If you’re checking the scoreboard or scrolling through your feed wondering are the denver broncos winning, the short answer is a resounding yes. But "winning" feels like an understatement for what’s actually happening at Mile High right now. This isn't just a lucky streak. We are looking at a 14-3 regular-season powerhouse that just secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Honestly, if you told a Broncos fan two years ago that Sean Payton would have this team sitting on a first-round bye in January 2026, they’d probably have asked what you were drinking. Yet, here we are.
The Current State of the Denver Broncos
The Broncos finished the 2025 regular season with a 14-3 record. That’s not just a good year; it ties the franchise record for the most wins in a single season. They officially clinched the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs after dismantling the Los Angeles Chargers 19-3 on January 4, 2026.
The city is buzzing.
Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the stakes couldn't be higher. The Broncos are currently preparing to face the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round at Empower Field at Mile High. Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM EST (1:30 PM local time). If you are looking for a live score right now and the game hasn't started yet, just know the atmosphere in Denver is electric. This is the first time the Broncos have hosted a playoff game since the 2015 season—the same year they went on to win Super Bowl 50.
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Why They Keep Winning
It’s easy to look at the standings and see the "W," but the how is much more interesting. This team is basically a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Denver finished the regular season with 68 sacks. That is an absurd number. It’s the best in the NFL this year and only four shy of the all-time 1984 Chicago Bears record.
Nik Bonitto has turned into a pure wrecking ball. He leads the team with 14 sacks, but he’s not alone. Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, and Jonathon Cooper all have seven or more. When you can rush four and still get home, you’re going to win a lot of football games.
Then there’s Bo Nix.
The sophomore slump? Yeah, it didn't happen. Nix finished the regular season with 3,931 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. Is he flashy? Not always. But he’s surgical. He led the NFL with seven game-winning drives this season. He has this weird, calm composure that reminds people of a younger Drew Brees—which, considering Sean Payton is the coach, makes a lot of sense.
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Key Players Making the Difference
You can't talk about the Broncos' success without mentioning the defense. Pat Surtain II isn't just a "good" corner anymore; he's the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. He’s essentially erased half the field for opposing coordinators.
- Bo Nix (QB): 3,931 yards, 25 TDs. The undisputed leader of the huddle.
- Nik Bonitto (OLB): 14 sacks. The primary reason Josh Allen will be looking over his shoulder today.
- Courtland Sutton (WR): 1,017 receiving yards. He’s the go-to guy when it’s 3rd and 8 and the game is on the line.
- Alex Singleton (LB): 135 tackles. The "glue" guy who prevents five-yard runs from becoming twenty-yard runs.
- Wil Lutz (K): He’s been automatic, including a 4-for-4 performance in the season finale.
Are the Denver Broncos Winning the Super Bowl Conversation?
The betting markets think they have a real shot. Currently, they are 1.5-point favorites against the Bills. The road to the Super Bowl in the AFC literally runs through Denver.
However, there is a catch. The Bills handled Denver 31-7 in the playoffs last year. That memory is still fresh. While the Broncos have the better record and the home crowd, Josh Allen is 3-1 against teams that lead the league in sacks. It’s a classic "unstoppable force meets immovable object" scenario.
One thing that gives Denver the edge? Sean Payton’s post-bye record. He is 4-0 in the playoffs when his team is coming off a week of rest. That extra week allowed guys like Courtland Sutton and Quinn Meinerz to heal up.
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What to Watch For Next
If you're following the quest of are the denver broncos winning, the Divisional Round game today is the pivot point. A win here puts them in the AFC Championship game—also at home. A loss, and the 14-3 record becomes a "what if" story.
Keep an eye on the turnover margin. Denver didn't turn the ball over once in their Week 18 win against the Chargers. If Bo Nix protects the ball and the "Orange Crush" pass rush gets to Josh Allen early, the Broncos are likely headed to the next round.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Check the Weather: It’s roughly 38°C in Denver for kickoff. The cold usually favors the home team’s ground game, led by J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey.
- Monitor Injuries: Bo Nix had a rough first half in the finale but finished healthy. Watch his mobility early in the game to see if he's 100%.
- Betting Lines: The over/under is sitting around 46.5. Given Denver's elite defense and Buffalo's explosive offense, this is a toss-up.
- Broadcasting: The game is on CBS. If you're streaming, make sure your Paramount+ or YouTube TV login is ready before the 4:30 PM EST start.
The Broncos are winning because they've built a roster that doesn't rely on a single superstar to do everything. It’s a balanced, brutal, and well-coached machine. Whether they can finish the job and bring a trophy back to Colorado is the only question left to answer.