NFL Divisional Round Schedule: Dates Announced, But What About Times and Networks? (2026)

The NFL has dropped a bombshell, revealing the dates for the highly anticipated divisional playoff games, but leaving fans hanging for the specific timings and broadcasting networks. Get ready for an action-packed weekend!

The Saturday Showdown: On January 17, the Buffalo Bills will battle the Denver Broncos, followed by the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Seattle Seahawks. These matchups will be intense, especially considering the varying rest periods for the teams. The Bills and 49ers will have a quick turnaround with only six days' rest, while their opponents will enjoy a full two weeks to prepare. But is this an advantage or a disadvantage? You decide!

Sunday's Doubleheader: The following day, January 18, brings a double dose of excitement. The Chicago Bears will welcome the Los Angeles Rams, and the winner of the Monday night thriller between the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers will advance to face the mighty New England Patriots. Talk about a challenging road to the next round!

And here's the twist: the league is keeping us on our toes by not disclosing the exact kick-off times or the networks that will broadcast these games. Each of the four major networks—NBC, Fox, CBS, and ESPN—will get a piece of the action, but which game will be shown where remains a mystery.

But wait, there's more! The Saturday games will have a prime-time feel with kickoffs at 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET, while Sunday's matchups will start earlier at 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET. And the final piece of the puzzle will fall into place after the Monday night game, determining the last remaining matchup.

So, are you ready for this thrilling ride? Which teams do you think will benefit from the scheduling quirks? Share your predictions in the comments below, and let's get the conversation started!

NFL Divisional Round Schedule: Dates Announced, But What About Times and Networks? (2026)
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