Denver is buzzing. You can feel it in the air from LoDo to the tech center. Everyone is asking the same exact question: if the Broncos win today are they in the playoffs? Well, the short answer is actually much better than just "getting in." If you’ve been living under a rock or just haven't checked the standings since Christmas, here is the deal.
The Denver Broncos aren't just fighting for a spot. They already have one. In fact, they have the best one.
The High Stakes of the Divisional Round
Let's get the record straight. As of today, January 16, 2026, the regular season is long gone. Denver finished with a massive 14-3 record, clinching the AFC West and, more importantly, the No. 1 seed in the entire conference. So, when people ask if the Broncos win today are they in the playoffs, they’re usually thinking about the next step: the AFC Championship.
The "today" in question is actually tomorrow, Saturday, January 17. The Broncos are hosting the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High. This isn't a "win and you're in" regular-season game. It’s the Divisional Round.
If they win? They move on to the AFC Championship game.
If they lose? The season is over. Period.
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It’s weird to think about how far this team has come. Remember the post-Peyton Manning era? It was rough. It was years of quarterback carousels and defensive masterpieces wasted by anemic offenses. But Sean Payton and Bo Nix have flipped the script. Nix led seven game-winning drives this season. Seven! That ties NFL records and shows the kid doesn't blink when the clock is ticking down.
Why the Bills are a Massive Threat
Don't let the seeding fool you. Buffalo is the No. 6 seed, but they are playing like a top-three team. They just went into Jacksonville and handled the Jaguars 27-24 in the Wild Card round. Josh Allen is playing through a litany of "bumps and bruises"—specifically his foot and knee—but he’s still the most dangerous dual-threat guy in the league.
Denver fans still have a bit of PTSD from last year's playoffs. Remember that? The Bills absolutely embarrassed the Broncos in Buffalo, winning 31-7. This Saturday is the ultimate revenge game.
- Venue: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver.
- Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET.
- The Weather Factor: It’s January in Colorado. It's going to be cold. This usually favors Denver’s defense, which has been punishing people all year.
The Road to Super Bowl LX
The goal isn't just to win this weekend. Sean Payton has been vocal about "Heading West." That was his training camp slogan because Super Bowl LX is being held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. If the Broncos win today (or rather, this weekend), they host the AFC Championship Game right here in Denver.
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Think about that. Home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The winner of the Houston Texans and New England Patriots game (playing Sunday) would have to come to Mile High. The altitude, the crowd, the momentum—it’s all leaning in Denver’s favor. But they have to get past Josh Allen first. Honestly, it’s the biggest game in Denver in a decade. Literally. The last time this city hosted a playoff game was the 2015 AFC Championship against Tom Brady and the Pats. We all know how that season ended.
Key Factors for a Broncos Victory
If Denver wants to ensure that "win" leads to the next round, they have to fix a few things.
First, the run defense has to hold. Buffalo’s run game isn't their primary weapon, but they use it to set up those deep shots to Dalton Kincaid. Vance Joseph, the defensive coordinator who has completely redeemed himself in his second stint here, needs to keep the pressure on Allen's injured finger.
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Second, Bo Nix has to stay "even-keeled," as Courtland Sutton puts it. The Bills’ pass defense is top-tier. Nix can’t afford those rookie-style turnovers that occasionally popped up in October.
What Most People Get Wrong About the AFC Seedings
There's this weird narrative that because Denver was the No. 1 seed and had a bye week, they might be "rusty." History actually suggests otherwise for the Broncos. The 13 days of rest allowed guys like Patrick Surtain II and the offensive line to heal up.
In the AFC, the No. 1 seed has reached the Super Bowl in a huge percentage of the last twenty years. The path is set.
- Beat the Bills this Saturday.
- Host the winner of Texans/Patriots on January 25.
- Fly to Santa Clara for the Super Bowl on February 8.
It sounds simple. It isn't. But for the first time in a long time, the answer to if the Broncos win today are they in the playoffs is a resounding "They’re already there, and they’re the favorites to win it all."
If you’re planning on watching, make sure your Paramount+ or CBS feed is ready by 4:30 p.m. ET tomorrow. The energy in the city is already peaking. You've got a rookie QB playing like a vet and a coach who has "been there, done that" with the Saints. This is the moment Denver has been waiting for since 2016.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the final injury report tonight to see if Buffalo’s receivers (Gabe Davis and Tyrell Shavers) are officially ruled out, which would be a massive break for the Denver secondary.
- Monitor the weather forecast for Saturday afternoon; a heavy snow squall could turn this into a ground-and-pound game, which heavily favors Denver's 14-3 squad.
- Finalize your viewing plans early, as local Denver bars are expected to reach capacity hours before the 2:30 p.m. local kickoff.