If you’re waking up on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and wondering do the broncos play today, the short answer is no. But don't click away just yet, because the reason they aren't on your TV screen right now is actually the best news fans have had in a decade.
The Denver Broncos are currently sitting pretty. After a dominant 14-3 regular season—which, honestly, nobody saw coming back in August—Sean Payton has led this squad to the AFC’s No. 1 seed. That means while other teams were bruising each other in the Wild Card round last weekend, the Broncos were home on their couches, resting up.
When Is the Next Broncos Game?
You won't have to wait much longer. While the answer to do the broncos play today is a bummer for a Wednesday, their next game is officially set for this coming weekend.
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The Denver Broncos play the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
This isn't just any game. It’s the AFC Divisional Round. It’s also the first time Empower Field at Mile High has hosted a playoff game since the 2015 season. You remember that year—Peyton Manning, the No Fly Zone, and a Super Bowl ring. The energy in the city is basically a carbon copy of that right now.
Kickoff and TV Details
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
- Time: 2:30 p.m. MT (4:30 p.m. ET)
- Channel: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+ and NFL+
Why Today Matters for the Broncos
Even though they aren't playing today, Wednesday is a massive "work day" in the NFL. Today is when the game plan really gets installed. While you're asking do the broncos play today, Bo Nix and the offense are on the practice field in Englewood trying to figure out how to handle Josh Allen and a Bills defense that just smothered the Jaguars in the Wild Card round.
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There’s a bit of a revenge narrative here, too. Last year, the Bills absolutely thrashed Denver 31-7 in the playoffs. It was ugly. But this is a different Broncos team. They’ve got the league's top-ranked scoring defense now. Seeing guys like Patrick Surtain II and newly added safety Talanoa Hufanga prep for Josh Allen is the real story today, even if there are no pads clicking in a stadium.
Looking Back: How We Got Here
It’s kinda wild to think about where this team was two years ago. Most people thought the "rebuild" would take forever. Instead, Denver tied a franchise record with 14 wins this season.
They finished 1st in the AFC West, finally dethroning the Chiefs. Winning that Christmas Day game against Kansas City (20-13) was basically the moment the city realized this team was for real. Because they secured that No. 1 seed, they earned the right to skip the first round of the playoffs. That’s why, when you check if the broncos play today, the schedule is blank. They earned this rest.
The Statistical Edge
If you love the numbers side of things, Denver enters this weekend with some serious momentum:
- Defense: 3rd in scoring defense and 1st in sacks.
- Offense: 10th in total yards, led by a surprisingly poised Bo Nix.
- Home Field: Denver is 17-5 all-time in home postseason games. The thin air is a real thing, and Buffalo is going to feel every bit of it.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Playoff Bye
A lot of folks worry that a week off makes a team "rusty." We've seen it before where a No. 1 seed comes out flat and gets bounced. But Sean Payton isn't exactly known for letting guys slack off.
The Broncos used the last few days to heal up key players like Dre Greenlaw and Garett Bolles. Honestly, having a healthy offensive line is way more important than "rhythm" in mid-January. If the Broncos were playing today, they'd be doing it with a banged-up roster. By waiting until Saturday, they’re as close to 100% as an NFL team can be in Week 20.
Your Game Day Prep
Since you aren't watching a game today, you've got a few days to get your setup ready for Saturday. If you’re heading to the stadium, dress for January in Colorado—which usually means layers and a lot of orange. If you're staying home, make sure your Paramount+ subscription hasn't lapsed, because this is one of those "national broadcast" games that will have the whole country watching.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Sync your calendar: Set an alert for Saturday at 2:15 p.m. MT so you don't miss kickoff.
- Check the weather: Keep an eye on the Denver forecast; a snowy Mile High stadium usually favors the Broncos' top-ranked rushing defense.
- Update your streaming apps: If you're watching on Paramount+ or NFL+, run those updates now to avoid the dreaded "app update" screen five minutes before the game starts.
While the answer to do the broncos play today is no, the countdown to Saturday is officially on. This is the biggest game in Denver in a decade, and the city is ready to see if this No. 1 seed is the real deal.