Buffalo fans are pacing. It's that time of year where every single snap feels like a heart attack waiting to happen. If you're trying to figure out what channel is buffalo bills game on tonight, you're looking for CBS. The Bills are heading into the thin air of Mile High to face the top-seeded Denver Broncos. It is a Saturday, January 17, 2026, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
The game kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling being the underdog after all the success the Josh Allen era has brought to Western New York. But here we are. The Bills are coming off a gritty 27-24 win against Jacksonville in the Wild Card round. Now, they have to deal with a Broncos team that has been resting, waiting, and probably laughing at the "experts" who didn't see them coming this year.
Where to Find the Bills vs. Broncos on TV
You don't need to go hunting through obscure cable tiers for this one. Since it’s a massive AFC Divisional Round matchup, CBS has the national broadcast. This means you’ll get the "A-team" in the booth. Jim Nantz will handle the play-by-play while Tony Romo handles the color commentary. Tracy Wolfson will be down on the sidelines probably freezing her tail off in Denver.
If you are in Buffalo, it’s going to be on WIVB-TV Channel 4. If you’re in Rochester, look for WROC-TV Channel 8. Basically, if your local station usually carries the Sunday afternoon AFC games, that’s your home tonight.
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Streaming is also pretty straightforward this year. Paramount+ is the primary spot if you’ve cut the cord but still want that CBS feed. If you have NFL+, you can watch on your phone or tablet, but just a heads-up—that usually doesn't let you cast to your big screen. If you're using a service like FuboTV, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV, you just need to tune into your local CBS affiliate.
International and Radio Options
For those of you bleeding blue and red outside the States, DAZN is the go-to in Canada. In the UK and other international spots, NFL Game Pass on DAZN is the way to go.
If you're stuck in your car or just prefer the local flavor, the Bills Radio Network is legendary. Chris Brown and Eric Wood are on the call. In Buffalo, that’s WGR 550 AM. They usually start the pre-game coverage hours before kickoff, and frankly, the post-game show is sometimes better than the game itself when things get emotional.
Why This Matchup Is Actually Terrifying
Let’s be real for a second. Playing in Denver in January is a nightmare. The altitude is one thing, but this Broncos defense is legit. They ranked third in the league in scoring defense this season. They’re fast, they’re physical, and they’ve had an extra week to heal up.
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The Bills, on the other hand, are riding the momentum of that road win in Jacksonville. That was their first road playoff win since 1992. Think about that. Most of the current roster wasn't even born yet. Josh Allen is playing like a man possessed, but he’s facing a Denver pass rush that leads the league in sacks.
It’s a classic "unstoppable force meets immovable object" scenario. Buffalo has the number one rushing attack thanks to James Cook and Ray Davis. Denver has the number two rushing defense. Something has to give.
The Bo Nix vs. Josh Allen Narrative
Everyone is talking about the quarterback matchup. You've got the seasoned superstar in Allen versus the breakout year of Bo Nix. Nix has been surprisingly efficient, and the Broncos haven't allowed many sacks at all this season. If Buffalo can't get pressure, it’s going to be a long night for the secondary.
- Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Empower Field at Mile High
- Weather Forecast: Chilly, but clear for now.
- The Spread: Denver is a slight 1-point favorite.
What Channel Is Buffalo Bills Game On Tonight for Streamers?
If you are a "digital nomad" or just someone who hates the cable company, your options are better than they used to be. Paramount+ is the easiest route. They have a "Live TV" section that just pulls in your local CBS station.
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If you have a digital antenna, just scan your channels. CBS is over-the-air, meaning it's free if you've got the hardware. Sometimes the simplest way is the best way. No buffering, no 30-second delay that lets your neighbor’s cheering spoil the touchdown for you.
Actionable Tips for Game Day
If you're planning on watching, here is how you should actually prepare so you aren't scrambling five minutes after kickoff:
- Check your Paramount+ login now. Don't be the person resetting their password while Josh Allen is already driving down the field.
- Sync your audio. If you like listening to the WGR radio call while watching the TV, use a radio app that lets you pause the audio to match the TV delay.
- Monitor the injury report. Taron Johnson’s status is huge for the Bills' secondary. If he’s out, the Broncos' intermediate passing game becomes a lot more dangerous.
- Order wings early. If you’re in Buffalo, you know the "wing delay" is real on playoff Saturdays.
The winner of this game moves on to the AFC Championship on January 25. If Buffalo wins, they could potentially host if the Texans pull off an upset against the Patriots, though that’s a long shot. For now, just worry about getting the right channel tuned in by 4:30. Go Bills.