The energy today is different. It's Divisional Round Saturday, January 17, 2026, and if you're looking for the national football league scores today, you're essentially looking at the "real" start of the Super Bowl chase. Wild Card weekend was a bit of a blur, but now we're down to the heavyweights. The top seeds are coming off their bye weeks, rested and probably a little bit rusty. That's usually where the magic—or the disaster—happens.
Honestly, the bracket looks like a minefield. We’ve got Bo Nix leading a top-seeded Denver Broncos team against a Buffalo Bills squad that just won’t die. Then, the late game is a literal grudge match between the Seahawks and the 49ers. It's the third time they’ve seen each other this year. Familiarity breeds contempt, and in the NFL playoffs, contempt usually leads to some very hard hits and questionable officiating.
The Afternoon Battle: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
Everyone is talking about Bo Nix. It's wild to think about, but the kid has the Broncos at 14-3 and sitting on the #1 seed. They’ve been resting. Buffalo, on the other hand, is coming off a gritty 27-24 win over Jacksonville. Josh Allen is playing like a man possessed, but he’s also banged up. He’s been nursing that calf/ankle issue, and while he says he’s 100%, nobody really believes him.
The game kicked off at 4:30 PM ET at Empower Field. The thin air in Denver is always a factor, especially for a Bills team that had to fly across the country after a physical Wild Card game. Denver entered as 1.5-point favorites.
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Key Matchups to Watch
- Nik Bonitto vs. Buffalo’s O-Line: Bonitto has 14 sacks this year. If he gets to Allen early, it’s going to be a long flight back to New York for the Bills.
- James Cook vs. Denver’s Front Seven: Denver’s defense has been top-tier, but Cook has been a monster lately. He had over 1,600 rushing yards this season.
- Courtland Sutton’s Gravity: He opens up everything for the Broncos' offense. Even if he’s not catching the ball, he’s drawing double teams.
The Nightcap: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
This is the one everyone circled on their calendar. 8:15 PM ET at Lumen Field. The "12th Man" is going to be deafening. Seattle earned the top seed in the NFC with a 14-3 record, including a Week 18 win over these same 49ers that clinched the home-field advantage.
But here’s the thing: San Francisco is a different beast in the playoffs. Brock Purdy just led them to a 23-19 win in Philly. That’s not easy. Christian McCaffrey is... well, he’s McCaffrey. Even if he’s not hitting 100 yards on the ground, his presence in the passing game is a nightmare for linebackers.
Seattle is favored by 7 points, which feels a bit high for a divisional rivalry game. Sam Darnold has had a career resurgence in Seattle, throwing for over 4,000 yards this season. However, he's dealing with an oblique injury. Coach Mike Macdonald says he’s "ready to go," but we’ve heard that before. If Darnold is limited, the Seahawks might have to rely heavily on Kenneth Walker III and a defense that has been surprisingly stout all year.
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Why Today’s Scores Matter More Than Usual
The national football league scores today aren't just about moving to the next round. They’re about legacy. For the Broncos, it’s about proving the Bo Nix era is legitimate. For the Bills, it’s about finally breaking through the glass ceiling that has haunted the Josh Allen era.
Over in the NFC, it’s about the changing of the guard. The Seahawks are trying to re-establish themselves as the kings of the West, while the 49ers are trying to prove their championship window hasn't slammed shut yet.
Recent Results and Trends
- Underdogs are Barking: In the Wild Card round, underdogs went 4-2 against the spread. Don't be surprised if these games stay closer than the Vegas lines suggest.
- Weather Factors: It’s January. Denver is cold. Seattle is loud and likely damp. These aren't dome games.
- Injury Reports: Keep a close eye on Fred Warner for the 49ers. He’s been ruled out with an ankle injury, and that is a massive hole in the middle of their defense.
Looking Ahead to Tomorrow
The action doesn't stop tonight. Tomorrow, we get the Houston Texans traveling to New England to face the Patriots, followed by the Rams taking on the Bears in what's expected to be a frigid Soldier Field.
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The Texans are riding high after a 30-6 blowout of the Steelers. C.J. Stroud vs. the New England defense is going to be a chess match. Meanwhile, the Bears at 11-6 are the surprise of the NFC, but they have to deal with a Rams team that just put up 34 points on Carolina.
How to Stay Updated
If you aren't glued to the TV, you’ve got options. CBS and Paramount+ are handling the Denver/Buffalo game, while FOX and FOX One are the home for the Seattle/San Francisco clash.
Basically, keep your phone charged. These games have a habit of coming down to the final two minutes. Honestly, the way this season has gone, expecting the unexpected is the only safe bet.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check Live Trackers: Use the official NFL app or sites like ESPN and FOX Sports for play-by-play updates if you're on the move.
- Monitor In-Game Injuries: Especially watch Sam Darnold’s movement; an oblique injury can severely limit a quarterback's torque and deep-ball accuracy.
- Watch the Lines: If you're into the betting side, live lines often shift dramatically after the first quarter in playoff games—the "bye week rust" for top seeds is a real thing.