NFL wild-card round delivered a thrilling start to the postseason, leaving fans eager for the next snap as soon as the final whistle blew.
With games spread across Saturday, Sunday and Monday during the opening playoff weekend, it’s natural for viewers to wonder whether the league will keep the action rolling into Thursday night.
After all, Thursday Night Football has become a familiar part of the NFL calendar during the regular season. However, as of January 15, 2026, there is a clear answer for fans scanning the schedule in anticipation.
Is there a Thursday Night Football game today?
The short answer is no. There is no Thursday Night Football game scheduled during the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. Unlike the regular season, when the league stages Thursday games for most of the year, the postseason follows a more traditional structure.
Those hoping for midweek playoff football will have to wait. The NFL divisional round begins over the weekend, with all four matchups spread across Saturday and Sunday.
Why the playoff schedule looks different
The NFL’s playoff calendar operates under a different rhythm compared to the regular season. While the wild-card round featured games on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the league does not extend playoff action into Thursday nights.
Instead, the focus shifts to weekend matchups that allow teams adequate recovery time and ensure maximum viewership.
With divisional-round winners earning spots in the conference championship games, the stakes are significantly higher. As a result, the league avoids adding extra scheduling quirks during this phase of the postseason.
As the reference notes, “Those wanting to catch some NFL action will have to wait until the weekend to dive into it, with the winners of divisional games punching their ticket to the championship round.”
When does the divisional round begin?
The first game of the divisional round is set for Saturday, Jan. 17, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET. In that matchup, the Denver Broncos host the Buffalo Bills, with the winner advancing to the AFC Championship Game.
This game marks the start of a four-game weekend slate that will determine which teams move one step closer to the Super Bowl. Each divisional-round winner will earn a place in their respective conference championship games, scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 25.
Full NFL playoff schedule this weekend
There are four divisional-round games on the schedule this weekend. Two games will be played on Saturday and two on Sunday, maintaining the NFL’s standard postseason format. No games are scheduled for Thursday or Monday during this round.
For now, fans will need to exercise a bit of patience. As the reference humorously puts it, “So, for now, put the chips away, keep the wings in the freezer and keep the beer on ice.”
What fans should know
While Thursday Night Football has become a weekly tradition during the regular season, it does not carry over into the NFL playoffs. The divisional round sticks to a weekend-only format, ensuring that all eyes are on the games that matter most.
With kickoff just days away, the wait may feel long—but the reward is a full weekend of high-stakes playoff football.