It is that time of year where "is there a game on?" becomes the most frequent text message in every group chat. We are officially in the heart of the Divisional Round. If you’re asking nfl what time is the game tonight, the short answer is you’ve actually got two heavyweight bouts to look forward to.
The playoffs are a different beast. The regular season is great for fantasy points and casual Sunday wings, but January football is about legacies. Tonight, January 17, 2026, the league has scheduled a doubleheader that features the top seeds in both conferences finally coming off their bye weeks.
Kickoff Times for Saturday’s Divisional Round
Let's get straight to the logistics because nobody wants to miss the opening kickoff while scrolling through a TV guide.
The Afternoon Opener: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos
The action starts at 4:30 p.m. ET. This is an AFC clash that feels like it’s been brewing for years. Josh Allen leads his Bills into the thin air of Empower Field at Mile High. Denver, the No. 1 seed in the AFC, hasn’t hosted a playoff game since the Peyton Manning era in 2015. It's a massive moment for Bo Nix and that "Orange Rush" defense that’s been terrorizing quarterbacks all season. You can catch this one on CBS or stream it on Paramount+.
The Prime-Time Nightcap: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
The night game kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET. If you love old-school NFC West rivalries, this is your Super Bowl before the actual Super Bowl. The Seahawks secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a dominant 14-3 record, and now they have to defend Lumen Field against a 49ers team that just dismantled the Eagles in the Wild Card round. This game will be broadcast on FOX and FOX One.
Why the Schedule Matters So Much Tonight
Timing in the NFL playoffs isn't just about when you sit on the couch. It’s about recovery. The 49ers are coming off a shorter week than the Seahawks, who earned the luxury of resting their starters during the first round.
Kyle Shanahan actually voiced some frustration earlier this week about the Saturday scheduling, hoping for a Sunday slot to give his guys more recovery time. But the NFL loves its Saturday night prime-time ratings. For the Seahawks, they enter tonight with a семь-game winning streak (that's seven, for those counting). They are rested, healthy, and playing in one of the loudest stadiums in the world.
nfl what time is the game tonight: Viewing Guide and Details
If you're trying to plan your evening, here is the breakdown of how to watch and what to expect.
- 4:30 p.m. ET | Bills at Broncos: Expect cold weather. Denver is looking at temperatures in the mid-30s at kickoff. The Broncos' defense led the league with 68 sacks this year, and they’ll be chasing Josh Allen all afternoon.
- 8:00 p.m. ET | 49ers at Seahawks: The "12s" will be out in full force in Seattle. Sam Darnold's health was a question mark earlier in the week due to an oblique issue, but Mike Macdonald seems confident he'll be ready to lead the Seahawks' offense.
Honestly, the contrast between these two games is wild. In Denver, you have the veteran superstar in Josh Allen trying to finally get over the hump against a rookie sensation in Bo Nix. In Seattle, it's a divisional bloodbath between two teams that know each other's playbooks better than their own.
Surprising Stats and Matchup Realities
Most people assume the No. 1 seeds are locks, but the Divisional Round is notorious for upsets. Since the NFL expanded the playoffs, the No. 1 seeds have a target on their backs.
The Bills actually beat the Broncos 31-7 in the playoffs last year. That’s a stinging memory for Denver fans. However, this isn't the same Denver team. Their offensive line has become one of the most cohesive units in football, providing a clean pocket for Nix to operate. On the other side, the Bills survived a nail-biter against the Jaguars last week thanks to a "tush push" from Allen. They are battle-tested, but they might be tired.
In the NFC matchup, the 49ers have actually won three of the last five meetings against Seattle. Even though Seattle is the higher seed, the betting lines have stayed relatively close because San Francisco's roster is loaded with All-Pro talent like Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle.
How to Stream the Games Without Cable
If you've cut the cord, don't panic. You don't need a traditional cable box to see nfl what time is the game tonight play out.
- Paramount+: This is your home for the Bills vs. Broncos game since it's on CBS.
- FOX Sports App: You can stream the 49ers vs. Seahawks here, though you usually need a provider login.
- NFL+: The league's own streaming service carries all playoff games on mobile devices.
- Peacock: While tonight’s games aren't on NBC, keep your subscription active for tomorrow’s Rams vs. Bears matchup.
What’s Next for the Winners?
Whoever survives tonight doesn't get much time to celebrate. The winners will advance to the Conference Championship games scheduled for next Sunday, January 25.
The AFC Championship will air at 3:00 p.m. ET on CBS, and the NFC Championship will follow at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX. Everything is leading toward Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara on February 8.
If you're hosting a watch party, make sure the food is ready by 4:00 p.m. ET. The transition from the afternoon game to the night game happens fast, usually with only a 30-minute window of post-game analysis before the 49ers and Seahawks take the field for warmups.
Actionable Takeaways for Game Day
- Check the Weather: If you're betting or playing daily fantasy, keep an eye on the Denver wind speeds; it can kill the deep passing game for Allen and Nix.
- Update Your Apps: Streaming services often push updates right before big events. Do it now so you aren't staring at a loading bar at 4:29 p.m.
- Monitor Injury Reports: Keep a close eye on Ricky Pearsall for the 49ers. He’s listed as questionable, and his presence (or absence) significantly changes how the Seahawks will bracket the San Francisco receivers.
The road to Super Bowl LX goes through Denver and Seattle tonight. Enjoy the games.