You’re staring at the clock, the wings are probably already in the oven, and you're wondering what time does NFL start today before the first whistle blows. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026. We are officially in the heart of the Divisional Round. The Wild Card chaos is behind us, the field has narrowed, and today features two heavyweight matchups that honestly could go either way.
The first game kicks off at 4:30 PM ET. That's when the Buffalo Bills travel to the thin air of Mile High to take on the Denver Broncos. If you’re on the West Coast, you’re looking at a 1:30 PM PT start, which is basically the perfect excuse for an early liquid lunch.
Later tonight, the primetime slot belongs to the NFC West. At 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT), the San Francisco 49ers face the Seattle Seahawks in what is essentially a rubber match for the ages.
Today's NFL Playoff Schedule and Where to Watch
If you’ve been following the 2025-2026 season, you know nothing has been predictable. Bo Nix has the Broncos looking like a legitimate powerhouse under Sean Payton, and Josh Allen is, well, doing Josh Allen things. Here is the breakdown for today’s double-header.
Game 1: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos
- Kickoff Time: 4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PT
- TV Channel: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+, CBS Sports App
- The Vibe: Denver is the No. 1 seed for a reason, but the Bills are coming off a gritty win against Jacksonville. Expect high altitude to be a factor here.
Game 2: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
- Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
- TV Channel: FOX
- Streaming: FOX One, FOX Sports App, NFL+
- The Vibe: Seattle grabbed the No. 1 seed after a Week 18 win against these very Niners. Brock Purdy is looking to avenge that loss without George Kittle, while Sam Darnold—yes, playoff hero Sam Darnold—is reportedly active despite an oblique issue.
Why Today Matters More Than Most Divisional Saturdays
Usually, you get one "okay" game and one "great" game. Today? Both are high-stakes drama. The 49ers and Seahawks have already split their season series. San Francisco took the opener 17–13, and Seattle took the finale 13–3. It's a defensive slugfest waiting to happen.
If you're asking what time does NFL start today because you're trying to plan your gym session or a grocery run, give yourself a massive buffer. Playoff games in 2026 have been running long. Between the replay reviews and the inevitable tension of a one-score game, that 4:30 PM start might bleed right into the 8:00 PM kickoff.
How to Stream the Games Without Cable
Look, cable is basically a relic at this point. Most of us are toggling between apps. For the Bills-Broncos game, Paramount+ is your best friend. It’s cheap, and the stream quality is usually more stable than the sketchy sites your cousin uses.
For the nightcap on FOX, you’ll want the FOX Sports app or FOX One. If you have a digital antenna, you’re golden—both CBS and FOX are over-the-air. Honestly, the antenna is the secret weapon for NFL fans because there’s zero lag. Nothing ruins a game like hearing your neighbor scream because their stream is 30 seconds ahead of yours.
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Looking Ahead to Sunday’s Slate
Once today's games wrap up, don't put the remote away. The Divisional Round continues tomorrow, Sunday, January 18.
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: 3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: 6:30 PM ET on NBC/Peacock.
It’s a massive weekend of football. The winners today move on to the Conference Championships on January 25, and eventually, one of these teams will be at Levi’s Stadium for Super Bowl LX on February 8.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check your local listings: If you’re in a mountain or central time zone, double-check that you haven't done the math wrong. Denver kicks off at 2:30 PM local time.
- Update your apps: If you haven't opened Paramount+ or FOX One in a while, do it now. There’s nothing worse than a mandatory "version update" at 4:29 PM.
- Set your DVR: If you’re stuck at a wedding or work, both games are worth a blackout-the-phone recording.
- Monitor the injury report: Keep an eye on Sam Darnold's oblique and Christian McCaffrey’s workload. McCaffrey hasn't cleared 6.5 receptions in six games, which might tell you something about how the Niners are protecting him.
The road to the Super Bowl is getting narrow. Enjoy the games.