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After an opening round that featured an NFL playoff-record 12 fourth-quarter lead changes — that's a playoff record, not just a playoff round record — No.1 seeds Seattle and Denver enter the fray at the Divisional Round stage, perhaps even with a small degree of trepidation. Four of last weekend's six games were decided by four points or less.
You can watch NFL Divisional Round live streams from anywhere with a VPN and potentially for FREE.
The 2026 NFL Divisional Round runs from Saturday, January 17 to Sunday, January 18. Full schedule below.
• U.S. — FOX, CBS, NBC & ABC/ESPN via YouTube TV / Hulu + Live TV
• FREE STREAMS — 7Plus (Australia)
• FREE STREAMS — TVNZ Plus (New Zealand)
• FREE STREAM — 5 (U.K.)
• Watch anywhere — Try NordVPN 100% risk free
Such was the parity this season that neither the Seahawks nor the Broncos were clear top dogs, and they need look no further than the 2025/26 College Football Playoffs for proof of what a poisoned chalice a first-round bye can be. It was a case of rust rather than rest for three of the top four seeds, who fell at the first hurdle.
Kicking off proceedings is the Bills vs Broncos, which would have Denver victory written all over it if it wasn't for Josh Allen. This is a poor Buffalo team with an awful run defense and ineffective receivers, but more often than not reigning MVP Allen just finds a way to drag the team over the line. The Broncos defense, however, racked up a franchise-record 68 sacks this season.
Then it's over to the 49ers vs Seahawks, the NFC West rivals' third meeting of the campaign. They split the other two, but there's no question that the circumstances favor Seattle. Not only are they well-rested, but San Fran are banged up and playing on a short week, with George Kittle the latest key man to be sidelined. The Seahawks have the top scoring defense in the NFL, but Sam Darnold can be loose. Having completely bamboozled the Eagles defense last weekend, can Robert Saleh repeat the feat?
Sunday's action begins with the Texans vs Patriots. Neither C.J. Stroud nor Drake Maye covered themselves in glory in the first round, throwing a pair of interceptions and a trio of turnovers respectively. Although Houston's run game ranks 30th in the league, of late New England's rush defense has been the NFL's worst by far. Maye, meanwhile, is up against the meanest defense in the league.
The Rams vs Bears wraps up the Divisional Round, which is fitting because both teams left things late last weekend. Having masterminded a spectacular comeback from 18 points down against the Packers, Caleb Williams was arguably the star of the first round, and he'll fancy his chances against this Los Angeles defense. The Rams were enormous favorites for their clash with the Panthers, but if it wasn't for the brilliance of Matthew Stafford they'd be out already.
Here's how to watch NFL Divisional Round 2025/26 from anywhere in the world, and potentially for free.
Can I watch the NFL Divisional Round free of charge?
All four games of the 2025/26 NFL Divisional Round are free-to-air in Australia, courtesy of 7Plus, and New Zealand, thanks to TVNZ Plus. The Texans vs Patriots game is also free-to-air in the U.K., on 5.
Away from home? You may not be able to watch the action like you normally would due to regional restrictions. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution. Use a VPN to watch NFL Divisional Round for free — we’ll show you how below.
NFL Divisional Round schedule 2025/26
Saturday, January 17
4:30 p.m. — Bills vs Broncos (CBS, Paramount Plus)
8 p.m. — 49ers vs Seahawks (FOX, Fox One)
Sunday, January 18
3 p.m. — Texans vs Patriots (ABC, ESPN, ESPN Unlimited)
6:30 p.m. — Rams vs Bears (NBC, Peacock)
(All times ET)
Watch NFL Divisional Round 2025/26 from anywhere
Away from home and blocked from watching the 2025/26 NFL Divisional Round?
You can still watch your usual gridiron live streams thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software makes your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. Ideal for fans away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you want to watch the free NFL coverage on 7Plus, choose 'Australia' from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to 7Plus, sign in, and watch every NFL Divisional Round game live.
How to watch NFL Divisional Round live streams in the U.S.
In the U.S., NFL Divisional coverage is split between mutiple channels and streaming services, including FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Fox One, Paramount Plus, Peacock, ESPN Select, ESPN Unlimited and Prime Video.
The Packers vs Bears is exclusive to Prime Video, which costs $14.99/month or $139/year after a 30-day FREE trial.
A single subscription to one of the best cable TV alternatives will let you watch each of the other five games.
YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV each carry FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC, ESPN and ESPN2.
YouTube TV usually costs $82.99/month. But right now you can get your first five months for $67.99/month.
Hulu + Live TV starts at $89.99/month after a 3-day FREE trial, and comes bundled with Disney Plus and ESPN Select.
Click through for more options ▼
Fubo includes FOX, CBS, ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 in its Sports + News plan. It usually costs $55.99/month, but you'll get your first month for $45.99 after a 7-day FREE trial. The only channel is doesn't have is NBC.
Sling carries ESPN and ESPN2 on its Orange plan, and ABC, FOX and NBC on its Blue plan (in select markets). Sling Orange costs $4.99/day, $9.99 for three days, $14.99/week, $45.99/month or $115/quarter, while Blue starts at $45.99/month, but you can get your first month of Sling Blue half-price.
Sling Orange gives you the best of both worlds for $60.99/month, after 50% off your first month.
FOX simulcasts its coverage of NFL games on FOX One, which costs $19.99/month or $199.99/year after a 7-day FREE trial.
CBS simulcasts its coverage of NFL games on Paramount Plus, which starts at $7.99/month or $59.99/year after a 7-day FREE trial.
NBC simulcasts its coverage of NFL games on Peacock, which starts at $10.99/month or $109.99/year.
ESPN Unlimited costs $29.99/month or $299.99/year, but for a limited time you can bundle it with Disney Plus and Hulu for $29.99/month for 12 months, after which it'll cost $35.99/month.
Not at home right now? You can access your preferred service through NordVPN.
How to watch NFL Divisional Round live streams in Canada
In Canada, all four NFL Divisional games are being shown on TSN. A TSN Plus subscription grants access to everything TSN has to offer for just CA$8/month or CA$80/year.
Every game is also being shown on the Canadian NFL Game Pass, which comes included with a standard DAZN subscription. DAZN starts at CA$24.99/month.
If you're outside Canada but have a subscription, you can watch the NFL Divisional Round with the aid of a VPN, such as NordVPN.
How to watch NFL Divisional Round live streams in the U.K.
In the U.K., the Texans vs Patriots game is free-to-air on Channel 5 and the 5 streaming service.
However, all four NFL Divisional Round games are being shown on NFL Game Pass on DAZN, which live streams every fixture. A subscription is down to just £14.99 for the rest of the season.
Sky Sports is also showing all four NFL Divisional Round games.
Packages start from £22/month if you're an existing customer — or check out Sky TV deals and packages if you want to sign up. Alternatively, Now Sports offers Daily, Monthly and Annual passes. Prices start at £14.99 for 24-hour access.
If you're not in the U.K. right now but already subscribe to one of these services, try using NordVPN to watch the NFL Divisional Round as if you were back at home.
How to watch NFL Divisional Round live streams in Australia
In Australia, all four NFL Divisional Round games are free-to-air on 7Mate and the 7Plus streaming service.
Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN like NordVPN to watch all the NFL Divisional action on your account as if you were back home.
They're also available to watch on NFL Game Pass on DAZN, which costs AU$24.99 for the rest of the season, ESPN via Foxtel, Kayo Sports, which lets you choose between a 7-day FREE trial and 1 month for AU$1, and Disney Plus, which starts at AU$15.99/month or AU$159.99/year.
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