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So, you’re looking for what time are the nfl playoff games on today because, let’s be honest, the NFL schedule makers love to keep us on our toes. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026. We’ve survived the Wild Card carnage, and now we’re down to the "Elite Eight." If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent the morning double-checking which streaming app actually has the rights to which game because the broadcast map looks like a jigsaw puzzle this year.
Today is all about the heavy hitters coming off their byes. We’ve got the top seeds in both conferences finally hitting the turf, and the matchups are... well, they're juicy.
What Time Are the NFL Playoff Games on Today?
Seriously, don’t miss the kickoff. Here is the breakdown for Saturday’s Divisional Round doubleheader.
The first game features the Buffalo Bills at the Denver Broncos. Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m. ET. You can catch this one on CBS. If you’ve cut the cord, it’s streaming on Paramount+. This is a massive "strength vs. strength" game. You’ve got Josh Allen, who is basically a human cheat code, going into the thin air of Mile High to face a Broncos defense that has been surprisingly lockdown under the Denver sun.
Then, we transition to the nightcap. The San Francisco 49ers head to Seattle to face the Seahawks at 8:00 p.m. ET. This is the prime-time slot on FOX. If you’re streaming, you’ll want the FOX Sports app or FOX One.
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Lumen Field is going to be deafening.
It’s worth noting that these times are Eastern. If you’re on the West Coast, you’re looking at a 1:30 p.m. start for the first game. Perfect for a long lunch that turns into an "I'm not leaving this couch" afternoon.
The Storylines You Actually Care About
Honestly, the Buffalo/Denver game is the one people are overthinking. Everyone talks about the altitude, but have you seen the way the Bills handled the Jaguars last week? They look possessed. But the Broncos are the No. 1 seed for a reason. They had the week off to get healthy, and playing at Empower Field in mid-January is a nightmare for visiting teams.
Then there’s the NFC West showdown. 49ers vs. Seahawks. Again. This is the third time these two have met this season. Usually, it’s hard to beat a team three times, but the Seahawks have looked like a different beast at home. Sam Darnold has had a career resurgence in Seattle that nobody—and I mean nobody—saw coming. On the other side, Brock Purdy is trying to prove that the 49ers' late-season stumble was just a fluke.
Where to Watch (The Technical Headache)
Gone are the days when you just turned on Channel 4 and called it a day.
- The 4:30 p.m. Game (Bills vs. Broncos): CBS is the home base. If you have a digital antenna, you're golden. If not, Paramount+ is the move.
- The 8:00 p.m. Game (49ers vs. Seahawks): FOX. Most cable packages have this, and the FOX Sports app is usually pretty stable for the big games.
If you're out of the country or trying to watch on your phone, NFL+ is an option, but keep in mind they usually limit you to local and prime-time games on mobile devices. Don't find that out five minutes before kickoff.
Why the Saturday Slot Matters
The NFL loves putting the No. 1 seeds on Saturday. It gives them an extra day of rest before the Conference Championship next weekend. If the Broncos win today, they stay home next week. If the Bills pull off the upset? They’re traveling again, regardless of who wins the Texans/Patriots game tomorrow.
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There’s also the weather factor. Denver is looking at typical January temperatures—chilly, but not a "frozen tundra" situation. Seattle, however, always has that threat of mist and wind that can turn a passing game into a fumble-fest real quick.
What’s Happening Tomorrow?
Just so you can plan your Sunday recovery, the action doesn't stop today.
Tomorrow, January 18, we get the other half of the bracket. The Houston Texans visit the New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC. Then, the LA Rams take on the Chicago Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
Basically, your entire weekend is spoken for.
Quick Betting and Odds Snapshot
If you're into the spread, most books have the Broncos as slight home favorites (around -1.5). People are wary of betting against Josh Allen in the playoffs, though. The Seahawks are currently favored by about 7 points against the Niners, which feels high for a rivalry game, but the "12th Man" factor is real.
Getting Ready for Kickoff
Before the games start, make sure your apps are updated. There is nothing worse than opening Paramount+ at 4:29 p.m. only to see a "Downloading Update" bar.
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Check your snacks.
Check your internet connection.
And most importantly, check that your remote has batteries.
The path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara goes through these four cities this weekend. By tonight, we'll know half of the teams playing for a spot in the big game.
Next Steps for Your Saturday:
- Verify your login for Paramount+ or the FOX Sports app now to avoid the pre-game rush.
- Set your DVR for the 4:30 p.m. game if you think you'll be late getting home from errands.
- Monitor the active/inactive lists which usually drop about 90 minutes before kickoff to see if key players like Ricky Pearsall or Sam Darnold are fully cleared to go.