You're probably looking for the buffalo bills game time today because the playoff fever is basically redlining right now. I get it. The Bills just scrapped their way through a 27-24 nail-biter against the Jaguars in the Wild Card round, and now everyone is buzzing. But if you're hovering over your remote on this Thursday, January 15, 2026, here is the honest truth: the Bills aren't playing today.
NFL Divisional Round action doesn't actually kick off until Saturday. It’s a bit of a tease, honestly. You have these high-stakes matchups looming, but the league spaces them out to maximize that weekend drama. The Bills are currently in Denver, likely adjusting to that thin mountain air, while fans back in Western New York are stuck waiting through a quiet Thursday and Friday.
The Actual Buffalo Bills Game Time Today and This Weekend
Since there is no game on the schedule for today, January 15, you can breathe a little easier for the next 48 hours. The real showdown happens this Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The Buffalo Bills (12-5) are set to face the top-seeded Denver Broncos (14-3) at Empower Field at Mile High. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET. You’ll be able to catch the broadcast on CBS, or if you've fully embraced the streaming life, it’ll be live on Paramount+.
Waiting sucks. We all know it. But this extra time is actually pretty critical for the roster. Dion Dawkins, the Bills' standout left tackle, mentioned this week that he’s been spending his time running in an "altitude chamber" to prep for Denver's 5,280-foot elevation. That’s the kind of detail that separates a win from a late-game collapse when the lungs start burning in the fourth quarter.
Why Saturday is Such a Massive Deal
This isn't just another game. It’s a rematch with a side of revenge. Last season, the Bills absolutely dismantled the Broncos 31-7 in the Wild Card round at Highmark Stadium. Denver hasn't forgotten that. This year, the Broncos are the #1 seed, meaning the road to the AFC Championship goes through the Rockies.
The stats for this matchup are kind of wild:
- Buffalo Offense: Averaging 28.3 points per game (4th in the NFL).
- Denver Defense: Ranked 2nd in the league, allowing only 278.2 yards per game.
- The QB Duel: Josh Allen vs. Bo Nix. Allen has put up 3,668 passing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns this season, while Nix has quietly racked up 3,931 yards.
It is a classic "strength vs. strength" situation. Buffalo wants to air it out and let Josh Allen be a superhero, while Denver wants to use their suffocating secondary and the home-field advantage to turn the game into a low-scoring grind.
Preparing for the Saturday Kickoff
Since you aren't watching a game today, you've got time to get your setup ready. If you’re heading to Denver, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) is already warning about massive surges in ridership. Between the Bills-Broncos game at 2:30 p.m. local time and a Nuggets game later that evening, downtown Denver is going to be a madhouse.
For those of us staying on the East Coast, the 4:30 p.m. slot is actually perfect. It gives you enough time to finish your Saturday errands, get the wings ready—because let’s be real, you can't watch a Bills playoff game without them—and settle in before the sun goes down.
What to Watch for During the Wait
Keep an eye on the injury reports over the next 24 hours. There’s been some chatter about the Bills' wide receiver depth, with Josh Allen potentially down to three fully healthy targets. That could change the entire game plan, forcing more carries for James Cook III, who has been a monster this year with over 1,600 rushing yards.
If Buffalo wins, they move on to the AFC Championship on January 25. If they lose, the "Super Bowl or bust" window for this specific roster starts to look a little different. The stakes are basically as high as the stadium they’re playing in.
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To make sure you're ready for the Saturday kickoff, verify your Paramount+ login if you’re streaming or check your local CBS listings to ensure your signal is clear. If you are placing any bets, the current spread has the Broncos as a slim 1.5-point favorite, which basically means the oddsmakers think this is a coin flip. Plan your Saturday afternoon around that 4:30 p.m. ET start time to ensure you don't miss the opening drive at Mile High.
Actionable Insights:
- Double-check the time zone: The 4:30 p.m. ET start is 2:30 p.m. in Denver. Don't be the person who tunes in late because of a math error.
- Streaming Backup: If you rely on Paramount+, have the app updated and signed in on your device today to avoid "password panic" five minutes before kickoff.
- Watch the Weather: Current forecasts for Saturday in Denver show a high of 42°F. It’s not "Buffalo cold," but the wind can be a factor for special teams and deep passes.