College Football Championship Tonight, NFL Playoff Schedule This Weekend
After an exhilarating weekend of NFL action, football fans are left counting down the days until the next round of games. The NFL’s on a short break, so there’s a bit of a lull for now.
But hey, football isn’t done yet. Tonight, the NCAA will finally crown its champion in the College Football Championship game.
This matchup is loaded with anticipation and should keep the adrenaline going for fans who just can’t get enough.
Let’s get into the details—both for the college title game and what’s coming up in the NFL playoffs.
Contents
NCAA College Football Championship: Miami vs. Indiana
The College Football Playoff National Championship kicks off Monday, Jan. 19, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Miami Hurricanes are set to battle the Indiana Hoosiers.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. You can catch the broadcast on ESPN, plus extra coverage on ESPN2, ESPN News, and ESPN Unlimited.
Game Preview and Predictions
Indiana’s been a powerhouse all season—great quarterback, tough defense, the works. They’re 8.5-point favorites, and if things get out of hand, it could get ugly fast.
But Miami isn’t just going to roll over. They’ve shown grit and can handle pressure, so it’s not a lock for Indiana by any means.
If you’re asking me, I think Miami sneaks past Indiana. Final score? Let’s say 24-22, Hurricanes.
NFL Playoff Picture: AFC and NFC Championship Games
Switching gears to the NFL, the postseason drama ramps up with the AFC and NFC Championship games on Sunday, Jan. 25.
Here’s what you need to know about these matchups—there’s a lot riding on them.
AFC Championship: New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos
The New England Patriots are heading to Denver to take on the Broncos in the AFC Championship. Denver got here after a wild 33-30 overtime win over the Bills, but they lost quarterback Bo Nix to a nasty ankle injury.
That’s a brutal blow, and now backup Jarrett Stidham has to step up.
The Patriots, meanwhile, forced five turnovers and took down the Texans 28-16. Drake Maye’s been solid, and New England comes in as a 5.5-point favorite.
You can watch it on CBS or stream on Paramount+ at 3 p.m. I’m leaning Patriots here—they should take advantage of Denver’s injuries and win it 20-10.
NFC Championship: Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks
Over in the NFC, it’s the Rams against the Seahawks. The Rams fought past the Bears in overtime, 20-17, thanks to Kyren Williams’ two touchdowns and Harrison Mevis’ clutch field goal.
Seattle, on the other hand, just steamrolled the 49ers 41-6. Their defense was relentless, and Kenneth Walker III was just unstoppable.
This one airs on Fox at 6:30 p.m., and the Seahawks are slight favorites at 1.5 points. Seattle’s defense is scary, but the Rams have Matthew Stafford’s experience, while the Seahawks are rolling with Sam Darnold.
Honestly, it could go either way, but I’ll go with the Rams edging it out, 20-17.
What to Watch For
As you get ready for these games, here are a few things worth watching:
- Quarterback Performances: Can Jarrett Stidham handle the heat for Denver now that Bo Nix is out? Does Drake Maye keep up his hot streak for the Patriots?
- Defensive Showdowns: The Seahawks and Rams both have tough defenses. Which one comes out on top?
- Key Injuries: Will Denver manage without Bo Nix? And can the Rams find a way to slow down Kenneth Walker III?
Final Thoughts
The NFL’s on a short break right now. But the College Football Championship? That’s where the excitement is this week.
Miami and Indiana are set to clash, and honestly, it could be one of those games people talk about for a while. The whole thing just feels electric.
And then there are the NFL playoffs. Patriots, Broncos, Rams, Seahawks—each team fighting for that Super Bowl shot.
Whether you lean college or NFL, it’s hard not to get caught up in all this action. Feels like a good week to clear your schedule, doesn’t it?
If you’re after deeper coverage or maybe some bold predictions, check out the full article on Is There a Monday Night Football Game Today? Super Bowl 2026.
