If you’re waking up on Saturday, January 17, 2026, wondering what NFL game today is actually worth your time, you've probably noticed the vibe is different this year. The Kansas City Chiefs are gone. Patrick Mahomes is watching from his couch. For the first time in over a decade, the AFC power vacuum is real, and the road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara starts right now in the freezing altitudes of Denver and the rainy noise of Seattle.
We have two massive Divisional Round matchups today.
First up, the Buffalo Bills travel to face the top-seeded Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Then, later tonight, it’s a classic NFC West bloodbath as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
Forget the regular season records for a second. This is where the "second season" begins, and honestly, the matchups today are kind of insane when you look at the health of these rosters and the history involved.
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Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: The 4:30 p.m. ET Clash
This is the game everyone is talking about for one reason: Josh Allen.
The Bills are coming off a gritty 27-24 win against Jacksonville last week. But they didn't leave Florida unscathed. Allen was seen getting looked at by trainers three different times in that game, yet he still managed to punch in the game-winning touchdown run. He’s basically playing on pure adrenaline and grit at this point.
On the other side, Sean Payton has turned the Denver Broncos into a disciplined, terrifying machine. They finished 14-3, secured the #1 seed, and had a week to sit back and watch the carnage of Wild Card weekend.
Why this game is a nightmare for Buffalo
- The Altitude Factor: It’s no joke. Denver’s defense is ranked #1 in the league according to the latest Offense Impact Metrics, and they use that thin air to gas out visiting offensive lines by the third quarter.
- The Rest Gap: Denver is fresh. Buffalo is bruised.
- The Turnover Battle: Buffalo has been sloppy. Against a Sean Payton-coached defense that thrives on situational football, one Josh Allen "hero-ball" interception could end their season in the first twenty minutes.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX
If you love old-school rivalries, this is your Super Bowl.
The 49ers just survived a literal heart-attack game against Philadelphia, winning 23-19 thanks to a late Christian McCaffrey touchdown. But they lost George Kittle to a torn Achilles. That is a massive, gaping hole in their offense. Kittle isn't just a pass-catcher; he's the engine of their run-blocking scheme.
Seattle is the #1 seed for a reason. They blew out the Niners 13-3 just a few weeks ago in Week 18. Sam Darnold—yeah, that Sam Darnold—has been playing like a man possessed, though he’s officially listed as questionable for today with an oblique injury.
What to watch for in Seattle
Honestly, watch the Seahawks' run game. Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet put up 171 yards on the ground against San Francisco last time. If the Niners can’t plug those gaps without the extra blocking help they usually get from their tight ends, Brock Purdy is going to be forced to throw 40+ times. That’s usually when the "Lumen Field Effect" kicks in and the noise causes those fatal pre-snap penalties.
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How to Watch and Stream the NFL Games Today
If you’re trying to figure out where to find these, it’s pretty straightforward, but the streaming landscape in 2026 is a bit of a maze.
| Game | Time (ET) | TV Channel | Streaming Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bills @ Broncos | 4:30 PM | CBS | Paramount+ |
| 49ers @ Seahawks | 8:00 PM | FOX | FOX One / NFL+ |
You've gotta remember that NFL+ Premium is now the go-to for most people who have cut the cord entirely, but if you have a local antenna, these are both broadcast games. No Amazon Prime exclusivity today—that was last week for the Bears game.
Real Talk: The Betting Lines and Logic
Look, the Broncos are favorites for a reason. They haven't lost at home in months. But betting against Josh Allen in a "do or die" scenario is a terrifying prospect. Most analysts, including the crew over at The Guardian and PFF, are split.
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The smart money seems to be on the under for the Seattle game. With Darnold’s oblique injury and the Niners missing Kittle, don't expect a 40-point shootout. Expect a 17-14 kind of night where the punters are the busiest guys on the field.
Actionable Steps for Today's Slate
If you’re planning your Saturday around what NFL game today is on your schedule, here is the best way to handle it:
- Check the Sam Darnold Status: Watch the 6:30 p.m. ET pre-game shows. If he’s out and it’s a backup quarterback for Seattle, the spread for the night game is going to shift violently.
- Monitor Josh Allen’s Mobility: In the first quarter of the Bills game, watch how he moves after his first hit. If he’s hesitant to run, the Bills' offense loses 50% of its threat level.
- Check Local Weather: Denver is expected to be clear but freezing. Seattle is looking at that typical Pacific Northwest drizzle which makes the ball slick—bad news for Brock Purdy’s smaller hand size if he has to grip a wet pigskin all night.
Enjoy the games. This is the best weekend of the football calendar, and with the Chiefs finally out of the way, the Lombardi Trophy is truly up for grabs.