It is that high-stakes time of year again where every single snap feels like it’s being played under a microscope. If you’re waking up and wondering what channel is nfl on today, you aren't alone. We’ve hit the Divisional Round—arguably the best weekend of the entire football season. The pretenders were sent packing during the Wild Card games, and now we’re down to the heavy hitters. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, features a massive double-header that splits the coverage between two different major networks.
You’ve got two games. Two networks. Zero room for error.
The Saturday Slate: Who, Where, and When
The NFL doesn't make it too complicated today, but you will need to keep your remote handy because the games aren't on the same channel. Honestly, it's kinda nice to have the split coverage because it gives you a different "flavor" of broadcast for the afternoon and the nightcap.
Game 1: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
This is the AFC showdown everyone is talking about. Josh Allen and the Bills are heading into the thin air of Mile High to take on Bo Nix and the top-seeded Broncos.
🔗 Read more: When is Georgia's next game: The 2026 Bulldog schedule and what to expect
- Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: CBS
- Broadcasting Team: Jim Nantz (Play-by-Play), Tony Romo (Color Analysis), and Tracy Wolfson (Sideline)
- Streaming Options: Paramount+, NFL+, and Fubo
The Broncos had the luxury of a bye week, while the Bills are coming off a tight 27-24 win over the Jaguars. Seeing how Allen handles the Denver defense, which has been lights-out at home, is going to be the story of the afternoon.
Game 2: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
The night game is a classic NFC West rivalry. There is zero love lost here. After the 49ers took down the Eagles last week, they have to travel to the loudest stadium in the league to face the well-rested Seahawks.
- Kickoff Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: FOX (and FOX Deportes for Spanish coverage)
- Streaming Options: FOX One, NFL+, and Fubo
Brock Purdy versus that Seattle secondary in a playoff atmosphere? That’s about as good as January football gets.
💡 You might also like: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
Decoding the Streaming Maze
If you've cut the cord, knowing what channel is nfl on today is only half the battle. You need to know which app to open so you aren't staring at a loading screen while a touchdown is happening.
For the early game on CBS, Paramount+ is your best friend. You’ll need the "Essential" or "Premium" plan to catch the live stream. If you’re a mobile-only viewer, the NFL+ app works, but keep in mind that's usually restricted to phones and tablets—you can't always cast that to your big 4K TV.
For the Seahawks and 49ers on FOX, the FOX One app is the primary destination. Unlike some other networks, FOX often requires a cable provider login to stream through their app, though services like Fubo or YouTube TV carry the local FOX affiliate live.
📖 Related: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
Why the Divisional Round is the "Real" Season
Most experts, from the guys on Inside the NFL to your local beat writers, agree that this is the toughest weekend in sports. The #1 seeds are finally entering the fray. Historically, these rested teams have a massive advantage, but we've seen "hot" Wild Card teams like Buffalo ruin those plans before.
The Broncos and Seahawks both earned their week off by dominating the regular season, but rust is a real thing. If the Bills can jump out to an early lead in Denver, that crowd might get quiet fast.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 18, the rotation shifts again. The Texans face the Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN, and the Rams take on the Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
Actionable Steps for Today's Kickoff
To make sure you don't miss a single play because of a technical glitch or a missing login, here is your pre-game checklist:
- Check your local listings: While CBS and FOX are national, the exact channel number varies by your zip code and provider (Comcast, DirecTV, etc.).
- Update your apps: If you're streaming on Paramount+ or FOX One, open the apps now. Nothing is worse than a 500MB update required at 4:29 p.m.
- Sync your audio: If you prefer local radio—like WCMF 96.5 for the Bills—be prepared for a slight delay between the radio broadcast and the TV feed.
- Confirm your subscription: If you’re using Fubo or YouTube TV, ensure your "Home Area" is set correctly so you get the right local affiliates for the playoff broadcast.
The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting narrow. By the time the clock hits zero in Seattle tonight, we'll be halfway to knowing our Conference Championship matchups.