their veteran leadership this season. Gillette Stadium in January is never an easy place to play. Expect some wind, maybe some "Patriot Way" magic, and a whole lot of CJ Stroud trying to prove he’s the new king of the AFC.
Prime Time in the Windy City: Rams at Bears
Once the afternoon dust settles, we shift our focus to the frozen tundra of Soldier Field. The Los Angeles Rams are taking on the Chicago Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET.
TV Channel: NBC.
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This is the big one. The "Sunday Night Football" crew is handling the broadcast, which means you'll get the full cinematic experience. If you’ve ditched cable entirely, you can stream this live on Peacock.
The storyline here is basically a scriptwriter's dream. Caleb Williams is leading a Bears team that finally looks like a legitimate powerhouse, but they're facing a Rams squad that just won't go away. Matthew Stafford is still slinging it, and Puka Nacua has been a human highlight reel all year. The weather in Chicago is expected to be brutal—think single digits with the wind chill—which usually favors the home team, but Stafford grew up in the cold of Detroit, so don't count him out.
Why the Channel Matters More This Year
You might be wondering why it's so confusing to find nfl games today what channel lately. It's because the NFL has sliced up the pie into more pieces than ever. Gone are the days when everything was just on CBS or FOX. Between the ESPN/ABC simulcasts and the exclusive streaming pushes on Peacock and Prime Video (which we saw during the Wild Card round), you really have to be intentional about where you're looking.
- ABC/ESPN: Usually handles the first Sunday Divisional game.
- NBC: Almost always owns the prime-time Sunday slot.
- Spanish Language: If you’re looking for the Spanish broadcast, check ESPN Deportes for the first game and Telemundo or Universo for the nightcap.
Quick Strategy for Streamers
If you don't have a traditional cable box, don't panic. You aren't totally locked out. Most "Live TV" streaming services like YouTube TV, FuboTV, or Hulu + Live TV carry all these channels. If you’re trying to go the "app-only" route, you’ll need a combination of ESPN+ and Peacock to see both of today’s games.
Just a heads up: make sure your apps are updated before kickoff. There is nothing worse than clicking "Join Live" and seeing a spinning "Updating..." wheel while your phone starts blowing up with score alerts.
What to Watch For Today
Keep an eye on the injury reports for the Bears. DJ Moore and Rome Odunze have both been dealing with nagging issues, and in a game that’s likely to be a defensive struggle in the cold, Caleb Williams needs all the weapons he can get. On the AFC side, see how the Patriots handle the Texans' pass rush. If Stroud gets time to sit in the pocket, he will pick apart even the best secondary.
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Basically, today is about survival. The winners move on to the Conference Championships next Sunday, January 25, and the losers start booking tee times in Florida.
Next Steps for Your Game Day:
- Verify your local ABC and NBC affiliate signals if using an antenna.
- Log into your Peacock and ESPN+ accounts now to ensure your subscriptions are active.
- Set your DVR for the 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff if you’re going to be late getting home from Sunday errands.
- Check the "Inactives" list 90 minutes before the Texans-Patriots kickoff to see which star players are officially a "go."