Today is one of those days where the world basically stops if you're a football fan. Honestly, the Divisional Round is usually better than the Super Bowl itself. There’s something about that four-game stretch that just feels more desperate, more intense. If you’re looking to give me the nfl scores for today, you’re likely tracking two massive matchups that are going to dictate exactly who moves on to the Championship games next week.
It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026. We’ve moved past the Wild Card chaos where the 49ers stunned the Eagles and the Bears clawed back against Green Bay. Now, the stakes are higher. The air is thinner in Denver and louder in Seattle.
The Early Slate: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
The action kicked off at 4:30 PM ET. We’re looking at the No. 6 seed Buffalo Bills taking their "team of destiny" vibes into Mile High to face the No. 1 seed Denver Broncos.
Buffalo is coming off a massive high. They just knocked off the Jaguars in a 27-24 nail-biter. Josh Allen is doing Josh Allen things—running through linebackers and throwing 60-yard ropes while sliding at the last second. He’s already got 14 rushing touchdowns this season. That’s a record for a QB, by the way. Denver, meanwhile, has been sitting at home resting. Bo Nix has been surprisingly efficient for a guy in his second year, and that Denver defense is allowing less than 19 points a game.
Why the Bills Could Pull the Upset
- Josh Allen's Playoff Gear: The dude just doesn't care about the seed. He has a 135.4 passer rating against Denver in recent postseason history.
- James Cook: He finished fourth in the league with over 1,900 scrimmage yards. If he gets going, Denver’s altitude won't be the only thing making the Bills breathless.
- Momentum: Buffalo has won seven straight. They aren't afraid of anybody right now.
The Broncos are favored by 1.5 points. It’s basically a toss-up. If you aren't watching CBS right now, you’re missing a physical, ground-and-pound game that’s likely going to come down to whoever has the ball last in the fourth quarter.
📖 Related: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
The Nightcap: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Then we have the late game. 8:00 PM ET on FOX. This one is personal. It’s an NFC West showdown at Lumen Field. You’ve got the 49ers, who are the No. 6 seed, traveling to face the top-seeded Seahawks.
Seattle is a 7-point favorite. That feels a bit high, doesn't it? I mean, the Niners just went into Philly and sent the defending NFC champs home. Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey are a nightmare to gameplan for, even if the Seahawks' defense has been lights-out lately.
The noise in Seattle is going to be a factor. It always is. Sam Darnold has been listed as questionable with an oblique injury, but word on the street is he's going to play. If he’s even 80%, that Seattle offense with Courtland Sutton is going to be hard to stop.
Key Injuries to Watch
- Fred Warner (SF): The heart of the Niners' defense has been dealing with an ankle issue. If he’s not 100%, Seattle’s run game might find some huge lanes.
- Sam Darnold (SEA): As mentioned, the oblique is the story. Can he rotate and fire those deep balls without wincing?
- Christian McCaffrey (SF): He’s the engine. If he gets 25 touches, the Niners win. Period.
How to Get the NFL Scores for Today in Real-Time
If you’re stuck at a wedding or out for dinner and need the numbers fast, you have a few ways to stay in the loop.
👉 See also: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
Most people just refresh the NFL app, but honestly, the Google live scoreboard is usually faster. You can literally just type give me the nfl scores for today into your search bar and it’ll pop up a live-updating card. No clicking through ten different pages.
If you want the "vibe" of the game without watching, hit up X (formerly Twitter). The #NFLPlayoffs tag is basically a digital sports bar. Just ignore the trolls.
Looking Ahead to Sunday
Don't forget, today is only half the story. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, we get the rest of the bracket filled out.
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: 3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN. Drake Maye vs. C.J. Stroud. This is the future of the AFC right here.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: 6:30 PM ET on NBC. Caleb Williams in prime time at Soldier Field? Yes, please.
The winners of today's games will find out their opponents by tomorrow night. If the seeds hold, we’re looking at Seattle vs. Chicago and Denver vs. New England. But this is the NFL. Seeds rarely hold.
✨ Don't miss: Why Isn't Mbappe Playing Today: The Real Madrid Crisis Explained
Actionable Tips for Following the Games
If you're serious about your playoff tracking, do these three things right now:
- Check the Weather: Denver is cold, but the wind is the real killer for kickers. If the wind picks up over 15 mph, take the "under" on total points.
- Sync Your Alerts: Set your phone to "Do Not Disturb" except for sports apps. There is nothing worse than having a score spoiled by a text from a friend who’s 30 seconds ahead of your stream.
- Monitor the In-Game Betting Lines: Even if you don't bet, the live lines tell you a lot about how the "sharps" think the momentum is shifting. If a team is down 7 but the line barely moves, the Vegas computers think a comeback is imminent.
Keep your eyes on the screen and your snacks within reach. These two games are going to be absolute bangers.
For the most accurate, second-by-second updates, keep your browser tuned to a live tracker. The playoffs are a marathon, not a sprint, but today feels like a sprint to the finish line for these four teams.