If you’re refreshing your feed and frantically asking did the Buffalo Bills win today, you can take a deep breath—but only for a second. Today is Friday, January 16, 2026, and the short answer is no, because they didn’t actually play today.
But don't go anywhere.
The Bills are currently in the thick of a high-stakes postseason run that has the entire 716 on edge. While the stadium lights are dark today, the team is likely already on a plane or touching down in the Mile High City. After a gritty, season-saving performance last weekend, Buffalo is moving onto the next round of the AFC playoffs.
Honestly, the tension is palpable. You’ve got a team that barely squeezed into the dance now looking like a legitimate threat to the top seeds.
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What happened in the last Bills game?
To understand where we are, you have to look at what happened this past Sunday, January 11. The Bills traveled to Jacksonville for a Wild Card showdown that aged every fan in Western New York by about ten years.
It was a total dogfight.
Josh Allen basically willed the team to victory, finishing with a 27-24 win over the Jaguars. It wasn't just a win; it was Buffalo's first road playoff victory in over 30 years. Think about that. The last time they did that, Jim Kelly was still under center and Zubaz were unironic fashion statements.
Allen was ridiculous. He went 28-of-35 for 273 yards. But the real story was his legs. He punched in two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner with just about a minute left on the clock. The dude took hits that would've folded a lawn chair and just kept coming. Khalil Shakir was also a total safety valve, hauling in 12 catches.
Did the Buffalo Bills win today and who do they play next?
Since there was no game today, all eyes are on tomorrow.
The Bills are scheduled to face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET at Empower Field at Mile High.
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This isn't just any game. It's a rematch.
Last year, the Bills absolutely dismantled the Broncos 31-7 in the Wild Card round. But this isn't that same Denver team. The Broncos are the No. 1 seed this year. They’ve won 14 games and have been resting up while Buffalo was busy bruising their ribs in Florida. Sean Payton has that squad playing incredibly disciplined football.
Key details for the next game:
- Matchup: (6) Buffalo Bills at (1) Denver Broncos
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: CBS / Paramount+
- Location: Denver, Colorado
Why the Bills might actually pull this off
Look, being the No. 6 seed is usually a death sentence, but this Bills team feels... different? Sorta.
They finished the regular season 12-5 and had to play their starters all the way through Week 18 just to secure their spot. Usually, you’d worry about burnout. But Josh Allen hasn't thrown an interception in six straight games. That is a wild stat for a guy known for "hero ball." If he stays clean and James Cook continues to find lanes against a Denver defense that is admittedly stout against the run, they have a shot.
The altitude in Denver is the real "X" factor here. Buffalo played in the humidity of Jacksonville last week and now they’re heading into the thin air of the Rockies. Conditioning is going to be everything in the fourth quarter.
Real talk: The stakes for Buffalo
If the Bills win tomorrow, they head to the AFC Championship game. They’d face either the New England Patriots or the Houston Texans.
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It’s crazy to think about, but the Patriots actually won the AFC East this year. Seeing a potential Bills-Patriots matchup for a trip to the Super Bowl is the kind of stuff that keeps NFL executives up at night with joy. But first, they have to survive Mile High.
The oddsmakers aren't exactly sold on the "Bills Mafia" magic just yet. Denver is currently a 1.5-point favorite. It’s basically a toss-up.
Actionable steps for Bills fans
Since you're waiting for the big game tomorrow, here is how you can actually prepare:
- Check the injury report tonight: Keep a close eye on the status of the secondary. Playing in Denver requires a lot of rotation, so depth is going to matter.
- Sync your streaming: If you’re watching on Paramount+, make sure your app is updated today. Nothing ruins a playoff game like a "buffering" circle during a 40-yard bomb to Dalton Kincaid.
- Monitor the Denver weather: Current forecasts show a chilly but clear evening in Denver, which favors the passing game more than a snowy slog would.
- Check local listings: If you're in the Buffalo area, remember this is a Saturday afternoon game. Adjust your grocery runs and wings orders accordingly.
The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting narrow. Whether or not the Bills can keep this momentum going depends entirely on if "Playoff Josh" shows up in his final form tomorrow afternoon.