If you’re staring at the TV remote wondering what is the nfl game on tonight, you’ve actually got two massive reasons to cancel your plans. It's Divisional Round Saturday. This isn't just regular season filler; we are down to the final eight teams, and tonight features the heavy hitters.
First off, the AFC kicks things off with the Buffalo Bills traveling to Mile High to face the Denver Broncos. That game starts at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
Once that wraps up, the nightcap shifts over to the NFC. We’ve got a classic divisional grudge match as the San Francisco 49ers head north to take on the Seattle Seahawks at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
What is the nfl game on tonight? Breaking down the double-header
It’s actually kinda wild how these matchups fell into place. We have two #6 seeds trying to play giant-slayer against the top dogs who had last week off. If you’re looking for where to watch or what time to order the wings, here is the quick look at the slate for Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Game 1: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: CBS / Paramount+
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- The Vibe: Denver is the #1 seed and they've been rested. Buffalo, the #6 seed, is coming off a gritty Wild Card win and looking to prove they belong in the title conversation.
Game 2: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: FOX / FOX One
- Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
- The Vibe: This is as personal as it gets. These two teams know each other's playbooks better than their own. Seattle is the #1 seed in the NFC, and the 49ers are essentially the "unwanted guests" coming to spoil the party at Lumen Field.
Why the Bills vs. Broncos game is actually fascinating
Honestly, most people expected Denver to cruise this year, but Buffalo has this "team of destiny" feel right now. The Broncos' defense has been a brick wall, ranking second-best in the league by allowing only about 278 yards per game. On the flip side, the Bills' offense is currently ranked fourth, racking up over 370 yards per contest.
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It’s basically the "unstoppable force meets the immovable object" trope, but with actual playoff stakes. Denver is currently a slim 1.5-point favorite. That basically means the Vegas sharps think it's a toss-up once you factor in the home-field advantage at altitude.
The 49ers and Seahawks rivalry hits a new peak
The late game is where the real drama lives tonight. Seattle snagged the #1 seed with a 14-3 record, but the 49ers just finished dismantling the Eagles in the Wild Card round.
There’s some major injury drama here, too. Seahawks QB Sam Darnold has been dealing with an oblique injury. Reports from Adam Schefter suggest he hasn't thrown much this week, but the team is "optimistic" he’ll go. If he can’t, Drew Lock is waiting in the wings. For San Francisco, they’re missing a few key pieces like Fred Warner (ankle) and Ji’Ayir Brown (hamstring), which could be a massive problem against a Seattle offense that scores over 28 points a game.
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How to stream the games if you’ve cut the cord
You don't need a traditional cable box to catch what is the nfl game on tonight. Since the games are on CBS and FOX, you have a few easy ways to watch:
- Paramount+: This is your home for the Bills/Broncos game.
- FOX Sports App: Use this for the 49ers/Seahawks game (you’ll need a login).
- Fubo or YouTube TV: Both carry CBS and FOX and usually offer free trials if you're just looking to get through the weekend.
- NFL+: You can watch on mobile devices if you're on the move.
What to watch for (The "Expert" Lens)
Watch the weather in Seattle. It’s expected to be around 44°F at kickoff with some light wind. That’s "Seahawks weather." San Francisco thrives when Christian McCaffrey can get to the edges, but if the field is slick, it might turn into a muddy interior battle that favors Seattle's defensive front.
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In Denver, the altitude is always the 12th man. Buffalo played a high-intensity game last week, and coming into the thin air of Mile High on short rest is a brutal ask. Keep an eye on Josh Allen in the fourth quarter; if he looks winded, Denver’s rest will be the story of the night.
Actionable insights for your game night
- Check the local listings: Even though these are national broadcasts, some local affiliates might have pre-game shows starting an hour early.
- Update your apps: If you're streaming on Paramount+ or FOX, log in 15 minutes early. There’s nothing worse than an "app update" screen when the ball is in the air.
- Monitor the Darnold injury: If Sam Darnold is a late scratch for Seattle, the betting line (currently Seattle -7) will likely crater.
- Prep for a long night: Playoff games, especially on FOX with the extra commercial load, tend to run long. Expect the late game to wrap up closer to 11:30 p.m. ET.
The path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara goes through these two stadiums tonight. Whether you’re rooting for the underdogs or the #1 seeds, tonight's doubleheader is essentially the best football Saturday of the year.