You probably woke up this morning, grabbed your coffee, and started hunting for the Denver Broncos game today time because, honestly, the playoff fever in Colorado is at an all-time high.
But here is the reality check: there is no Broncos game today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
If you feel a bit of whiplash, you aren't alone. The Mile High City is currently vibrating after what might be the most emotional 24 hours in the franchise's recent history. The Broncos already took care of business. They played their Divisional Round heart-stopper yesterday, Saturday, January 17, and the fallout from that game is actually way more important than a kickoff time right now.
The Saturday Night Thriller That Changed Everything
Yesterday’s game against the Buffalo Bills was a total fever dream. It ended in a 33-30 overtime victory that sent Denver to its first AFC Championship game in a decade. But it came at a massive cost.
While you might have been looking for the Denver Broncos game today time to watch Bo Nix continue his "Offensive Rookie of the Year" encore (even though it's his second year, he's playing like a seasoned vet), the news is grim. Head Coach Sean Payton confirmed late last night that Nix suffered a broken right ankle during that final overtime drive.
He's out. Season over.
Basically, the Broncos won the war but lost their general. The city went from the highest of highs—watching Wil Lutz nail a 23-yard field goal to sink Josh Allen—to the pit of their stomachs hearing that Nix is headed for surgery in Birmingham this Tuesday.
Who is Playing Today While Denver Rests?
Since Denver already punched their ticket, today is all about scouting the opponent. If you're looking for football to watch while you process the Bo Nix news, the NFL schedule for Sunday, January 18, 2026, features the two games that will decide the rest of the bracket:
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- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: This is the one that matters to you. The winner of this game travels to Empower Field at Mile High next weekend. Kickoff is at 1:00 PM MT (3:00 PM ET) on ABC/ESPN.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: The NFC side of the bracket wraps up at 4:30 PM MT (6:30 PM ET) on NBC.
It's kinda wild to think that by this evening, we'll know exactly who is coming to Denver. Whether it's the resurgence of the Patriots or the high-flying Texans, they’ll be facing a Denver team that looks very different than it did 24 hours ago.
The Jarrett Stidham Era (Again)
With no Denver Broncos game today time to worry about, the conversation has immediately shifted to Jarrett Stidham.
Payton was surprisingly defiant in the post-game presser. He told reporters, "Stiddy's ready." But let’s be real—Stidham has taken exactly one snap all season. It was a kneel-down against Dallas in Week 8. Going from a kneel-down to starting an AFC Championship game is a jump that would give anyone vertigo.
The Broncos' defense is going to have to carry the absolute weight of the world. Yesterday, they forced five turnovers against Josh Allen. Ja'Quan McMillian is playing like a man possessed, including that interception that basically ended the Bills' season in OT.
Looking Ahead to Next Sunday
Since you missed the Denver Broncos game today time because it happened yesterday, you should probably mark your calendar for the real big one.
The AFC Championship Game is set for Sunday, January 25, 2026.
The game will be at Empower Field at Mile High. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM MT (3:00 PM ET) and it’ll be broadcast on CBS.
Tickets are going to be impossible to get. After ten years of waiting, Denver is finally the epicenter of the AFC again. It’s just a shame the kid who got them here has to watch from a hospital bed.
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Actionable Steps for Broncos Fans This Week:
- Watch the Texans-Patriots Game Today: Pay close attention to the pass rush. Stidham is going to need a clean pocket, so seeing how New England or Houston pressures the QB is the best way to scout the upcoming matchup.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Outside of Nix, several players were limping after that physical Bills game. Check the official Broncos report on Wednesday for updates on the offensive line.
- Prepare for the AFC Title Game: If you're planning on going, the secondary market (StubHub, SeatGeek) usually sees a slight dip in prices on Tuesday morning after the initial "I have to be there" rush fades.
The road to the Super Bowl still runs through Denver. It's just going to be a lot bumpier than we expected.