Josh Allen is heading into the thin air of Mile High, and honestly, the stakes couldn't be much higher for Buffalo. If you're looking for the buffalo bills game today live, you probably already know this isn't just another Saturday afternoon matchup. It’s the AFC Divisional Round. The Bills, coming off a gritty 27-24 win against the Jaguars in the Wild Card round, are now tasked with taking down the top-seeded Denver Broncos.
The game kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET today, Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Denver finished the regular season at 14-3, earning that coveted first-round bye. Meanwhile, Buffalo (13-5 including the postseason) is playing the role of the dangerous road warrior. You’ve seen this script before, but with the way Allen has been using his legs lately, this feels different. It’s "playoff Josh" versus a Denver defense that allowed the second-fewer yards in the league this year.
Where to Watch the Buffalo Bills Game Today Live
CBS has the national broadcast for this one. That means you’ll be hearing the familiar voices of Jim Nantz and Tony Romo in the booth, with Tracy Wolfson down on the sidelines. If you aren't near a TV or you’ve ditched cable, you aren't out of luck.
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- Streaming in the US: Paramount+ is your primary home for the live CBS feed. You can also catch it on NFL+ via mobile devices or through services like YouTube TV and FuboTV that carry local CBS affiliates.
- International Viewers: If you’re up north, TSN and DAZN are handling the broadcast in Canada. For those in the UK or elsewhere abroad, NFL Game Pass International is the standard move.
- Radio: If you're stuck in the car, the Bills Radio Network—led by Chris Brown and Eric Wood—will be on WGR 550 in Buffalo and various affiliates across New York.
The Injury Report: Who is actually playing?
The big news out of Orchard Park this week wasn't just the cold weather. It was the medical tent. The Bills made some massive moves on Friday, activating defensive tackle Ed Oliver and wide receiver Curtis Samuel from Injured Reserve.
It’s a huge boost. Oliver has been out since late October with a bicep injury, and the interior pass rush has missed him dearly. Samuel (elbow) gives Allen another reliable target, especially with the receiving corps already thin. However, it’s not all sunshine. Safety Jordan Poyer (hamstring) and Cornerback Maxwell Hairston (ankle) have been ruled out. Losing Poyer’s veteran leadership in the secondary against a disciplined Broncos offense is, frankly, a massive blow.
On the "Questionable" list, we've still got linebacker Terrel Bernard (calf) and running back Ty Johnson (ankle). If Bernard can't go, the middle of that Buffalo defense looks a lot softer.
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Why This Matchup is a Nightmare for Both Sides
Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High is a brutal place to play in January. The altitude wears you down, and the crowd noise is relentless. Denver’s defense is legit—they give up only about 278 yards per game. They are disciplined, they don’t beat themselves, and they’ve had an extra week to heal up.
But Buffalo has the equalizer.
The Bills' offense is currently ranked fourth in the league, averaging over 28 points per contest. When Allen is on, he’s essentially a human cheat code. The key today will be whether the Bills can establish some semblance of a run game with James Cook to keep the Denver pass rush honest. If Buffalo becomes one-dimensional, Denver’s secondary will feast.
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Interestingly, Buffalo has actually won three of the last four meetings against Denver. Past regular-season success doesn't guarantee a playoff win, but it does mean the Bills don't fear this venue. They know they can score here.
Real Talk: What the Experts are Missing
Most of the national media is focusing on the quarterback duel, but keep an eye on the special teams. With Tyler Bass on IR, the Bills are relying on veteran Michael Badgley. In a game projected with a tight 1.5-point spread, a missed 42-yarder in the mountain air could be the difference between a trip to the AFC Championship and a long flight back to Western New York.
Also, don't sleep on the elevation's impact on the Bills' defensive line rotation. Buffalo likes to sub players out frequently to stay fresh. Without Poyer in the back end, the front four must get home to Bo Nix early and often. If Nix gets comfortable and starts distributing the ball to Courtland Sutton, it’s going to be a long evening for the Buffalo faithful.
Actionable Strategy for Following the Game
If you want to stay ahead of the curve while watching the buffalo bills game today live, follow these steps:
- Monitor the Inactives: Official inactive lists come out about 90 minutes before kickoff (around 3:00 p.m. ET). Check if Terrel Bernard is suited up; his presence changes the entire defensive scheme.
- Sync the Audio: Many fans prefer the local Buffalo radio call over Romo and Nantz. If you’re streaming, try to sync the WGR 550 feed with your TV—it's a bit of a hassle but worth it for the hometown energy.
- Watch the Turnover Margin: Denver has been incredibly safe with the ball this year. If Buffalo forces an early fumble or interception, the momentum shift in that stadium will be palpable.
- Check the Weather: As of now, it's looking like typical January football. Wind gusts at Mile High can do weird things to the ball, so watch the flags on top of the goalposts before any long field goal attempts.
The road to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara goes through Denver for the Bills. It’s going to be loud, it’s going to be thin air, and it’s almost certainly going to come down to the final drive of the fourth quarter. Grab your wings, settle in, and get ready for a classic.