Look, if you’re staring at your TV right now wondering what's the next nfl game to hit your screen, you’ve probably already seen the Denver Broncos pull off an absolute heart-stopper against the Buffalo Bills. That 33-30 overtime thriller basically set the bar for the Divisional Round way too high. But don't put the remote down just yet. We’ve still got plenty of football left this weekend, and honestly, the matchups only get more intense from here.
The NFL schedule for the 2026 playoffs is in full swing. If you are catching this on Saturday night, January 17, the very next game is an NFC West rivalry that usually ends in someone losing a tooth. We’re talking about the San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks, kicking off at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
It’s the nightcap of a Saturday doubleheader.
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The Seahawks are the No. 1 seed for a reason, but the Niners just demolished the Eagles in the Wild Card round, so they aren't exactly coming in quiet. It’s one of those "throw the records out the window" type of games.
What's coming up after tonight?
If you're planning your Sunday around the couch, you've got two more games to look forward to. The league split the Divisional Round into two days, which is great for our blood pressure but terrible for getting anything else done.
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots – Sunday, Jan 18 at 3:00 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC).
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears – Sunday, Jan 18 at 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock).
What's the Next NFL Game: Breaking Down the Matchups
When people ask what's the next nfl game, they usually aren't just looking for a time—they want to know if it’s actually worth watching. Well, the 49ers and Seahawks at Lumen Field is basically as good as it gets. Seattle had the bye week to rest up, while San Francisco had to travel. But historically, Kyle Shanahan finds ways to make Lumen Field feel a little less like a "12th Man" fortress and more like a neutral site.
The real story tonight is whether Brock Purdy can handle the noise. Seattle fans literally once registered on a seismograph during a playoff game. It's loud. Like, "can't hear your own thoughts" loud.
Sunday's AFC Showdown: Texans vs. Patriots
The early game tomorrow features C.J. Stroud taking the Texans into Foxborough. It’s a classic battle of the "new guard" versus the "old reliable" New England system. The Patriots handled the Chargers easily last week, winning 16-3, but the Texans are coming off a 30-6 blowout of the Steelers. Both defenses are playing out of their minds right now.
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The Nightcap: Rams vs. Bears
Chicago at night in January. Need I say more? It’s going to be freezing. The Bears are the No. 2 seed and they’ve been waiting for this. The Rams, meanwhile, survived a shootout against the Panthers (34-31) and are looking like the ultimate "nobody wants to play them" team. If the wind is whipping off Lake Michigan, expect a lot of running from the Bears' backfield.
Where to watch and how to stream
If you've cut the cord, you're probably scrambling for logins. Here is the quick rundown of where these games are living:
- FOX: Tonight's 49ers-Seahawks game. You can also stream it on the FOX Sports app or FOX One.
- ESPN/ABC: Texans at Patriots tomorrow afternoon. This one is also on ESPN+.
- NBC: Rams at Bears tomorrow night. If you have Peacock, you're golden.
Honestly, the TV rights are so scattered these days it's almost a sport in itself just finding the right channel. But for the Divisional Round, the big networks have the keys.
Why the Divisional Round feels different
Most experts, like the guys over at The Athletic or Pro Football Talk, will tell you the Divisional Round is actually better than the Super Bowl. Why? Because you have four games instead of one, and usually, the "fluke" teams from the Wild Card round have been filtered out.
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You're left with the best eight teams in the world.
The stakes are massive. Win this, and you're one game away from the Super Bowl in Santa Clara. Lose, and you're cleaning out your locker on Monday morning. There's no "next week" anymore.
Actionable steps for the weekend
To make the most of the remaining schedule, here is what you actually need to do:
- Check the weather for Chicago: If you're betting or playing DFS, that wind at Soldier Field is no joke. It completely changes how the Rams will have to pass the ball.
- Sync your apps: Make sure your Peacock and ESPN+ subs are active before kickoff. There is nothing worse than missing a first-quarter touchdown because you had to reset your password.
- Watch the injury reports: Keep a close eye on the Broncos' status after their win today. Bo Nix suffered an ankle injury late in that game against Buffalo, and if they’re moving on to the AFC Championship, his availability is the only thing that matters in Denver right now.
The path to Super Bowl LX is narrowing. After tonight, we'll only have six teams left. By tomorrow night, we'll be down to the Final Four. Enjoy the ride while it lasts.