The tension is basically vibrating through the screen today. If you've been checking nfl football scores today live, you already know we’re deep in the Divisional Round of the 2026 playoffs. Honestly, this is the weekend that separates the true contenders from the lucky Wild Card survivors. We aren't just talking about regular football; we’re talking about high-stakes, sub-zero-degree, season-ending drama.
Right now, the AFC and NFC are being reshaped in real-time.
The Current State of NFL Football Scores Today Live
As of this afternoon, January 17, 2026, the scoreboard is the only thing that matters. We kicked things off with the Buffalo Bills traveling to Mile High to face the Denver Broncos. It’s a classic matchup. Bo Nix vs. Josh Allen. The Broncos entered as slight 1.5-point favorites, mostly because playing at altitude in January is a nightmare for visiting teams.
Later tonight, the lights go up at Lumen Field. The Seattle Seahawks, led by a rejuvenated Sam Darnold, are hosting the San Francisco 49ers. Seattle is a heavy 7-point favorite. Why? Because they’ve been a juggernaut, ranking third in scoring offense and first in scoring defense this year.
It's wild.
Why the Bills-Broncos Game is the Story of the Day
Bo Nix has thrown for nearly 4,000 yards this season. That’s elite. But Josh Allen is Josh Allen—he’s got 14 rushing touchdowns. Basically, he’s a fullback who can throw a frozen rope 60 yards downfield.
✨ Don't miss: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
The weather in Denver is hovering around 21°F. Cold.
Buffalo is coming off a gritty 27-24 win over Jacksonville. They’re bruised, though. Ed Oliver just got activated from IR, which is huge for their interior rush, but their secondary is thin with Jordan Poyer out. If you’re tracking the nfl football scores today live, keep an eye on Khalil Shakir. He’s become Allen’s security blanket with over 700 yards this season.
The NFC West War: 49ers vs. Seahawks
This is the third time these teams have met this season. Seattle took the last one 13-3. The 49ers, however, just bumped off the Eagles 23-19 in the Wild Card round. They have momentum, but they're also missing Fred Warner. That's a massive hole in the middle of a defense trying to stop Kenneth Walker III.
Darnold has an oblique injury. It’s the talk of the town. Reports from Adam Schefter say he hasn’t thrown much this week, but the Seahawks expect him to go. If he can't, Drew Lock is waiting in the wings.
Imagine that. Drew Lock in a Divisional Playoff game.
🔗 Read more: Why Isn't Mbappe Playing Today: The Real Madrid Crisis Explained
What the Bracket Looks Like Right Now
The winner of the Bills-Broncos game earns a trip to the AFC Championship. They’ll likely face the winner of tomorrow’s Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots game. On the NFC side, the survivor of the 49ers-Seahawks clash gets the winner of Rams vs. Bears.
- AFC No. 1 Seed: Denver Broncos (14-3)
- NFC No. 1 Seed: Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
- The Wild Card Surprise: Chicago Bears (11-6) beating the Packers to stay alive.
It’s been a weird year for the "blue blood" teams. The Chiefs finished 6-11. The Cowboys? Not even in the conversation. Instead, we have the rise of Bo Nix and the resurgence of the Patriots under Drake Maye.
Strategies for Following the Scores Without Losing Your Mind
If you're refreshing your phone every three seconds, you're doing it wrong. Sorta. Most people use the standard apps, but the real-time data is often faster on social feeds or specialized betting trackers.
Keep in mind that "live" scores usually have a 15-30 second delay compared to the actual broadcast. If you’re betting the spread—Denver -1.5 or Seattle -7—that delay is an eternity.
Key Stats to Watch During the Live Broadcast
Don't just look at the points. Look at the "Success Rate" on third downs. In the playoffs, that’s where games are won. The Seahawks have been elite there, converting nearly 45% of the time.
💡 You might also like: Tottenham vs FC Barcelona: Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
Also, watch the turnovers. Bo Nix has 11 interceptions this year. Not terrible, but against a Buffalo defense that specializes in disguised coverages, it’s the stat that could flip the game.
Real Insights for the Remainder of the Weekend
Tomorrow is just as heavy. The Texans are heading to Foxborough. Nico Collins is out with a concussion, which is a devastating blow for C.J. Stroud. Without his WR1, Stroud has to rely on Dalton Schultz and a rotating door of young talent.
The Patriots' defense, meanwhile, has been playing like it’s 2004 again.
Then you have the Rams and the Bears. Matthew Stafford is still slinging it at a high level, but Soldier Field in January is where passing attacks go to die. The Bears' defense is opportunistic. They don't just tackle; they strip the ball.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're following the nfl football scores today live, make sure you have your streaming backups ready. The FOX Sports app and Paramount+ are the go-to's for today's slate.
- Check the inactive list 90 minutes before the 8:00 PM ET kickoff for the 49ers-Seahawks game. Specifically, look for Ricky Pearsall’s status.
- Monitor the "Total" (Over/Under). The Denver game is set at 46.5. With the wind at only 1 mph, the cold might not stop the scoring as much as people think.
- Set your notifications for the AFC Championship seeds. If Denver loses today, the road to the Super Bowl goes through Foxborough.
The playoffs are a different beast. Every snap feels like a season-defining moment. Stay glued to the scores, but don't forget to actually watch the games—the numbers only tell half the story.