So, you’re staring at the clock and wondering exactly how much time left in the Broncos game is actually relevant right now. Well, honestly, if you’re looking for a live countdown this very second on Thursday, January 15, 2026, there isn't one. Why? Because the Denver Broncos aren't actually on the field today.
They are currently in the eye of the storm. After earning a first-round bye as the top seed in the AFC with a stellar 14-3 regular-season record, Sean Payton's squad is resting up. But don't put the jersey away just yet. The real countdown is ticking toward the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs.
When does the clock start?
The Broncos are scheduled to face the Buffalo Bills this coming Saturday, January 17, 2026. Kickoff is locked in for 2:30 p.m. MT (4:30 p.m. ET) at Empower Field at Mile High.
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Basically, we are roughly 48 hours away from the first postseason snap in Denver since the 2015 season. That’s a long time. Over a decade of waiting for playoff football to return to the Mile High City, and the city is feeling it. Bo Nix, who has basically become the franchise's savior this year with nearly 4,000 passing yards, mentioned in a press conference this morning that he expects the environment to be "kinda loud." That’s an understatement.
The Buffalo Bills hurdle
Josh Allen and the sixth-seeded Bills are coming off a tight 27-24 win over the Jaguars. They’re hot. Denver, on the other hand, is coming off a week of rest. History is on Denver's side here, though. The Broncos hold a massive 17-5 all-time home postseason record.
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If you’re checking the "time left" because you’re worried about the two-minute warning or a specific drive, you’ve got to hold that breath until Saturday afternoon. The game will be broadcast nationally on CBS and Paramount+.
Critical Game Info for Saturday:
- Matchup: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. MT
- Venue: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- TV/Streaming: CBS, Paramount+
Why people are confused about the timing
Sometimes the search for how much time left in the Broncos game gets messy because of other teams. For example, the Santa Clara Broncos (college basketball) are actually playing a game tonight, January 15, at 6 p.m. against the University of Portland. If you’re a basketball fan, that’s your live answer. But for the NFL faithful, we are in the "calm before the storm" phase.
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The NFL Divisional Round is a two-day sprint. While Denver handles business on Saturday afternoon, the Seahawks and 49ers will play the nightcap. Sunday features the Patriots hosting the Texans and the Bears taking on the Rams.
What to do while you wait
Since there isn't a live clock to sweat over right this second, you should probably focus on the logistics. If you're heading to the stadium, expect the gates to open early. The "Orange Crush" defense, led by Nik Bonitto and his 14 sacks, is going to need every bit of that thin-air advantage to slow down Josh Allen.
Honestly, the stakes couldn't be higher. A win on Saturday means Denver hosts the AFC Championship Game on January 25. That’s the ultimate goal.
To stay prepared for Saturday's kickoff, make sure your Paramount+ login is working or your local CBS affiliate is tuned in by 2:00 p.m. MT to catch the pre-game analysis. You can also monitor the official Denver Broncos app for real-time weather updates at Mile High, as January in Colorado can be unpredictable for ball security and kicking.