If you're frantically refreshing your phone to find out what is the score for the broncos game, you’re probably looking for live updates on the AFC Divisional matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Right now, as of Friday, January 16, 2026, the game hasn't actually started yet. Kickoff is locked in for Saturday, January 17, at 4:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. MT) at Empower Field at Mile High.
Since the game is still roughly 24 hours away, the "score" everyone is talking about is the betting line. Currently, Denver is sitting as a 1.5-point favorite over Josh Allen and the Bills. It’s basically a toss-up. This is the first time Denver has hosted a playoff game in a decade, and the city is vibrating.
The Last Score: How the Broncos Got Here
To understand the stakes for tomorrow, you have to look at the Week 18 finale. The Broncos basically suffocated the Los Angeles Chargers, walking away with a 19-3 victory on January 4, 2026.
That win wasn't just another notch on the belt; it secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They finished the regular season with a massive 14-3 record, tying a franchise high that we haven't seen since the 1998 season.
Coach Sean Payton has turned this team into a defensive juggernaut. They ended the year allowing only 18.3 points per game, which is third-best in the league. If you’re checking the score tomorrow, that’s the number to watch—if Denver keeps the Bills under 20, they’re almost certainly moving on to the AFC Championship.
Buffalo vs. Denver: The Matchup Everyone Is Looking For
The Bills are coming in hot after a wild regular season where they finished 12-5. They have the 4th-best offense in the league, averaging 28.3 points per game.
It’s a classic "unstoppable force vs. immovable object" situation.
- Broncos Defense: No. 1 in the NFL for yards per play allowed ($4.5$).
- Bills Offense: Averaging over 150 rushing yards per game.
- The Weather: Early forecasts for Saturday in Denver suggest a chilly afternoon, which usually favors the home team’s ground game.
Honestly, the score for the broncos game tomorrow is going to depend heavily on whether Bo Nix can protect the ball against a Buffalo defense that ranks 12th in points allowed. Nix has been efficient, but the playoffs are a different beast entirely.
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Why This Game Feels Different
The last time the Broncos were in this position—the No. 1 seed with a dominant defense—they ended up winning the Super Bowl. That was 2015. Ten years later, the vibe at Mile High is identical.
The stadium is sold out. Tickets on the secondary market are starting at roughly $444, which is insane but tells you everything you need to know about the hype. People aren't just curious about the score; they're expecting a deep run.
Recent Results: Denver’s Path to 14-3
If you missed the tail end of the season, the Broncos were on a tear. Aside from a weird hiccup against the Jaguars in late December (a 34-20 loss that felt like a wake-up call), they've been nearly perfect since November.
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- Christmas Day: They went into Arrowhead and beat the Chiefs 20-13.
- December 14: A high-scoring 34-26 win over the Packers.
- November 30: A gutsy 27-26 overtime thriller against Washington.
They’ve shown they can win ugly (like that 10-7 "squeaker" against the Raiders) and they can win in shootouts. That versatility is why the betting markets are leaning toward Denver tomorrow.
How to Watch the Score Live
Since the game isn't live this second, make sure you're ready for the Saturday broadcast.
The game will be aired on CBS. If you’ve cut the cord, you can stream it live on Paramount+. For those who can't get to a TV, the NFL app and various sports sites will have the live box score, but keep in mind that "live" usually has a 30-second delay compared to the actual broadcast.
Key Stats to Watch During the Game
When you do start checking the score tomorrow, keep an eye on these specific metrics:
- Third Down Conversions: Denver’s defense has been elite at getting off the field, holding opponents to a low success rate all season.
- Jaleel McLaughlin’s Rushing Yards: PFF has his over/under at 16.5 yards. If he’s getting carries early, it means the Broncos are controlling the clock.
- Turnover Margin: Denver finished the season with a $-3$ turnover ratio, which is actually one of their few weaknesses. If they lose the turnover battle to Buffalo, the score won't look pretty.
Actionable Steps for Broncos Fans
Tomorrow is a massive day for Denver sports. To stay on top of the action and the final results:
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- Set an Alarm: Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. local Denver time. Don't rely on "getting around to it."
- Check the Weather: If the wind picks up in Denver, expect a lower-scoring game. This would push the total under the predicted 46.5 points.
- Follow Live Play-by-Play: If you can't watch, the "Locked On Broncos" squad usually does a great job with real-time analysis on social media.
- Monitor In-Game Odds: If Buffalo scores first, the live betting line will shift significantly. It's a great way to gauge the momentum even if you aren't betting.
The wait for the Divisional Round is almost over. By Saturday evening, we'll know if the Broncos are hosting the AFC Championship or if the dream ends here.