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- Divisional Round schedule: matchups, kickoff times and TV partners
- Is there a Thursday Night Football playoff game this week?
- Where to watch: TV channels and streaming options for the playoffs
- Key storylines heading into the Divisional Round
- How the wild-card results set the stage
- Other major sports to watch on TV tonight
- Quick links and further reading
Wild-card weekend delivered drama, upsets and last-second heroics, and now the NFL’s top eight teams are set to battle in the Divisional Round. Expect high stakes, tight games and plenty of national TV coverage as clubs jockey for a place in the conference title games.
Divisional Round schedule: matchups, kickoff times and TV partners
Saturday, Jan. 17
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- Bills at Broncos — 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS
- 49ers at Seahawks — 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX
Sunday, Jan. 18
- Texans at Patriots — 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN
- Bears at Rams — 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC
Is there a Thursday Night Football playoff game this week?
No. The NFL does not schedule a Thursday Night game during this playoff weekend. The Divisional Round is concentrated on Saturday, Jan. 17 and Sunday, Jan. 18.
Where to watch: TV channels and streaming options for the playoffs
- Network broadcasts: CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC and ESPN will televise games across the weekend.
- Streaming: Services carrying these networks, including Fubo, provide live streams for cord-cutters.
- Tip: Check local listings and blackout rules before kickoff to confirm channel availability.
Key storylines heading into the Divisional Round
- Defensive momentum: The Broncos and Seahawks earned spots by leaning on hard-hitting defense. Expect physical games in Denver and Seattle.
- Late-game flair: Wild-card weekend was decided by several close finishes. QBs like Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford produced clutch moments.
- Upsets and surprises: The 49ers stunned the Eagles, reminding fans that seeding is not destiny in January.
- Special teams and turnovers: With so little margin for error, hidden factors often swing playoff outcomes.
How the wild-card results set the stage
Four wild-card contests were decided by four points or fewer, showcasing how small mistakes and late heroics shape the bracket. One club’s dominant defensive outing limited a top quarterback to just three points, while several teams rode last-second drives to advancement. These results make the Divisional Round unpredictable and compelling.
Other major sports to watch on TV tonight
- NBA: Grizzlies vs. Magic — 2:00 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
- NBA: Thunder vs. Rockets — 7:30 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
- NBA: Knicks vs. Warriors — 10:00 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
- College men’s hoops: No. 9 Gonzaga vs. Washington State — 10:00 p.m. ET (CBSSN)
- College women’s hoops: Louisville vs. Notre Dame — 6:00 p.m. ET (ACC Network)
- College women’s top matchup: No. 4 Texas vs. No. 2 South Carolina — 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- Additional college games: Illinois vs. Michigan (Peacock) and Nebraska vs. Michigan State (BTN) both at 7:00 p.m. ET
Quick links and further reading
- Latest NFL news and rumors
- 2026 NFL schedule and scores
- NFL standings
- How to bet on the NFL
