If you are frantically checking your phone to see what time is bronco game today, I have some news that might make you want to throw your remote—or maybe just pour an extra coffee.
The Denver Broncos aren't playing today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
I know, I know. It’s a Sunday in January. The playoffs are literally happening as you read this. But because Sean Payton’s squad actually lived up to the hype this year, things are a little different for the Mile High faithful. After that absolute nail-biter of a 33-30 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills yesterday (Saturday), the Broncos have officially punched their ticket to the AFC Championship.
Basically, they earned a day off while the rest of the conference beats each other up.
The Denver Broncos 2026 Playoff Reality
So, if the Broncos aren't on your TV right now, what are you supposed to watch? Well, today’s slate actually determines who Denver will face next week to decide who goes to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara.
Today’s "must-watch" game for any Broncos fan is the Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots. That game kicks off at 3:00 PM ET (1:00 PM in Denver) on ABC and ESPN.
Why should you care? Because the winner of that game has to travel to Empower Field at Mile High next weekend. Since the Broncos secured the #1 seed with a 14-3 regular-season record, the road to the Super Bowl officially runs through the thin air of Colorado.
Honestly, watching the Texans and Pats today is like scouting your next opponent in a video game. You want to see who looks tired, who’s dealing with injuries, and—most importantly—who looks like they can handle a cold January afternoon in Denver.
When do the Broncos play next?
Mark your calendars right now. The Denver Broncos will play on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
The kickoff for the AFC Championship is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET (1:00 PM local Denver time). It’s going to be on CBS. If you’ve cut the cord, you can catch it on Paramount+ or NFL+.
It has been ten years. Ten long, sometimes painful years since this team was in this position. The 2015 season feels like a lifetime ago, back when Peyton Manning was taking snaps and the "No Fly Zone" was terrorizing receivers. Now, with Bo Nix leading the charge and Patrick Surtain II locking down an entire side of the field, the energy in the city is just different.
What Time Is Bronco Game Today: Common Misconceptions
People get confused because the NFL loves to flex games and split the Divisional Round across two days. Since the Broncos played that Saturday afternoon thriller against Buffalo, many fans wake up Sunday morning assuming it's "Game Day" part two.
- The Saturday vs. Sunday split: The NFL always splits the four divisional games. Denver got the Saturday slot this year.
- The "Home Field" Advantage: Because Denver is the top seed, they won't be traveling. If you were looking for flight times, save your money for the Super Bowl.
- Today's Schedule: * 3:00 PM ET: Texans at Patriots (AFC)
- 6:30 PM ET: Rams at Bears (NFC)
If you're looking for Broncos content today, you’re basically looking for highlights of yesterday’s OT win. That 33-30 victory wasn't just a win; it was a statement. Seeing Garett Bolles and Quinn Meinerz dominate the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter showed that this team is built for "trench warfare" in the playoffs.
How to Prepare for the AFC Championship
Since you have a free Sunday, you might as well get your setup ready for next week. If you're heading to the stadium on the 25th, remember that parking lots at Empower Field usually open about four to five hours before kickoff. For a 1:00 PM local start, you’ll want to be in line by 8:30 or 9:00 AM if you want a decent tailgate spot.
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If you are watching from home, check your subscriptions.
- Paramount+ is the easiest way to stream the CBS broadcast.
- YouTube TV or Fubo are the go-to for the full "cable" experience.
- KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM is still the gold standard for radio if you're stuck in the car.
It’s kinda wild to think about how far this team has come. Most experts had them winning maybe nine games this year. Instead, they tied the franchise record with 14 wins. They aren't just "happy to be here" anymore. They are the team everyone else is afraid of.
So, while the answer to what time is bronco game today is technically "not today," the countdown to next Sunday has already begun.
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Take today to watch the Texans and Patriots beat the brakes off each other. Then, get ready. Next Sunday at 1:00 PM Mountain Time, the loudest stadium in the NFL is going to be rocking for a trip to the Super Bowl.
Keep an eye on the injury report this week, specifically regarding any lingering soreness for Bo Nix after that final drive yesterday. You should also verify your local CBS affiliate's broadcast schedule by mid-week to ensure no regional blackout issues, though for a conference championship, that's almost never an issue. Start prepping the guest list for next Sunday now—Denver is one win away from the big show.