Denver sports fans are currently living through a chaotic, beautiful, and high-stakes stretch of the calendar. If you're wondering when does denver play next, the answer basically depends on which jersey you’re planning to wear. Between the Nuggets grinding through the NBA mid-season, the Avalanche defending home ice, and the Broncos entering a massive playoff showdown, the Mile High City is the center of the sporting universe right now.
Honestly, it’s a lot to keep track of. One night you're watching Nikola Jokić throw a full-court touchdown pass at Ball Arena, and the next afternoon you’re bundled up at Empower Field watching an actual playoff game. Let’s break down exactly who is playing, where they are, and why you shouldn't miss these upcoming matchups.
When Does Denver Play Next? The Broncos’ Road to the Super Bowl
The biggest story in town is undeniably the Denver Broncos. After securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a stellar 14-3 regular-season record, the quest for another ring is officially in high gear.
The Denver Broncos play next today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, against the Buffalo Bills. This isn't just another game; it’s the AFC Divisional Round. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 PM local time (4:30 PM ET) at Empower Field at Mile High.
This matchup is personal for a lot of fans. The Bills are coming in as the No. 6 seed after upsetting Jacksonville, but don't let that seed fool you. Josh Allen is playing some of the most disciplined football of his career. However, Denver has a huge advantage: the bye week. Head coach Sean Payton is notoriously good when he has extra time to prepare, and with the "Orange Crush" defense leading the league in sacks this year, the atmosphere in Denver is going to be electric.
If the Broncos win today, they’ll host the AFC Championship game right here in Denver next weekend. They would face the winner of the Patriots-Texans game. It’s the first time since the 2015 season that the Broncos have been in this position, and the city is feeling that old-school magic again.
The Nuggets’ Grueling January Slate
While the city's eyes are on the gridiron, the Denver Nuggets are quietly putting together another masterclass in basketball efficiency. They currently sit at 28-13, hovering near the top of the Western Conference.
If you’re looking for the hardwood schedule, the Denver Nuggets play next tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026, against the Washington Wizards. It’s a 7:00 PM tip-off at Ball Arena.
It’s sort of a "trap game" scenario. Washington has struggled this year (10-29), but Denver is coming off a physical stretch of games. Jamal Murray has been on a tear lately, coming off a 33-point performance against Dallas. The Nuggets' offense is currently ranked No. 1 in the NBA for field goal percentage, shooting over 50% as a team. That’s just clinical.
After tonight, the schedule doesn’t slow down:
- Sunday, January 18: vs. Charlotte Hornets (6:00 PM)
- Tuesday, January 20: vs. Los Angeles Lakers (8:00 PM) - This is part of NBA Rivals Week and will be a huge national TV game.
- Thursday, January 22: @ Washington Wizards (7:00 PM ET) - They head out for a quick East Coast trip.
When Does Denver Play Next: The Avalanche and the Quest for the Cup
Not to be outdone, the Colorado Avalanche are in the thick of a very tight Central Division race. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are doing their usual superhero things, but the schedule has been a bit weird lately with a few days off.
The Colorado Avalanche play next on Monday, January 19, 2026, against the Washington Capitals. This is a rare matinee game with a 2:00 PM MT puck drop at Ball Arena.
It’s a great chance for fans to catch a game on a holiday Monday. The Avs are coming off a Friday night clash with Nashville and are looking to stack points before heading out on a Canadian road trip later in the month.
Watching this team at home is a different experience. The speed they play with on the transition is basically unmatched in the NHL right now. If you're heading to the "Can" (Ball Arena) for this one, expect a lot of goals. Washington's defense has been leakier than usual, and the MacKinnon line is hungry.
Upcoming Avalanche Games to Circle:
- Wednesday, January 21: vs. Anaheim Ducks (7:00 PM)
- Friday, January 23: vs. Philadelphia Flyers (7:00 PM)
- Sunday, January 25: @ Toronto Maple Leafs (11:30 AM MT) - The start of a tough road swing through Ontario and Quebec.
Why This Weekend Matters More Than Usual
It’s rare to have all three major winter teams performing at this high of a level simultaneously. You've got a No. 1 seed in the NFL, a top-three seed in the NBA, and a Stanley Cup contender in the NHL.
The logistics for the city are actually kinda crazy. Tonight, the Broncos game will let out around 6:00 PM, just as thousands of Nuggets fans are descending on downtown for the 7:00 PM tip-off. If you're planning on being in the LoDo area, honestly, just take the light rail. Traffic is going to be a nightmare.
Beyond the logistics, these games are vital for seeding. The Nuggets are trying to fend off the Thunder and Timberwolves for that elusive home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. The Avalanche are trying to keep pace with a surging Dallas Stars team. And for the Broncos? Well, it’s "win or go home."
Pro Tips for Following the Schedule
If you're trying to stay on top of the when does denver play next question throughout the rest of the season, there are a few nuances to keep in mind.
First, the NFL schedule for 2026 is already being talked about. While we are focused on the playoffs right now, we already know the Broncos will face a "first-place schedule" next year. They’ll be hosting the Bills again, along with the Dolphins and the Jaguars.
Second, watch out for "flex" scheduling in the NBA. As we get later into the season, local start times can shift by 30 or 60 minutes to accommodate national broadcasts on ESPN or TNT. Always double-check the Altitude Sports broadcast schedule or the official team apps about 24 hours before game time.
Lastly, for the Avalanche fans, keep an eye on the goalie rotation. With the heavy volume of games in late January, we’re likely to see a mix of starters and backups, which can drastically change the betting lines and the "feel" of the game.
To stay ahead of the curve, sync your digital calendar with the official team sites. It’s the only way to ensure you don’t accidentally book a dinner during the AFC Championship or a Nuggets-Lakers showdown. Make sure your jerseys are clean and your voice is ready for a lot of shouting—it's a great time to be a sports fan in Colorado.
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Next Steps for Denver Sports Fans
- Check the Weather: If you're heading to the Broncos game at 2:30 PM today, remember that Mile High temperatures drop fast once the sun dips behind the stadium. Layer up.
- Ticket Check: Tickets for the Nuggets vs. Lakers on Tuesday are moving fast on the secondary market. If you want to see LeBron and AD in town, grab them now.
- TV Settings: Ensure your DVR is set for the Avalanche matinee on Monday, as the 2:00 PM start time catches a lot of people off guard.
- Gear Up: Visit the team store at Ball Arena early tonight if you're looking for the new "City Edition" Nuggets gear, as they've been selling out of popular sizes like medium and large within hours of restocks.