If you’re sitting on the couch right now wondering is there any nfl games on, the answer is a massive yes. We aren’t just talking about some mid-season filler, either. It is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and that means the NFL Divisional Round is officially here. This is arguably the best weekend of the entire football calendar because you get the heavy hitters—the top seeds who’ve been resting—coming off their byes to face the battle-tested teams that survived Wild Card weekend.
Honestly, the energy today is different. The stakes are higher. One mistake and your season is over.
Today features a high-stakes double-header. We have the AFC kicking things off in the thin air of Colorado, followed by a classic NFC West grudge match under the lights in Seattle. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for something to watch while you grab some wings, here is the breakdown of the schedule, where to watch, and what’s actually happening on the field.
The NFL Divisional Round Schedule for Saturday, Jan 17
The NFL doesn't mess around with the timing today. They’ve split the games between the afternoon and prime time to make sure you don't miss a single snap.
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: CBS / Paramount+
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: FOX
- Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
Buffalo vs. Denver: The Student vs. The Superhero
The first game of the day is a fascinating matchup. You've got Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills (the #6 seed) traveling to face Bo Nix and the top-seeded Denver Broncos.
Denver has been the story of the season. Nobody really expected them to secure the #1 seed and a first-round bye, but here they are. Bo Nix has played way beyond his years, showing a level of poise that has turned Empower Field into a house of horrors for visiting teams. But they've been sitting at home for a week. Sometimes that rest is great; sometimes it leads to a slow start.
On the other side, Josh Allen is just... Josh Allen. He’s a human highlight reel. The Bills had to fight through a tough Wild Card game against Jacksonville (winning 27-24) just to get here. They are battle-worn. Allen basically does "superhero stuff" on a weekly basis, and if Denver’s secondary isn't locked in from the first whistle, he’ll tear them apart.
Why the Late Game is Personal: 49ers at Seahawks
When people ask is there any nfl games on tonight, this is the one they’re likely talking about. The 8:00 p.m. ET slot features the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Seattle Seahawks.
This isn't just a playoff game. It's the third time these rivals have met this season. Seattle holds the #1 seed in the NFC and they’ve been dominant, finishing the regular season 14-3. They actually beat San Francisco 13-3 in the final week of the regular season to clinch that home-field advantage.
The storylines here are everywhere:
- Sam Darnold's Health: There’s been a ton of talk about Darnold's oblique injury. Reports from Adam Schefter suggest he hasn’t thrown much this week, but the Seahawks expect him to go. If he’s limited, it changes everything.
- Brock Purdy’s Poise: Purdy is 5-2 in the playoffs and just led the 49ers to a gritty 23-19 win over the Eagles last week. He’s missing George Kittle, which is a massive blow to their offense.
- The CMC Factor: Christian McCaffrey is still the most dangerous player on the field, but Seattle has the top rushing defense in the NFC. It's strength against strength.
It’s going to be loud. It’s going to be rainy (it’s Seattle in January, after all). Expect a physical, low-scoring brawl.
💡 You might also like: Cleveland Browns Salary Cap: What Most People Get Wrong
How to Watch If You Don't Have Cable
Look, if you've cut the cord, you aren't out of luck.
For the Bills and Broncos, you can stream the game on Paramount+ since it’s a CBS broadcast. For the 49ers and Seahawks on FOX, you can use the FOX Sports app, though you usually need a login for that.
If you want a "catch-all" solution, NFL+ is the league's streaming service that lets you watch playoff games on your phone or tablet. Just keep in mind that for the playoffs, most of these games are also available on local broadcast channels for free if you have a digital antenna.
What’s Next After Today?
If these games leave you wanting more, don't worry. The Divisional Round continues tomorrow, Sunday, January 18.
The Houston Texans go to New England to play the Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN). Then, the Los Angeles Rams face the Chicago Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC. It’s a full weekend of high-level football.
Your Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your local listings: Confirm that your local CBS and FOX affiliates are carrying the games (they almost certainly are, but it's worth a 5-second check).
- Download the apps: If you aren't going to be in front of a TV, get Paramount+ and the FOX Sports app set up now so you aren't scrambling at kickoff.
- Monitor the injury reports: Keep a close eye on Sam Darnold (oblique) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) leading up to the 8:00 p.m. kickoff, as their status will heavily swing the betting lines and game flow.
The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting narrow. Enjoy the games.