Yes, there is a Denver Broncos game today. Honestly, it’s not just any regular game—it’s the biggest one the Mile High City has seen in a decade.
If you’ve been living under a rock (or maybe just avoiding the freezing Colorado wind), the Broncos are back in the postseason. After securing the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a stellar 14–3 record under Sean Payton, Denver is hosting the Buffalo Bills today, Saturday, January 17, 2026. This is the AFC Divisional Round, and the stakes are basically "win or go home."
Is there a Broncos game today? Everything you need to know
The kickoff is set for 4:30 PM ET (2:30 PM local Denver time). You can catch the broadcast on CBS or stream it live via Paramount+. It's the first time Empower Field at Mile High has hosted a playoff game since January 2016, back when Peyton Manning was still under center.
The atmosphere in downtown Denver is already electric. You can feel it. Fans are pouring into the parking lots with grills and orange jerseys, despite the "Mile High" air being predictably crisp.
Quick Game Day Facts
- Opponent: Buffalo Bills (No. 6 seed)
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- Time: 4:30 PM ET / 2:30 PM MT
- TV Channel: CBS
- Weather Forecast: Sunny but cold, typical January football weather.
Why this matchup against the Bills matters
Last year, the Bills absolutely crushed the Broncos’ playoff hopes with a 31–7 win in the Wild Card round. It was ugly. Sean Payton hasn't forgotten that, and neither have the fans.
The Bills are coming off a gritty road win against the Jaguars last week. Josh Allen is playing through some minor injuries to his foot and throwing hand, but he’s still a monster on the field. The Broncos, however, are well-rested. They earned that first-round bye for a reason.
This isn't just about revenge, though. It’s about validation. For years, Denver was the team "just a quarterback away" or the team "rebuilding." Now, they have the third-ranked defense in the league, giving up only 18.3 points per game. That defense, led by Vance Joseph, is going to be the key to stopping Buffalo’s high-octane offense.
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Key players to watch in today’s game
If you’re watching from your couch or a sports bar, keep your eyes on Patrick Surtain II. He’s arguably the best corner in the game, and his matchup against the Bills' receivers will likely dictate the flow of the afternoon.
On the offensive side, the Broncos' offensive line has been a wall. Garett Bolles and Quinn Meinerz both earned All-Pro nods this year. They’ve provided the stability that allowed the offense to rank in the top half of the league for the first time in years.
- Josh Allen (Bills QB): Can he handle the noise and the altitude?
- Bo Nix (Broncos QB): The rookie has been poised, but the playoffs are a different beast.
- Courtland Sutton: Look for him to be the "security blanket" on third downs.
The "Mile High Edge" is real. The Broncos have won 13 of their last 14 home games. That kind of home-field advantage is something the Bills will have to fight through for all four quarters.
How to watch if you aren’t at the stadium
If you didn't snag one of those tickets (which were going for over $400 on the resale market this week), don't sweat it.
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- Broadcast: CBS is the primary home for the game.
- Streaming: Paramount+ is the go-to for cord-cutters.
- Radio: KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM will have the local call if you’re stuck in traffic.
Make sure your apps are updated. There is nothing worse than a "loading" screen when a 50-yard bomb is in the air.
What happens if the Broncos win?
A victory today sends the Broncos to the AFC Championship Game next Sunday, January 25. Since Denver is the top seed, they would host that game too.
If the New England Patriots win their game tomorrow against the Houston Texans, we’d be looking at a Broncos-Patriots showdown for a trip to the Super Bowl. It feels like 2015 all over again, doesn't it?
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your local listings: Confirm CBS is active on your service at least an hour before kickoff to avoid technical glitches.
- Prep the tailgate: If you’re hosting, get the food ready by 2:00 PM MT so you don't miss the opening drive.
- Dress in layers: If you are heading to the stadium, remember that the sun drops fast behind the mountains and the temperature will plummet during the second half.