If you’re staring at your remote wondering exactly where to find the kickoffs today, you aren’t alone. The NFL playoffs have a funny way of jumping between networks just when you’ve finally memorized the regular season rotation. Tonight is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and we are officially into the Divisional Round.
The stakes? Massive. We’re down to the final eight teams. Today's slate features a high-altitude showdown in the Rockies and a classic NFC West rivalry game that’s bound to be loud.
NFL Game on What Channel Tonight: Saturday’s Television Lineup
The NFL has split today’s doubleheader between two different major broadcasters. You’ll need to switch from CBS in the afternoon over to FOX for the primetime slot.
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
This is the early game. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET at Empower Field at Mile High.
Channel: CBS
Live Stream: Paramount+, Fubo, or NFL+ (mobile only)
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Denver earned the #1 seed in the AFC after a stellar 14-3 regular season, and they’ve had an extra week to rest. Josh Allen and the Bills, on the other hand, are coming off a narrow 27-24 victory over the Jaguars. Seeing Allen try to navigate that thin Denver air against a rested Broncos defense is the main storyline here.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
The nightcap is a divisional grudge match. Kickoff is at 8:00 p.m. ET at Lumen Field.
Channel: FOX
Live Stream: FOX Sports App, FOX One, or YouTube TV
This is actually the third time these two have met this season. They split the regular season series, which makes this rubber match even more intense. Seattle, the #1 seed in the NFC, is hosting a 49ers team that just dismantled the Eagles 23-19 in the Wild Card round. Brock Purdy going into the "12th Man" environment in Seattle is always a spectacle.
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How to Stream the NFL Games Today Without Cable
Honestly, if you’ve cut the cord, you have more options than ever, but you have to be careful about which app carries which game.
Paramount+ is your go-to for the Bills and Broncos game since it's a CBS broadcast. If you have the "Essential" plan, you’re good to go. For the 49ers and Seahawks, the FOX Sports app is the primary destination, though you usually need a provider login for that.
If you want a one-stop shop, services like YouTube TV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV carry both CBS and FOX in almost every local market. Just a heads up: YouTube TV is currently around $82.99 a month, and Hulu + Live TV has pushed closer to $90. If you’re just looking for a cheap one-day fix, a free trial on Fubo is probably your best bet for today's action.
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Don't forget about NFL+. It’s the league’s own service. For $6.99 a month, you can watch every playoff game, but there's a huge catch—you can only watch on a phone or tablet. If you want it on your 65-inch TV, NFL+ won't let you cast it.
What to Watch for in the Divisional Round
The Divisional Round is often called the best weekend of football in the entire year. Why? Because the "fluke" teams from the Wild Card round are usually gone, and the heavy hitters are coming off their bye weeks.
- The Rest vs. Rust Debate: Denver and Seattle haven't played a meaningful snap in nearly two weeks. Sometimes that rest is a godsend for injuries; other times, teams start slow and get punched in the mouth by a team like Buffalo or San Francisco that's already in "playoff mode."
- The Quarterback Matchups: We're seeing Bo Nix try to hold his own against the "superhero" playstyle of Josh Allen in the afternoon. Then tonight, it's the surgical Brock Purdy against a Seattle secondary that has been ball-hawking all year.
- Weather Factors: It's mid-January. Denver is expected to be cold, though the forecast looks relatively clear for now. Seattle is, well, Seattle—expect a damp field and a slick ball, which could lead to some sloppy turnovers.
Tomorrow’s Schedule: Sunday, January 18
If you're already planning your Sunday snacks, here is what the rest of the Divisional Round looks like.
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
The Patriots are currently favored in their matchup, but C.J. Stroud and the Texans are coming off a dominant 30-6 win over the Steelers. That game should be a lot closer than the Vegas lines suggest.
Actionable Steps for Football Fans Tonight
- Check Your Local Listings: While these are national broadcasts, local affiliates can sometimes vary. Use your zip code on the provider's website to ensure CBS and FOX are active in your area.
- Update Your Apps: If you're streaming on Paramount+ or the FOX Sports app, log in and update the software now. There's nothing worse than a mandatory 10-minute update when the ball is in the air.
- Check Your Antenna: If you’re using an over-the-air antenna for free HD, do a quick "channel scan" this afternoon. Sometimes atmospheric changes can mess with your signal strength.
- Sync Your Audio: if you prefer listening to the local radio calls while watching the TV (like the legendary Broncos or Seahawks home announcers), use the NFL+ app for live audio or the SiriusXM NFL station (Channel 88) to get the radio feed without the TV delay.
The road to Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara is getting narrow. Whether you’re pulling for the underdogs or the top seeds, tonight's games are basically mandatory viewing for any real fan.