So, you’re looking for the kickoff time. It's Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and if you’re frantically checking your watch or refreshing your sports apps to see what time do broncos play today, I have some news that might make you breathe a little easier—or maybe just a bit more impatient.
The Denver Broncos do not play today.
I know, I know. After the absolute heater they’ve been on, ending the season with a 14-3 record and finally—finally—toppling the Chiefs' decade-long AFC West reign, the itch for playoff football is real. But because Sean Payton steered this ship to the No. 1 seed in the AFC, the Broncos earned themselves a first-round bye. While the rest of the league was beating each other up during Wild Card weekend, Bo Nix and the crew were likely resting up and watching film.
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When is the next Broncos game?
The wait is almost over. The NFL officially slated the Broncos to return to the turf this coming Saturday.
Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The matchup is a heavy one. The Buffalo Bills are coming to Empower Field at Mile High for the AFC Divisional Round. This isn't just any game; it’s a rematch of last year's Wild Card heartbreak where the Bills handed Denver a 31-7 loss. This time, the thin air is on Denver's side.
The Kickoff Details
If you’re planning your Saturday around this, here is the breakdown:
- Kickoff Time: 2:30 p.m. MT (which is 4:30 p.m. ET for those out east).
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO.
- TV Channel: CBS.
- Streaming: Paramount+.
- Radio: 850 KOA.
It’s an afternoon game. That means tailgating starts early. The parking lots at Mile High usually open about four and a half hours before kickoff, so expect the orange and blue smoke to be rising by 10:00 a.m. local time.
Why the No. 1 Seed Matters So Much Right Now
Earning that top seed wasn't just about bragging rights or a week off. Honestly, it might be the only reason the Broncos are the favorites right now.
Look at the Bills. Josh Allen and his squad just played a physical game against the Jaguars. They have to travel to altitude and play their second game in just six days. Meanwhile, the Broncos haven't played a meaningful snap since January 4th. They’ve had 13 days of recovery.
In the NFL, that kind of rest is basically a superpower.
Payton has been a bit "salty" lately—his words, basically—about the offense's performance in the final weeks of the regular season. Sure, they beat the Chargers 19-3 in Week 18, but they didn't score a single offensive touchdown. Settling for four field goals doesn't exactly scream "Super Bowl bound." But when you have the No. 1 defense and a rookie quarterback who has shown he can manage a game under pressure, you win ugly. And in January, an ugly win is still a win.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Divisional Round
There's a common misconception that the "rust vs. rest" debate is a toss-up. People worry the Broncos will come out flat because they haven't hit anyone in two weeks.
Statistically? The No. 1 seed wins the Divisional Round significantly more often than not. Since the playoff format expanded, the home-field advantage at Mile High is arguably the most distinct in the league. The "rest" allows key players who have been nursing "minor" injuries—guys like the four currently on the report—to actually get back to 100%.
The Bills are coming in as 1.5-point favorites in some spots, which is kind of wild considering Denver is the top seed at home. It shows the betting markets still trust Josh Allen’s playoff experience over Bo Nix’s breakout season.
Key Storylines to Watch
- The Revenge Factor: Last year's 31-7 blowout in Buffalo stayed with this locker room. Troy Franklin and Nix have been vocal about wanting another shot at that secondary.
- The Red Zone Woes: Going 0-for-3 in the red zone against the Chargers was a wake-up call. If Denver doesn't find the end zone against Buffalo, field goals won't be enough to keep up with Josh Allen.
- The Altitude: Buffalo is a cold-weather team, so they won't mind the January temperature. But you can't simulate the oxygen levels. Watch for the Bills' defensive line to rotate more frequently in the second half.
Preparing for Saturday
If you were looking for what time do broncos play today, use this Wednesday gap to get your logistics sorted.
If you're headed to the stadium, the VIP Tailgate kicks off at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. If you’re staying home, make sure the Paramount+ app is updated or your cable box isn't acting up.
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We are two home wins away from Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. The path goes through Denver. It starts Saturday afternoon. Keep an eye on the weather reports as we get closer to the weekend, but for now, enjoy the Wednesday peace before the madness begins.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the final injury report coming out Friday afternoon to see if the four limited participants are cleared for full contact.
- Download the Broncos official app for real-time gate entries and stadium maps if you're attending in person.
- Sync your calendar for 2:30 p.m. MT on Saturday to ensure you don't miss the opening kickoff on CBS.