So, you’re scrambling to find out what time the buffalo game is because you probably realized the playoffs move fast and the schedule is a mess. I get it. Honestly, tracking the NFL postseason feels like a part-time job some weeks.
The Buffalo Bills are hitting the road to face the Denver Broncos today, Saturday, January 17, 2026. This is the AFC Divisional Round, and the stakes are basically through the roof. If you're looking for the quick answer: Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET. That’s 2:30 p.m. local time if you happen to be in Denver or somewhere else in the Mountain Time zone. Don't be late. Josh Allen in the postseason is usually must-watch television, for better or worse.
What Time is the Buffalo Game and How to Watch
If you’re sitting on your couch wondering which remote to grab, the game is on CBS. They’ve got the A-team on the call today, too. We’re talking Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, and Tracy Wolfson on the sidelines.
If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't totally out of luck. You can stream the whole thing on Paramount+, provided you have a subscription. If you’re one of those people who still listens to the radio (nothing wrong with that, the local calls are often better anyway), Chris Brown and Eric Wood will be handling the Bills Radio Network broadcast.
The turnaround here is actually kinda wild. The Bills just finished a physical, bone-bruising Wild Card win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday (27-24, for those who missed it). That means Buffalo is playing two high-stakes playoff games in just six days.
Meanwhile, Denver has been sitting at home, eating wings and watching film because they earned that No. 1 seed bye.
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Why the 4:30 p.m. Slot Matters
There is a specific rhythm to Saturday playoff games. The 4:30 p.m. ET slot is usually the "warm-up" for the nightcap, but this year, it feels like the main event for AFC fans. The Broncos are currently favored by about 1.5 points. That’s basically a toss-up. Vegas is saying they have no idea what’s going to happen, and neither do I, frankly.
Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High is a nightmare for visiting teams. The altitude is real. You’ll see guys on the Buffalo sideline sucking wind on oxygen tanks by the second quarter.
The Matchup: What Most People Get Wrong
People keep talking about Bo Nix versus Josh Allen like it's a simple rookie-vs-vet story. It’s not. Nix has been surprisingly efficient for the Broncos this season, leading them to a 14-3 record. But Allen is... well, he’s Josh Allen. He’s the guy who will throw a 60-yard touchdown and then an interception directly to a linebacker on the very next drive.
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Buffalo’s defense has been the secret sauce lately. They finished the regular season with the league's best pass defense, allowing only about 157 yards per game. That’s insane. If they can make Nix look like a freshman again, Buffalo might actually pull off the upset.
But there’s a catch. The Bills' run defense is, well, it's bad. They rank near the bottom of the league, giving up over 136 yards on the ground per contest. If Denver just decides to run the ball down their throats to keep Allen off the field, it’s going to be a long afternoon for Bills Mafia.
Key Stats for Today
- Buffalo Record: 12-5 (Regular Season) + Wild Card Win
- Denver Record: 14-3 (Regular Season)
- Weather Forecast: Chilly. Expect temperatures around 35°F at kickoff.
- The Spread: Denver -1.5
What to Watch For
Keep an eye on the first two drives. If Buffalo looks sluggish because of the short week and the altitude, this could get ugly fast. Sean McDermott has his work cut out for him trying to keep these guys fresh.
Also, watch the turnovers. Buffalo has a +1 turnover margin on the season, which is middle-of-the-pack. In a game this close, one "Hero Ball" moment from Allen that goes the wrong way will end their season.
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Honestly, the Bills have won three of their last four against Denver. They aren't scared of the orange and blue. But playing at Mile High in January is a different beast than a regular-season game in Orchard Park.
Check your cable or streaming login now. There is nothing worse than trying to reset a password while the kickoff highlights are already playing.
Get your snacks ready. At 4:30 p.m. ET today, we find out if the Bills are actually Super Bowl contenders or if the "rest vs. rust" debate for Denver was just noise.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify your Paramount+ login or ensure your antenna is positioned for CBS at least 30 minutes before the 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
- If you are betting the over/under (currently 46.5), keep an eye on the Denver wind speeds, which can swirl and ruin the kicking game.
- Download the NFL app for live box score updates if you have to be away from the TV during the first half.