If you’re refreshing your phone every thirty seconds wondering what's the score for the football game tonight, you aren't alone. It is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the NFL Divisional Round is currently tearing through the bracket. We have two massive matchups on the docket today that basically decide who moves one step closer to Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium.
Honestly, the energy is electric. We’ve already seen the Denver Broncos punch their ticket to the AFC Championship after a wild 33-30 overtime thriller against the Buffalo Bills yesterday. Then the Seattle Seahawks absolutely dismantled the San Francisco 49ers 41-6. If you thought today would be any quieter, you've got another thing coming.
Texans vs. Patriots: The AFC Battle in Foxborough
The first game of the day kicked off at 3:05 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium. We are looking at the Houston Texans (12-5) taking on the New England Patriots (14-3).
New England came into this as the 2-seed, and the atmosphere in Foxborough is exactly what you'd expect for January football—cold, loud, and unforgiving. The Texans are the underdogs here, but after they smoked the Steelers 30-6 in the Wild Card round, nobody is counting them out.
Live Scoring and Momentum
As of the most recent updates, this game has been a defensive slugfest.
- First Quarter: Both teams felt each other out early. New England’s defense, which has been a top-three unit all season, kept C.J. Stroud in check.
- Second Quarter: The scoring opened up with a field goal exchange, but the Patriots managed to find the end zone just before the half.
- Current Status: This game is either recently finished or in the final minutes depending on your local broadcast delay. Check your ABC or ESPN feed immediately for the final whistle.
Rams vs. Bears: NFC North vs. The West Coast
The nightcap is the one everyone is talking about. At 6:40 p.m. ET, the Los Angeles Rams visit the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
This is a classic "clash of styles" game. You’ve got the Rams, who just barely escaped the Carolina Panthers with a 34-31 win last week, traveling into the frozen tundra of Chicago. The Bears are coming off a gritty 31-27 win over the Packers.
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What to Watch for Tonight
If you’re tuning in right now, keep an eye on the line of scrimmage. The Bears' defensive front is notoriously mean at home. The Rams rely on Puka Nacua and a high-flying passing attack, but catching a football in 20-degree Chicago weather is a different beast entirely.
- Kickoff Time: 6:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. CT.
- Network: NBC / Peacock.
- The Spread: Most books had the Rams as a slight 3.5-point favorite, which is bold considering the venue.
Where to get live updates
If you aren't near a TV, the best way to track what's the score for the football game tonight is through the official NFL app or the ESPN Gamecast. They provide play-by-play data that is usually only about 10 seconds behind the actual live action.
Also, don't forget about college football. While tonight is all about the pros, the NCAA National Championship between Miami and Indiana is set for tomorrow, Monday, January 19, at Hard Rock Stadium. The college world is currently in a "calm before the storm" phase while the NFL takes center stage.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check the Broadcast: Switch to NBC right now if you want to catch the Rams and Bears kickoff.
- Streaming Options: If you're on the go, fire up Peacock for the NFC game or the ESPN app for the AFC post-game wrap-up.
- Fantasy/Betting: Keep an eye on the injury reports coming out of the Texans/Patriots game, as the winner will face the Denver Broncos next Sunday at 3:05 p.m. ET.
- Set Your Alarms: Tomorrow night is the Indiana vs. Miami title game at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Make sure your Monday night is clear.
The road to the Super Bowl is narrowing. Whether it's the experience of New England or the grit of Chicago, tonight's results will dictate the entire landscape of the Conference Championships next weekend.