So, you’re looking for the nfl last night score and realized something's a bit off. Honestly, if you woke up today—Saturday, January 17, 2026—expecting a final score from a Friday night game, you’ve probably forgotten how the league handles the postseason.
There wasn't a game last night.
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The NFL almost never plays on Friday nights due to long-standing broadcast traditions and legal restrictions. Instead, the league is currently in a "calm before the storm" period. We are sitting right on the edge of the Divisional Round. While the NBA and NHL had a full slate of games yesterday—including that wild 9-1 Hurricanes blowout over the Panthers—the football world was busy traveling, practicing, and obsessing over injury reports.
Why There Is No NFL Last Night Score
Basically, the NFL keeps its playoff drama for the weekend. Last night was about preparation. We just finished a chaotic Wild Card weekend that saw the Houston Texans absolutely dismantle the Steelers 30-6 and the Rams squeak past the Panthers 34-31.
If you're checking the scores because you heard about a "Friday night game," you might be thinking of a different sport or perhaps some college bowl leftovers from earlier in the month. In the NFL world, Friday is a day for "Blue Friday" celebrations—like what just happened at the Space Needle in Seattle—rather than actual kickoffs.
The league is protecting its Saturday and Sunday window. This year, the schedule is particularly tight. The Divisional Round starts today, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Looking Ahead: The Games That Actually Matter
Since there is no nfl last night score to report, all eyes shift to the double-header happening today, January 17. These aren't just regular season games; these are the matchups that decide who gets a ticket to the Conference Championships.
Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos (AFC Divisional)
This is the one everyone is talking about. The Bills are heading into the thin air of Empower Field at Mile High. Josh Allen is coming off a gritty 27-24 win over the Jaguars, but the Broncos are well-rested. As the No. 1 seed in the AFC, Denver has been sitting at home watching the carnage of the first round.
Expect a defensive struggle. The altitude always plays a factor for visiting teams in the fourth quarter. If Buffalo can’t establish a run game early, it’s going to be a long flight home.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (NFC Divisional)
Later tonight, the 49ers travel to Lumen Field. This is a classic NFC West rivalry on the biggest stage. The Seahawks, led by a revitalized defense featuring guys like Riq Woolen, are the No. 1 seed in the NFC for a reason.
San Francisco had to fight tooth and nail to beat the Eagles 23-19 last week. They’re a bit banged up. Seattle’s crowd is going to be deafening, especially after the city spent all day yesterday amping up the "12th Man" energy.
Recapping the Wild Card Results
If you missed the action from earlier this week, here is what led us to this point. The "last night" scores from the previous round were high-octane.
- Texans 30, Steelers 6: A complete embarrassment for Pittsburgh. Houston’s defense looked like a brick wall.
- Patriots 16, Chargers 3: Drake Maye did just enough, but the New England defense won this game.
- Rams 34, Panthers 31: The most exciting game of the postseason so far. It went down to the final seconds.
- Bears 31, Packers 27: Chicago finally got the monkey off their back by beating their rivals in a playoff setting.
The parity this year is actually insane. We have No. 6 seeds like the Bills and the 49ers still alive and kicking, which makes today's games even more unpredictable.
What to Watch for in the Next 24 Hours
Since you can't find a score for last night, you should focus on the betting lines and injury updates for the games starting today.
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Keep an eye on the weather in Chicago and Denver. We're looking at freezing temperatures that could turn these high-flying offenses into ground-and-pound units. Also, watch the status of Sam Darnold in Seattle; the Seahawks are optimistic he’ll play, but his mobility will be key against that Niners pass rush.
Actionable Steps for NFL Fans
- Sync Your Calendar: The Bills/Broncos game kicks off at 4:30 PM ET today on CBS.
- Check the 49ers Injury Report: Pay close attention to Christian McCaffrey’s workload. If his snap count is limited, the Niners' offense becomes one-dimensional.
- Prepare for Sunday: Don't forget that the Texans vs. Patriots and Rams vs. Bears games happen tomorrow. It’s a full weekend of football.
- Monitor Live Odds: If you’re into sports betting, the lines for the Seahawks game have been shifting slightly toward San Francisco as "sharp" money comes in late.
The wait for the next nfl last night score won't be long. By this time tomorrow, we will have two teams locked into the AFC and NFC Championship games. For now, grab your jersey and get ready for a Saturday marathon.