NFL games today (Jan. 18, 2026): Texans–Patriots, Rams–Bears headline Divisional Sunday

Divisional Sunday serves up a clean two-game slate as the road to Super Bowl LX tightens. After an eventful Saturday that sent Denver and Seattle through, today’s matchups decide who joins them in next week’s conference championships. With two distinct stylistic clashes on tap, the margins will come down to red-zone execution, third-down defense, and mistake-free quarterback play.

Today’s NFL playoff schedule at a glance

• Houston Texans at New England Patriots — 3:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. GMT

• Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears — 6:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 p.m. GMT

Schedule subject to change.

Texans vs. Patriots: Rising star meets defensive machine

The first window features a fascinating contrast: a Texans offense built on quick-strike verticals and tempo against a Patriots group that leans on situational mastery and a top-tier red-zone plan. Houston’s path is straightforward: keep early downs on schedule and let the quarterback attack the intermediate seams before the pass rush can heat up. Explosive plays have been their catalyst all season; when they top two completions of 20+ yards, their win probability spikes.

New England shapes the game in the trenches. The Patriots’ defensive fronts have thrived by muddying reads with late rotations and post-snap movement, forcing young quarterbacks to hold the ball just a beat longer. On offense, expect a patient approach—condensed formations, motion to identify coverage, and a steady diet of play-action to slow Houston’s edge speed.

Swing factors to watch

• Third-and-medium: Houston’s spacing concepts are elite on 3rd-and-4 to 3rd-and-6; New England counters by mixing man-match and trap looks to bait throws inside.

• Red-zone choices: Field goals won’t cut it. The Texans are most dangerous on quick perimeter screens after a heavy look; New England tends to bracket first reads and force checkdowns in tight.

• Ball security: The Patriots thrive on hidden yards and turnover margin. If they’re +1 or better, they typically control game flow.

If Houston wins: Expect chunk plays early and a clean pocket late.
If New England wins: Expect a grind—balanced run/pass, field position, and a defense that steals a possession.

Rams vs. Bears: Veteran craft vs. youthful surge at Soldier Field

The nightcap pairs a seasoned Rams attack with timing and precision against a Bears team riding youthful momentum and late-game resilience. Chicago’s resurgence has hinged on quarterback poise under pressure and a defense that tightens in fourth quarters. Their best moments come when designed movement—boots, sprint-outs, and RPO tags—tilts the edges and simplifies reads.

Los Angeles counters with veteran savvy. Expect the Rams to manipulate Chicago’s linebackers with layered routes and motion, using quick-game rhythm to set up selective deep shots. Protection identification pre-snap is critical; when the Rams’ quarterback gets to his hot answers quickly, the offense hums.

Swing factors to watch

• Pass rush lanes: Chicago’s front can wreck drives if it collapses the pocket inside-out. The Rams’ screen game and draw variations are built to punish overpursuit.

• Explosive containment: Bears skill players have turned short throws into chunk gains. L.A. must rally and tackle to keep five-yard concepts from becoming 20.

• Weather and footing: January in Chicago amplifies trench play. Clean exchanges and special teams field position could tilt a one-score finish.

If Los Angeles wins: Expect sustained drives, a modest running game to keep balance, and one or two perfectly timed vertical shots.
If Chicago wins: Expect defensive stops in high leverage and a quarterback making off-script plays late.

Paths to Championship Sunday

• AFC: Today’s Texans–Patriots winner travels to Denver next Sunday. The Broncos advanced in overtime and will host the title game with a defense that thrives on takeaways.

• NFC: Tonight’s Rams–Bears winner heads to Seattle, where the Seahawks booked a dominant home semifinal and lean on crowd noise, speed, and a punishing run game.

What will decide Divisional Sunday

• Early down efficiency: Avoiding 3rd-and-long keeps playbooks open and pass rushers honest.

• Red-zone TD rate: Four trips, three touchdowns often separates winners in January.

• Turnover margin: January football is unforgiving; a single giveaway can swing field position and clock math.

• Special teams: Hidden yards in the return game and a reliable kicker become magnified in cold-weather windows.

Two games, one goal: survive and advance. By midnight on the East Coast, the conference championship fields will be set—and the final four will be one win from Santa Clara.