If you’re staring at your TV right now wondering if you missed kickoff, take a breath. You haven't. The short answer to what time did the bills game start today is actually that it didn't.
Today is Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Buffalo Bills played their Wild Card game this past Sunday, and their next massive hurdle—a Divisional Round showdown against the Denver Broncos—isn't until this coming Saturday.
It’s easy to get turned around. The NFL playoff schedule is a whirlwind of rotating days and odd time slots. When you're used to the "1:00 PM Sunday" rhythm of the regular season, a Tuesday morning can feel like game day when the playoff hype is this loud.
When is the Buffalo Bills' Next Game?
The NFL just officially locked in the schedule for the Divisional Round. Since the Bills managed to escape Jacksonville with a nail-biting 27-24 win, they’ve earned a trip to Mile High.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 17, 2026.
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Kickoff for the Bills vs. Broncos is set for 4:30 PM ET (2:30 PM MT local time in Denver). You can catch the broadcast on CBS or stream it via Paramount+.
Honestly, the "short week" talk is already starting. Because the Bills played on Sunday and now have to travel to face a rested Denver team (who had the #1 seed bye) on a Saturday, Josh Allen and company are working with a condensed preparation window. It’s basically two high-stakes playoff games in six days. That is a brutal physical toll for any roster, let alone one that looked as beat up as Buffalo did by the end of the fourth quarter on Sunday.
Why People Think There’s a Game Today
So, why are people searching for what time did the bills game start today?
Usually, this happens because the NFL schedule announcement for the next round often drops on Tuesdays. After the Monday Night Wild Card game finishes—this year it was the Houston Texans taking down the Steelers—the league finalizes the exact times and dates for the Divisional games.
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People see "Bills" and "Schedule" trending on social media and assume the game is happening right now. Plus, the 24-hour sports talk cycle makes every day feel like Sunday.
Looking Back: What Happened Last Sunday?
In case you were under a rock, the Bills’ victory over the Jaguars was a classic "Josh Allen Experience." One minute he’s diving over a pile for a touchdown, the next he’s keeping fans on the edge of their seats with high-risk throws.
- Final Score: Bills 27, Jaguars 24.
- The Hero: Safety Cole Bishop, who snagged the game-sealing interception after Tre’Davious White tipped a Trevor Lawrence pass.
- Historical Context: This was actually Buffalo's first road playoff win in 33 years. Think about that. The last time they did this, the world was a very different place.
Preparing for Saturday’s Kickoff
Since there is no game today, you have exactly four days to get your wings and Buffalo chicken dip ready.
The Broncos are no joke this year. Bo Nix has been playing well above his "rookie/sophomore" expectations, and playing at altitude in January is never fun for an East Coast team. Denver is currently a 1.5-point favorite in most books. It’s essentially a toss-up.
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Critical Viewing Info
If you're planning your Saturday around the game, here's the breakdown:
- Date: Saturday, Jan 17.
- Network: CBS / Paramount+.
- Pregame: Most coverage starts at 3:30 PM ET, an hour before the 4:30 PM kickoff.
- The "Nightcap": If you’re a football junkie, the 49ers and Seahawks play right after the Bills game at 8:00 PM ET.
The Bills are currently 13-5. Denver is 14-3. This is the heavyweight fight the AFC has been waiting for. Last season, Buffalo smoked Denver 31-7 in the Wild Card round, but that was at Highmark Stadium. This time, the Bills are the ones boarding a plane.
To stay ready for Saturday, you should check the injury reports specifically for Ed Oliver and the secondary. The physical nature of the Jacksonville game left a few guys limping, and in a short week, recovery is the only thing that matters.
Actionable Next Steps: 1. Verify your Paramount+ login today if you plan to stream the game on Saturday.
2. Set a calendar alert for Saturday at 4:00 PM ET so you don't miss the coin toss.
3. Keep an eye on the Wednesday and Thursday injury reports to see if the Bills' defensive front is back to 100% before they head to the thin air of Denver.