If you're frantically checking your phone to see what time does the Broncos play, you're probably feeling that mix of nerves and excitement that only playoff football brings. This isn't just another Sunday in September. It is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and the Denver Broncos are back in the thick of the postseason after a decade-long drought.
The short answer? The Denver Broncos kick off against the Buffalo Bills at 4:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. local Denver time) today.
But if you've spent any time following this team under Sean Payton this year, you know the "when" is only half the story. The atmosphere at Empower Field at Mile High is expected to be electric, partly because Denver secured the No. 1 seed with a 14-3 record—tying a franchise high set way back in 1998. It’s been a long road back.
Breaking Down the Kickoff: What Time Does The Broncos Play?
Timing is everything in the playoffs. The NFL doesn't just toss these games onto the schedule; they’re orchestrated for maximum eyeballs. Today’s matchup is the opening act of the Divisional Round weekend.
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. MT
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- TV Channel: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+
If you are heading to the stadium, the parking lots usually open about four and a half hours before kickoff, so expect the tailgating to be in full swing by 10:00 a.m. local time. Honestly, the traffic around I-25 is going to be a nightmare. Give yourself an extra hour. Seriously.
Why the 2:30 p.m. Local Start Matters
There is a weird psychological thing with afternoon starts in Denver. The sun starts to dip behind the Rockies during the second half, and the temperature drops fast. While it might be a crisp 45 degrees at kickoff, by the time the fourth quarter rolls around, that Mile High air gets biting.
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Buffalo is used to the cold, obviously. But the thin air is a different beast. Watching Josh Allen try to keep pace with a rested Denver defense in that altitude is going to be the game's real story.
Where to Watch and Who’s Calling the Game
Since it's a CBS broadcast, you're getting the A-team. You’ve probably got Jim Nantz and Tony Romo on the call. If you aren't near a TV, Paramount+ is the easiest way to stream it, provided your subscription is active.
Don't bother looking for it on Fox or ESPN today. Saturday’s early window belongs to CBS. The late game tonight features the Seahawks and the 49ers, but that's over on Fox, so don't get the channels mixed up when you're flipping around at halftime.
The Stakes: Why This Game is Different
For those asking what time does the Broncos play because they’re placing a last-minute bet or setting up a watch party, here is the context you need. Denver hasn't won a playoff game since Super Bowl 50. That is a ten-year gap that felt like a lifetime for fans who grew up on John Elway and Peyton Manning.
Sean Payton has this team playing a brand of disciplined football we haven't seen in ages. They finished the season with a turnover margin that puts them in the top tier of the league. Meanwhile, Buffalo is coming off a gritty 27-24 win over the Jaguars in the Wild Card round. They’re battle-tested, but they’re also traveling on a short week to play in the mountains.
Real Talk on the Matchup
The Bills have the best pass defense in the league right now, allowing only 156.9 yards per game. That’s insane. Denver’s offensive line, led by All-Pros Garett Bolles and Quinn Meinerz, has to be perfect today. If they can’t establish the run and force Buffalo to respect the play-action, it’s going to be a long afternoon for the Broncos.
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Basically, if Denver can’t exploit Buffalo’s run defense—which is surprisingly bottom-five this year—they might find themselves in a shootout they don't want.
Quick Tips for Your Watch Party
- Check your signal: If you’re streaming, restart your router now. Nothing kills the vibe like a "buffering" wheel when the Broncos are in the red zone.
- Appetizers: If the game starts at 2:30 p.m. MT, you want the food ready by 2:15 p.m.
- The "Payton" Factor: Watch how the Broncos use the first 15 scripted plays. Sean Payton is 4-0 in the playoffs when coming off a bye week. He’s had two weeks to dissect this Buffalo defense.
Knowing what time does the Broncos play is just the first step. Navigating the hype, the altitude, and the sheer tension of a Divisional home game is another thing entirely.
What to Do Next
- Confirm your local listings: Double-check your cable provider for CBS (usually channel 4 in Denver).
- Sync your apps: Download the NFL app or the Broncos official app for real-time stats if you’re away from the screen.
- Layer up: If you’re one of the lucky 76,000 at the stadium, wear the orange, but bring the heavy coat. The sun goes down, and the temperature follows.
The path to Super Bowl LX goes through Denver this year. Don't miss the kickoff.
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Actionable Next Steps:
Make sure your Paramount+ login is working at least 30 minutes before the 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff to avoid any last-minute authentication headaches. If you're attending in person, aim to be in your seat by 2:00 p.m. MT to catch the pre-game introductions and the flyover, which is always a highlight at Mile High.