If you're looking for NFL games today, you probably already know we're in the thick of the Divisional Round. It’s that sweet spot of the postseason where the pretenders are gone and the games actually start to live up to the hype. Yesterday gave us a heart-stopping overtime win by the Broncos over the Bills and a dominant Seattle performance against the Niners, but Sunday's slate feels different. It’s about the next generation of quarterbacks trying to stake their claim in January.
Honestly, looking at the schedule for Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’ve got two matchups that couldn’t be more different in terms of "vibe." You have the tactical, cold-weather grit of Foxborough in the afternoon, followed by a primetime showdown at Soldier Field that feels like a legitimate changing of the guard in the NFC.
The Afternoon Slate: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
First up at 3:00 PM ET, we have the Houston Texans visiting the New England Patriots. This one is airing on ESPN and ABC. It’s kinda wild to see the Patriots back in this position so quickly, but Drake Maye has basically revitalized that entire region.
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The Patriots finished the regular season at 14-3 and secured that #2 seed, while the Texans come in as the #5 seed after absolutely dismantling the Steelers in the Wild Card round (30-6). If you watched that Texans-Steelers game, you saw C.J. Stroud playing like a guy who doesn't believe in "sophomore slumps" or playoff pressure. He was surgical.
What to watch for in this one:
The weather at Gillette Stadium is always a factor this time of year. While it’s not a full-blown blizzard, it’s that damp, biting Massachusetts cold that makes the ball feel like a brick.
New England’s defense has been their calling card all year. They only allowed 3 points to the Chargers last week. Three. That’s insane for a playoff game. But Stroud has Nico Collins and a healthy Tank Dell back in the mix, and they’ve shown they can score on anybody. The real question is whether the Texans' offensive line can hold up against the Patriots' pass rush. If Maye can manage the game and not turn it over, the Patriots are favorites for a reason. But I’ve got a weird feeling about Houston; they’re playing with house money and they know it.
The Primetime Battle: LA Rams at Chicago Bears
Then, at 6:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, we get the main event. The Los Angeles Rams at the Chicago Bears.
This is the first time Soldier Field has hosted a Divisional Round game in 15 years. Let that sink in. The energy in Chicago right now is basically a powder keg. Caleb Williams has been as advertised, leading the Bears to a 31-27 win over the Packers last week to get here.
But don't overlook the Rams. Matthew Stafford is still a wizard, and Sean McVay somehow keeps finding ways to reinvent this offense. The Rams had to gut out a 34-31 win against the Panthers to get here, and they look like the team nobody wants to play right now.
Why the Bears-Rams Matchup is "The One"
Chicago's defense has turned into a nightmare for visiting quarterbacks. They fly to the ball. However, Stafford has seen every coverage known to man. It’s a classic "Young King vs. Old Guard" scenario.
- Venue: Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)
- Time: 6:30 PM ET
- How to Watch: NBC / Peacock / Telemundo
- The Weather: Typical Chicago January. It’s going to be cold, and the wind off the lake is no joke.
A lot of people think the Bears are too young for this moment. I don't buy it. Caleb Williams doesn't play like a rookie—well, technically a second-year guy now—but he has that "it" factor you can't coach. If the Bears' running attack, which Ben Johnson has been vocal about improving, can actually show up today, the Rams might be in trouble.
Making Sense of the Playoff Bracket
So, where do we stand? The winners of NFL games today move on to the Conference Championships next Sunday, January 25.
The Denver Broncos are already waiting in the AFC Championship after their 33-30 OT thriller against Buffalo. Bo Nix actually broke his ankle in that game—huge blow for Denver—so whoever wins between the Texans and Patriots might be looking at a backup QB in the next round.
Over in the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks are already through after their 41-6 blowout of the 49ers. They’ll host the winner of the Rams and Bears. If it’s Chicago, we’re getting a matchup of the two most physical teams in the conference.
What You Should Do Next
If you're planning on watching, make sure your streaming logins are actually working. Peacock is the exclusive home for the digital stream of the Bears/Rams game, and you don't want to be resetting your password while Caleb Williams is throwing a 50-yard bomb.
Also, keep an eye on the injury reports that dropped just an hour ago. The Texans are thin at wideout with Nico Collins being a gametime decision, and the Patriots' secondary is missing Kobee Minor. These small details are usually what decide games in January.
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Pro Tip: If you're betting or just playing fantasy, the "Under" on the Patriots game is looking tempting given the defensive stats of both teams recently. But for the Bears game? Expect fireworks. Stafford and Williams are going to let it fly.