You’re probably refreshing your feed, checking your betting apps, or frantically Googling the score broncos game tonight because, well, it’s January and the Denver Broncos are actually good again. But here is the weird thing. If you’re looking for a final tally right this second, you won’t find it.
The Denver Broncos are not playing tonight, Thursday, January 15, 2026.
I know, I know. It feels like there should be a game. We’ve been conditioned for Thursday Night Football, but the NFL playoffs are a different beast entirely. After a monster 14-3 regular season—their best since the Manning era—Sean Payton’s squad earned the ultimate postseason luxury: the AFC’s #1 seed and a first-round bye. While the Buffalo Bills were out there grinding in the Wild Card round, Bo Nix and the rest of the Denver roster were basically home on their couches with their feet up.
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When does the real score broncos game tonight actually happen?
Technically, the "tonight" you’re looking for is actually this coming Saturday. The Broncos are scheduled to host the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round on January 17, 2026. Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM ET (2:30 PM local Denver time) at Empower Field at Mile High.
If you are seeing scores floating around today for "the Broncos," you might be looking at the college ranks. The Boise State Broncos have been busy. Their Valorant team just swept Nebraska 2-0 earlier today, and their men’s basketball team is currently gearing up for a massive Mountain West showdown against Colorado State. But for the NFL faithful? The scoreboard is currently dark.
The Bo Nix factor and the 14-3 reality
It’s kind of wild to think about where this team was two years ago. Most analysts thought the Broncos were stuck in purgatory. Instead, Bo Nix put up a rookie-of-the-year-caliber performance, finishing the season with 14 wins and a divisional title.
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The last time we actually saw a score broncos game tonight was back on January 4th. Denver absolutely suffocated the Los Angeles Chargers in a 19-3 win to clinch that top seed. That game wasn't even as close as the score looked. Ja’Quan McMillian’s 45-yard pick-six basically ended the Chargers' hopes before the beer was even cold in the stands. Wil Lutz was a machine, going 4-for-4 on field goals.
What to expect for Saturday's scoreboard
When the Bills come to town on Saturday, don't expect another 19-3 defensive slog. Buffalo is coming off a high-octane Wild Card win, and Josh Allen hasn't thrown an interception in six straight games. That’s a terrifying stat for a Denver secondary that thrives on turnovers.
Expert consensus is leaning toward a tight, one-score game. Denver’s defense, led by Nik Bonitto and Patrick Surtain II, has been the backbone of this 14-win season, but the altitude and the crowd noise are going to be the "12th man" everyone talks about. Bo Nix himself told reporters yesterday that he expects Mile High to be "kinda loud"—which is a massive understatement.
Key details for the Divisional Round
If you’re planning your weekend around the actual score broncos game tonight, here is the logistical breakdown:
- Opponent: Buffalo Bills (12-5)
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver
- TV/Streaming: CBS and Paramount+
- The Line: Broncos are currently 2.5-point favorites at most books.
- The Weather: Typical January in Colorado—expect temperatures in the low 30s at kickoff, dropping into the 20s by the fourth quarter.
Honestly, the bye week was the best thing that could have happened to this roster. Guys like Mike McGlinchey and Courtland Sutton had some nagging turf toe and hamstring issues toward the end of December. Having nearly two weeks off to get healthy while the Bills had to fly across the country is a massive strategic advantage.
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Preparing for the Bills vs. Broncos clash
Since there is no live score to track tonight, the best thing you can do is prep for Saturday. The Bills are 12-5 and playing some of the best football in the league right now. They aren't the same team that Denver beat earlier in the season.
Make sure your streaming setups are localized. If you're using Paramount+, log in early because these playoff games have a habit of crashing servers right at kickoff. Also, keep an eye on the injury reports Friday afternoon. That will be the final indicator of whether Denver’s offensive line is truly back to 100%.
The road to the Super Bowl goes through Denver this year. For the first time in over a decade, the Broncos are the team to beat in the AFC. Saturday afternoon can't get here fast enough.
Check the final injury designations on Friday afternoon to see if Courtland Sutton is cleared for a full workload. Ensure your Paramount+ or local CBS affiliate access is verified before the 4:30 PM ET kickoff on Saturday to avoid missing the opening drive. Prepare for a low-scoring, defensive battle where the turnover margin will likely determine the winner.