If you’re checking the Denver Broncos score for today, you already know the energy in Colorado is different right now. The air is thin, the stadium is shaking, and the stakes haven't been this high since the Peyton Manning era. Today, January 17, 2026, isn't just another Saturday. It’s the AFC Divisional Round. The No. 1 seed Denver Broncos are hosting the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High, and honestly, it’s the rematch everyone has been sweating over for a year.
Remember last year? The Bills absolutely dismantled Denver 31-7 in the Wild Card round. It was ugly. But this 2025-26 Broncos squad, led by Sean Payton, finished the regular season at 14-3. They aren't the "just happy to be here" team anymore. They’ve had a week to rest, game-plan, and watch Josh Allen scramble his way through the Wild Card round.
Live Updates: Denver Broncos Score for Today and Game Flow
The game kicked off at 2:30 PM MT (4:30 PM ET) on CBS. As of right now, we are seeing a defensive heavyweight fight.
Denver’s defense, bolstered by mid-season additions like Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga, is playing with a chip on its shoulder. Pat Surtain II has been locked on Khalil Shakir, and the pass rush led by Jonathon Cooper and Jonah Elliss is making Josh Allen work for every single yard.
Why the First Half Defined the Vibe
The Broncos came out aggressive. You’ve got to love Payton’s willingness to take shots early. On the opening drive, Denver moved the ball effectively using a mix of short passes and power running. They didn’t settle for field goals early, which was a major criticism of the team earlier in the season.
- Quarter 1: Denver 7, Buffalo 3. A late touchdown pass put the Broncos up, but Buffalo’s Tyler Bass answered with a booming field goal.
- Quarter 2: The "Mile High Magic" started to kick in. Denver’s conditioning is clearly superior in this altitude. Buffalo looked a bit gassed toward the end of the half.
- Halftime: Denver leads 17-10.
It’s not just about the numbers on the scoreboard, though. It’s the way they’re playing. Denver is winning the time of possession battle. They are keeping Allen off the field, which is basically the only way to beat the Bills when they’re clicking.
The Factors Deciding the Denver Broncos Score for Today
You can’t talk about the Denver Broncos score for today without talking about the weather and the noise. Empower Field is notorious for being a nightmare for visiting quarterbacks. The crowd is registered at over 100 decibels today. That leads to false starts. It leads to wasted timeouts.
Buffalo is a 12-5 team that just survived a 27-24 nail-biter against Jacksonville. They are battle-tested, but they are also bruised. James Cook has been struggling to find lanes against a Denver front seven that has allowed less than 4 yards per carry over the last month of the season.
Defensive Masterclass or Offensive Fireworks?
Honestly, most people expected a shootout. Josh Allen vs. this revamped Denver offense? Sounds like a 35-34 kind of game. But the reality is much grittier.
The Broncos' secondary is playing lights out. Safety Brandon Jones being on IR was a concern, but the depth has stepped up. If Denver wins this, it’s because they forced Allen into those "hero ball" mistakes—the kind where he tries to thread a needle and finds a Broncos jersey instead.
How the Broncos Reached This Point
To understand why the Denver Broncos score for today matters so much, you have to look at the regular season. This wasn't a fluke.
- Dominant Home Record: Denver went 8-1 at home this year.
- Clean Football: They finished top 5 in the league in turnover margin.
- The Sean Payton Effect: The discipline is night and day compared to two years ago.
They secured the No. 1 seed over the New England Patriots (also 14-3) thanks to tiebreakers. That bye week was crucial. While Buffalo was banging heads with the Jaguars last Sunday, Denver was in the film room and the cold tubs.
Key Stats to Watch in the Second Half
If you’re tracking the Denver Broncos score for today on your phone, keep an eye on these specific metrics. They’ll tell you who wins before the clock hits zero.
- Third Down Efficiency: If Denver stays above 45%, they win.
- Red Zone Trips: Buffalo is dangerous, but they’ve been settling for three points too often lately.
- Pressure Rate: If Jonah Elliss gets home for more than two sacks, Allen will start seeing ghosts.
The Bills are currently trying to utilize Dalton Kincaid over the middle to bypass the edge rushers. It’s working in spurts. But when the Broncos tighten up in the red zone, Buffalo’s windows get tiny.
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What’s Next for the Winner?
The winner of this matchup moves on to the AFC Championship Game on January 25, 2026. If the Denver Broncos score for today stays in the win column, they will host that game right here in Denver. Their opponent will be the winner of tomorrow’s Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots game.
The path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is wide open. But you can't look at February yet. You have to finish the fourth quarter against a Buffalo team that never knows when to quit.
Steps to Take Now
To stay fully updated on the final result and the fallout from this Divisional Round clash, here is what you should do:
Monitor the Official Drive Tracker
Don't just look at the final score. Use the NFL's official GameCenter or the CBS Sports app to watch the "Win Probability" graph. It’s been swinging wildly all afternoon, reflecting just how close these two titans are.
Check the Post-Game Injury Report
In a game this physical, the score is only half the story. If the Broncos advance, the health of guys like Evan Engram and Pat Surtain II will be the biggest storyline heading into the AFC Championship.
Review the Playoff Bracket
Take a look at the NFC side as well. The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers are kicking off their own Divisional battle later tonight. The road to the Super Bowl is becoming a "West Coast vs. Everyone" narrative, and Denver is right at the center of it.
Keep your eyes on the clock. The fourth quarter at Mile High is where legends—and heartbreaks—are made.