Yes. Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and if you’re looking for a reason to cancel your plans and park it on the couch, the NFL is giving you two massive ones. We aren't just talking about regular-season fluff either. We are officially in the Divisional Round of the 2026 NFL Playoffs.
Basically, the field is thinning, the stakes are skyrocketing, and today features two heavyweight matchups that could easily go either way.
Is There Any NFL Today? Saturday's Playoff Slate
You've got a doubleheader today. First, an AFC clash in the thin air of Colorado, followed by a bitter NFC West rivalry game in the Pacific Northwest. Here is the breakdown of who is playing, when they start, and where you can find them.
AFC Divisional Round: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
This one kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET. It’s the (6) Buffalo Bills heading into Empower Field at Mile High to take on the (1) Denver Broncos.
- TV Channel: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+, and Fubo
Honestly, Denver has been the story of the AFC this year. Snagging that #1 seed and the first-round bye gave them a much-needed rest, but Josh Allen and the Bills aren't exactly a "warm-up" opponent. Buffalo is coming off a gritty Wild Card win against the Jaguars, and they look like a team that’s finally clicking at the right time. The big question is whether the Bills' defense can handle the altitude and Denver’s balanced attack late in the fourth quarter.
NFC Divisional Round: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
The nightcap starts at 8:00 p.m. ET. This is the third time these two have met this season. The (6) San Francisco 49ers travel to Lumen Field to face the (1) Seattle Seahawks.
- TV Channel: FOX
- Streaming: FOX Sports App, FOX One, and YouTube TV
Seattle clinched home-field advantage by beating the Niners 13-3 just a couple of weeks ago in Week 18. But don’t let that low score fool you. San Francisco just went into Philadelphia and knocked off the Eagles in the Wild Card round, and Brock Purdy is notoriously tough to beat in January. Seattle’s Sam Darnold has been incredibly efficient this year, but this is a different level of pressure. Lumen Field is going to be deafening.
Why Today’s Games Matter More Than Usual
In the NFL, "any given Sunday" usually applies, but Saturday in the Divisional Round is where the pretenders get exposed.
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For the Denver Broncos, today is about validation. They’ve had a week off to hear everyone talk about how Buffalo or Houston might actually be the team to beat in the AFC. If they stumble today at home, that #1 seed means nothing.
For the Seattle Seahawks, it’s about the "rubber match." Winning a division is great, but beating a division rival three times in one year is statistically very difficult. The 49ers are healthier now than they were in December, especially with Trent Williams back on the line to protect Purdy.
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Surprising Stats for Today's Matchups
- Seattle’s Defense: They finished the regular season as the top-ranked rushing defense in the NFC. That’s bad news for Christian McCaffrey, who usually thrives on finding those small gaps.
- Darnold vs. Purdy: Sam Darnold has been stellar as a starter over the last two years (28-6), but he is still looking for that elusive first playoff win. Meanwhile, Brock Purdy already has a 5-2 postseason record. Experience in these specific moments usually tips the scales.
- Buffalo’s Road Warrior Status: The Bills have historically struggled in high-altitude games, but Josh Allen’s arm strength tends to neutralize some of the wind issues you see in Denver.
How to Watch and Stream Today’s NFL Games
If you're wondering how to actually see the action, you have plenty of options. Since these are "national" windows, you won't deal with the usual regional blackout headaches that plague the regular season.
- Over-the-Air: If you have a digital antenna, you can get CBS and FOX for free in high definition. It’s still the most reliable way to watch without the 30-second stream delay.
- Cable/Satellite: Most providers carry CBS and FOX in their base packages.
- Streaming Services: If you’ve cut the cord, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo are the big players here.
- Mobile: NFL+ is the league's official app. You can watch the games on your phone or tablet, though keep in mind they often restrict "casting" to your TV unless you have the premium tier.
Looking Ahead: Tomorrow's Schedule
If today's two games aren't enough to satisfy your craving, the Divisional Round continues tomorrow, Sunday, January 18.
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: 3:00 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC. The Patriots are currently 3-point favorites, but CJ Stroud has been a giant-killer all season.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock. Caleb Williams vs. Matthew Stafford under the lights at Soldier Field.
Actionable Steps for NFL Fans Today
Don't just wait for kickoff; get your setup ready so you don't miss a play.
- Check Your Connection: If you’re streaming on Paramount+ or FOX One, log in now to make sure your subscription hasn't expired. There’s nothing worse than a "password reset" loop during a kickoff.
- Sync Your Audio: If you’re a fan of local radio calls, SiriusXM (Channel 225 for Broncos, 226 for Bills) lets you listen to the home-team announcers, which is usually way more fun than the neutral national broadcast.
- Set Your Picks: Most fantasy platforms and sportsbooks lock the Divisional Round brackets at 4:30 p.m. ET today. If you're playing in a playoff challenge, get those rosters set before the Bills and Broncos take the field.
- Monitor the Weather: Denver is looking chilly but clear. Seattle, however, always has that threat of mist or "Seahawk weather" that can turn a game into a defensive slugfest. Check the local forecasts an hour before kickoff to see if you should expect a ground-heavy game plan.
The winners today move on to the Conference Championships next Sunday, January 25. One step closer to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. Enjoy the games.