So, you’re looking for the kickoff times because the house is quiet and you’re ready for some playoff football. Honestly, I have some news that might be a bit of a bummer if you were planning to spend your entire Friday on the couch.
If you are asking when do the nfl games start today, the short answer is: they don't.
Today is Friday, January 16, 2026. While we are right in the thick of the NFL postseason, the league almost never plays on Fridays. They save that Friday slot for high school ball or the occasional holiday outlier, but for the Divisional Round? They want you waiting until the weekend.
The Divisional Round Kickoff Times
Since there aren't any games today, you should probably start prep for tomorrow. Saturday, January 17, is when the real chaos begins. The NFL likes to stagger these games so we don't miss a single snap, and the 2026 Divisional Round is following that classic 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET format.
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Tomorrow afternoon, the Buffalo Bills travel to face the Denver Broncos. That’s a 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS. If you’re a cord-cutter, you’ll find it on Paramount+. Denver has been a fortress this year, and the Bills are coming off a tight Wild Card win, so that altitude in Mile High is going to be a massive factor.
Later that night, we get the NFC West grudge match. The San Francisco 49ers are heading to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Kickoff for that one is 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX. Seattle is currently a 7.5-point favorite, which feels a bit high for a rivalry game, but their scoring defense has been the best in the league this season.
Sunday’s Slate
If you survive Saturday, Sunday, January 18, brings the rest of the action.
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The Houston Texans face the New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET. You can catch that one on ABC or ESPN. Houston looked terrifyingly efficient last week, putting up 30 points on a very good Steelers defense. Seeing if C. J. Stroud can handle the Foxborough winter is the big storyline there.
Finally, the Los Angeles Rams visit the Chicago Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC. This is the primetime "Stafford vs. Williams" showdown everyone wanted. Chicago’s defense has been surging, but trying to slow down the Rams' offense—which is currently averaging over 30 points a game—is a tall order for anyone.
Why There’s No Football Today
It feels weird, right? We’re in the most exciting part of the season, and there’s just... nothing. The NFL is very protective of its "event" status. By keeping the games on Saturday and Sunday, they maximize those massive TV ratings. Plus, it gives teams like the 49ers and Texans, who just played on Sunday and Monday respectively, a few extra hours of recovery.
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Recovering from a Wild Card game is no joke. The physical toll is huge. Pushing a game to Friday would basically be a short-week nightmare for players already nursing high-ankle sprains and bruised ribs.
Preparing For The Weekend
Since the "when do the nfl games start today" answer is basically "not yet," use today to get your setup ready.
Check your subscriptions. Make sure your Paramount+ or Peacock logins actually work so you aren't scrambling five minutes before kickoff. If you're hosting, today is the day for the grocery run. Trust me, trying to buy wings at 2:00 p.m. on a playoff Saturday is a losing battle.
Actionable Next Steps
- Sync your calendar: Set alerts for 4:30 p.m. ET tomorrow so you don't miss the Bills-Broncos opening drive.
- Check the weather: If you're betting or playing daily fantasy, look at the forecast for Denver and Chicago. Cold winds at Soldier Field usually mean a heavy dose of the run game.
- Verify your stream: If you rely on NFL+, make sure the app is updated on your mobile device or TV.
The wait is annoying, but the Divisional Round is usually the best weekend of football all year. It’s worth the one-day gap.