NFL Playoffs 2026 Quick Facts
- Current Round: Conference Championships (26 Jan)
- Today's Games: AFC at 8pm UK, NFC at 11:30pm UK
- Super Bowl LX: Sunday 8 February 2026, 11:30pm UK
- Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara
- UK TV: Sky Sports NFL (playoffs), ITV (Super Bowl free)
- Streaming: NFL Game Pass via DAZN
Conference Championships - Today
The Conference Championship games decide who plays in Super Bowl LX. Two games today determine the final matchup in Santa Clara on February 8th.
AFC Championship
8:00pm UK
Sunday 26 January 2026 | Sky Sports NFL
NFC Championship
11:30pm UK
Sunday 26 January 2026 | Sky Sports NFL
Late Night Strategy
The NFC Championship won't finish until around 3am. If you're watching both games, the 3.5-hour gap between kickoffs is enough for a power nap, meal, or to catch up with fellow fans. Many UK viewers record the late game and watch Monday morning spoiler-free.
Full Playoff Schedule (UK Times)
Wild Card Round (11-13 January) - Complete
Wild Card Saturday
Texans vs Chargers
Saturday 11 Jan | 9:30pm UK
Result: Check NFL.com for final score
Wild Card Saturday
Ravens vs Steelers
Saturday 11 Jan | 1:00am UK (Sun morning)
Result: Check NFL.com for final score
Wild Card Sunday
Bills vs Broncos
Sunday 12 Jan | 6:00pm UK
Result: Check NFL.com for final score
Wild Card Sunday
Eagles vs Packers
Sunday 12 Jan | 9:30pm UK
Result: Check NFL.com for final score
Wild Card Sunday
Buccaneers vs Commanders
Sunday 12 Jan | 1:15am UK (Mon morning)
Result: Check NFL.com for final score
Wild Card Monday
Rams vs Vikings
Monday 13 Jan | 1:15am UK (Tue morning)
Result: Check NFL.com for final score
Divisional Round (18-19 January) - Complete
Divisional Saturday
Chiefs vs (Wild Card Winner)
Saturday 18 Jan | 9:30pm UK
Result: Check NFL.com for final score
Divisional Saturday
Lions vs (Wild Card Winner)
Sunday 19 Jan | 1:00am UK
Result: Check NFL.com for final score
Divisional Sunday
(1 Seed) vs (Wild Card Winner)
Sunday 19 Jan | 6:00pm UK
Result: Check NFL.com for final score
Divisional Sunday
(1 Seed) vs (Wild Card Winner)
Sunday 19 Jan | 9:30pm UK
Result: Check NFL.com for final score
Conference Championships (26 January) - Today
AFC Championship
AFC #1 Seed vs AFC Finalist
Sunday 26 Jan
8:00pm UK Time
NFC Championship
NFC #1 Seed vs NFC Finalist
Sunday 26 Jan
11:30pm UK Time
Super Bowl LX (8 February)
Super Bowl LX
AFC Champion vs NFC Champion
Sunday 8 Feb | Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara
11:30pm UK Time
Free on ITV + Sky Sports NFL
How to Watch NFL Playoffs in the UK
Sky Sports NFL
£26/month (Sports package)
- All playoff games live
- Studio coverage with UK presenters
- RedZone for regular season
- Available via Sky, NOW TV, or Virgin Media
NFL Game Pass (DAZN)
£14.99/month or £114.99/year
- All games live and on-demand
- Condensed game replays (40 mins)
- Multiple camera angles
- NFL Network 24/7
- No contract required
ITV (Super Bowl Only)
FREE
- Super Bowl broadcast free-to-air
- Available on ITV1 and ITVX streaming
- No subscription required
- UK commentary team
Watch at the Pub
Many UK pubs show NFL Playoff games. Check the NFL UK Pub Finder for venues near you. Atmosphere is brilliant for the big games, though late kickoffs can be challenging.
2026 NFL Playoff Bracket
The NFL Playoffs feature 14 teams - 7 from each conference. The format is single elimination: lose once and you're out.
12 teams play, 6 advance. Top seeds get bye.
8 teams play, 4 advance.
4 teams play, 2 advance. TODAY.
AFC vs NFC. February 8, 2026.
How NFL Playoffs Work
Seeding Explained
Each conference (AFC and NFC) sends 7 teams to the playoffs:
- Seeds 1-4: Division winners, ranked by record
- Seeds 5-7: Wild Card teams (best non-division winners)
- Seed 1: Gets a first-round bye (no Wild Card game)
Home Field Advantage
Higher seeds host games throughout the playoffs. This matters more in the NFL than most sports - home teams win roughly 55% of playoff games, and the crowd noise can be genuinely disruptive.
Single Elimination
Unlike European football's two-legged ties, NFL playoffs are single games. One bad quarter can end your season. This creates incredible tension and why the playoffs are must-watch television.
Road to Super Bowl LX
After tonight's Conference Championships, the two winners will face off in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on February 8th, 2026.
| Event | Date | UK Time |
|---|---|---|
| Conference Championships | Sun 26 Jan | 8pm & 11:30pm |
| Pro Bowl Games | Sun 2 Feb | 8pm |
| Super Bowl Opening Night | Mon 3 Feb | 1am (Tue) |
| Super Bowl LX | Sun 8 Feb | 11:30pm |
Ready for Super Bowl?
Get the complete UK guide to Super Bowl LX - kickoff time, TV channels, and watch party venues.
Super Bowl UK GuideGear Up for the Postseason
Original merch for UK fans who set unreasonable alarms.
Shop the CollectionFrequently Asked Questions
What time are the NFL Conference Championships in the UK?
The AFC Championship kicks off at 8pm UK time on Sunday 26th January 2026, followed by the NFC Championship at 11:30pm UK time. Both games are on Sky Sports NFL.
What channel are the NFL Playoffs on in the UK?
Sky Sports NFL broadcasts all NFL Playoff games in the UK. You can also stream via NFL Game Pass (DAZN). Some games may be shown on Sky Sports Main Event. The Super Bowl will also be free on ITV.
Can I watch NFL Playoffs for free in the UK?
The Super Bowl is shown free on ITV, but earlier playoff rounds require Sky Sports or NFL Game Pass subscriptions. Some pubs show games for free - check NFL UK's official pub finder for locations near you.
When is Super Bowl 2026 UK time?
Super Bowl LX kicks off at 11:30pm UK time on Sunday 8th February 2026. The game is at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It will be shown free on ITV as well as Sky Sports.
How do NFL Playoffs work?
14 teams make the playoffs (7 from each conference). The top seed in each conference gets a bye in Wild Card round. Teams then play single-elimination games through Wild Card, Divisional, and Conference Championship rounds until two teams remain to play in the Super Bowl.
What is the NFL Playoff schedule for 2026?
Wild Card Round: 11-13 January 2026. Divisional Round: 18-19 January 2026. Conference Championships: 26 January 2026. Super Bowl LX: 8 February 2026 at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara.
Why do NFL Playoffs start so late in the UK?
NFL games are scheduled for US prime time, which translates to late evening/night in the UK. The 6pm UK kickoff (1pm ET) is the earliest, while 11:30pm UK (6:30pm ET) games finish around 3am. Many UK fans book Monday mornings off during playoffs.
Final Thoughts
The NFL Playoffs represent the best of American football - single elimination games where every play matters. For UK fans, the late nights are part of the experience. Whether you're watching from home, the pub, or recording for Monday morning, the journey to Super Bowl LX is worth every lost hour of sleep.
Enjoy the Conference Championships tonight. Two weeks until the big one.