If you woke up today looking for a massive list of NFL playoff scores from yesterday, January 16, 2026, you might be a little confused. Honestly, it was a weirdly quiet day on the professional football front. While the Wild Card round basically lit the world on fire last weekend with one-score games and massive comebacks, Friday was the calm before the storm.
Basically, there were no NFL playoff games yesterday.
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The league decided to keep the Friday schedule clear to build tension for the Divisional Round, which kicks off later today. If you're feeling that itch for postseason action, you aren't alone. We’re coming off a week where the Chicago Bears clawed back from a 21-3 halftime deficit to stun the Packers, and the 49ers barely escaped Philadelphia with their lives. But yesterday? It was all about the regular season in other leagues and the "minor leagues" of hockey.
Why the NFL Schedule Looked Empty Yesterday
The NFL is very protective of its playoff atmosphere. By skipping Friday, they ensure that the Divisional matchups—like the Buffalo Bills heading into the high altitude of Denver to face the Broncos—get the full spotlight.
Instead of professional football, sports fans yesterday had to look toward the NBA and NHL regular seasons to get their fix. If you follow the NBA, the L.A. Clippers pulled off a gritty 121-117 overtime win against Toronto. It wasn't a playoff game, but it sure felt like one. The energy in these mid-January stretches is starting to shift as teams realize the postseason isn't that far off for them either.
Over in the NHL, it was a high-scoring night. The Carolina Hurricanes absolutely dismantled the Florida Panthers with a 9-1 blowout. It was one of those games where you almost felt bad for the goalie by the second period.
What Actually Happened in the "Playoffs" Yesterday?
While the big leagues were idle on the postseason front, the junior hockey circuits and the American Hockey League (AHL) were in full swing with high-stakes matchups. For those who follow the AHL, the Manitoba Moose managed to take down Laval in a 2-1 shootout. It’s a different kind of pressure. These guys are playing for their lives, trying to get the call-up to the show, and that intensity was all over the ice last night.
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In the Western Hockey League (WHL), the Prince George Cougars outlasted Kamloops in a 7-6 overtime thriller. Seven to six! That’s not a hockey score; that’s a football score. If you want to talk about who won playoff games yesterday in a literal sense, you have to look at these regional and junior tiers, because the NFL was busy prepping its stadiums for today’s doubleheaders.
Looking Ahead: The Divisional Round Begins
Since yesterday was a wash for NFL scores, all eyes are on today, Saturday, January 17. This is where the real drama starts. We have two massive games on the docket that were the talk of every sports bar yesterday.
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: This is the one everyone is eyeing. Josh Allen is playing some of the best football of his career, but Denver’s defense at home is a different animal. The Broncos are coming off a bye, which usually helps, but sometimes that "rust vs. rest" debate becomes very real.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: A classic NFC West rivalry. The Seahawks are the No. 1 seed for a reason, and Lumen Field is expected to be deafening. Sam Darnold is looking for his first career playoff win, and he has to do it against a Niners team that just knocked out the defending champ Eagles.
The 49ers are definitely the "team nobody wants to play" right now. They look beatable for three quarters and then Christian McCaffrey just decides the game is over. It’s frustrating to watch if you're pulling for the underdog, but you have to respect the efficiency.
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Real-World Stakes for Today's Winners
The winners of today's games move one step closer to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. For Denver, a win today validates their entire season as the AFC's top dog. For Buffalo, it would be their first road playoff win in decades.
If you're betting or just playing fantasy, keep an eye on the weather in Denver. It’s January. It’s cold. The ball is going to feel like a rock. That usually favors the run game and defenses that can force turnovers in the red zone.
Actionable Next Steps for Sports Fans
- Check the Kickoff Times: The Bills and Broncos start at 4:30 PM ET on CBS. Don't be late; the first quarter in Denver usually sets the entire tone for the game.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Keep a close watch on George Kittle’s status for the 49ers. He’s been banged up, and without him, Brock Purdy loses his most reliable safety valve.
- Sync Your Streaming: If you aren’t near a TV, make sure your Paramount+ or Fox Sports apps are logged in and updated. There’s nothing worse than a forced update during a 4th-and-goal situation.
- Set Your Reminders for Tomorrow: Don't forget that the Texans take on the Patriots and the Rams face the Bears on Sunday. The Divisional Round is a sprint, not a marathon.
The sports world was quiet yesterday so it could scream today. Grab your jersey, get the snacks ready, and settle in. The road to the Super Bowl is finally getting narrow.