If you’re currently pacing around your living room in a Josh Allen jersey, checking the guide every five minutes to see what time is the buffalo bills game on tonight, I’ve got some news that might make you want to put the chicken wings back in the fridge for a second.
The short version? There isn't a game tonight.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a tease. We’re deep into the 2026 NFL postseason, and usually, the playoffs feel like a non-stop freight train of action. But because of how the Divisional Round is structured this year, tonight—Thursday, January 15, 2026—is actually a "dark night" for the NFL. No Thursday Night Football. No playoff triple-headers. Just a lot of anticipation and maybe some nervous scrolling through injury reports.
The Buffalo Bills aren't taking the field tonight. They are currently prepping for a massive showdown against the Denver Broncos, but that clash is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
What Time Is the Buffalo Bills Game on Tonight? (The Real Schedule)
Since there is no game tonight, let’s look at the actual kickoff time so you can plan your weekend accordingly. The Bills are heading into the thin air of Colorado to face the top-seeded Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
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Here is the breakdown of the actual game time:
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. local Denver time)
- TV Channel: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+, and Fubo
It’s a bit of a bummer if you were geared up for a Thursday night spectacle, but the Saturday slot is actually a pretty legendary window for the Bills. Think back to those cold playoff games in Orchard Park; there's just something about a Saturday afternoon kickoff that feels right for playoff football.
Why isn't there a game tonight?
It’s easy to get confused. Throughout the regular season, Amazon Prime has basically trained our brains to expect football every Thursday night. However, once the playoffs hit, the "Thursday Night Football" branding disappears.
The NFL prioritizes rest and "competitive equity" during the postseason. Since the Bills just finished ousting the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card round this past Sunday (January 11), asking them to turn around and play a Divisional game on a Thursday would be brutal. The league gives these teams a full week to recover, which is why we’re seeing a Saturday/Sunday split for the final eight teams.
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What to expect from the Bills vs. Broncos matchup
If you're looking for the "expert" take, this game is essentially a coin flip. Most of the sportsbooks currently have the Broncos as a tiny 1.5-point favorite. That’s basically the oddsmakers saying, "We have no idea, but Denver is at home, so let's give them a point."
The Josh Allen Factor
Josh Allen has been playing like a man possessed. He’s 8-6 in the postseason now, and more importantly, he hasn't turned the ball over in six straight playoff games. That’s the version of Allen that wins Super Bowls. When he’s not trying to force the ball into a "hero-ball" window, the Bills are almost impossible to beat.
The Injury Situation
This is the part Bills fans should actually be paying attention to tonight instead of looking for a kickoff. Head coach Sean McDermott has already ruled out safety Jordan Poyer (hamstring) and cornerback Maxwell Hairston (ankle). That’s a massive blow to the secondary.
On the flip side, we’re seeing some "questionable" tags that could go either way. Ed Oliver (bicep) and Curtis Samuel (elbow) have both been limited in practice this week. If Oliver can't go, the Bills' interior pass rush takes a huge hit, which is bad news when you’re facing a young, mobile QB like Bo Nix.
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Where to watch and listen
When Saturday finally rolls around, you’ll find the broadcast on CBS. Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will be on the call, which usually means we're in for some "Ooh, I don't know about that one, Jim!" commentary.
If you’re stuck in the car or working, the Bills Radio Network is still the gold standard. Chris Brown and Eric Wood bring a level of energy that you just don't get from the national TV guys. In Buffalo, that's WGR 550, but they’ve got affiliates all over New York, from Rochester to Syracuse.
Actionable Steps for the Bills Fan
- Check the Final Injury Report: Wait until Friday afternoon to see the official status of Ed Oliver and Terrel Bernard. Their presence (or absence) changes the entire betting line.
- Adjust Your Streaming Apps: If you're planning to stream via Paramount+, make sure your subscription is active before the 4:30 p.m. kickoff on Saturday. There's nothing worse than a login error while the opening kickoff is in the air.
- Plan for the Altitude: If you're one of the lucky fans traveling to Denver, remember that Empower Field is at 5,280 feet. Drink twice as much water as you think you need. The "mile-high" effect is real, both for the players and the fans in the stands.
So, while you won't find the Buffalo Bills game on tonight, the countdown to Saturday is officially on. Use this extra time to hydrate, find your lucky socks, and maybe scout how the Broncos' defense handled the blitz in their last few regular-season games.