So, you’re looking for the kickoff time to catch the Denver Broncos this Sunday. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you wait until Sunday afternoon to flip on the TV for the Broncos, you’re going to miss the biggest game Denver has seen in a decade.
The truth is, the Broncos aren't playing on Sunday.
Because they locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a stellar 14-3 regular season, the NFL gave them the marquee Saturday afternoon slot for the Divisional Round. This isn't just another game. It’s the first time since the 2015-2016 Super Bowl 50 run that playoff football is actually returning to Mile High. If you’ve been asking what time do broncos play sunday, the answer is actually Saturday, January 17, at 4:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. local Denver time).
Why the Saturday Slot Matters for Denver Fans
The NFL schedule is a fickle beast. Usually, we're conditioned to think "Sunday is for football," but the Divisional Round splits the four biggest games of the year across two days. This year, the league decided the Buffalo Bills visiting the Denver Broncos was too big to wait for Sunday.
By playing on Saturday, the Broncos are actually getting a slight advantage if they win. They’ll get an extra day of rest and recovery before the AFC Championship game next week. Given that Bo Nix and the offense have been grinding through a long season, that extra 24 hours of ice baths and film study is massive.
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If you’re still seeing search results or calendars mentioning Sunday, January 18, those are likely referring to the other AFC matchup—the Houston Texans at the New England Patriots. That game kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday. But for the orange and blue? It's all about Saturday.
Breaking Down the Kickoff and Broadcast
Since the game isn't on Sunday, you need to make sure your Saturday plans are cleared.
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. MT
- Venue: Empower Field at Mile High
- TV Channel: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+
Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will be on the call. Honestly, having Romo dissecting Bo Nix’s progression against the Bills' defense is going to be worth the price of admission alone. If you're stuck in the car or working a shift, you can catch the local call on KOA Newsradio (850 AM & 94.1 FM). Dave Logan’s "Touchdown Broncos!" call is basically the soundtrack of Colorado winters anyway.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Playoff Schedule
It’s easy to get confused. Between Wild Card weekend, the Divisional Round, and the Conference Championships, the NFL moves games around to maximize TV ratings. Many fans assume the top seed always plays on Sunday to "headline" the weekend.
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Actually, the league often puts the most anticipated matchup on Saturday late afternoon to catch that prime "pre-dinner" viewing window. Broncos vs. Bills is a rematch of last year’s Wild Card heartbreaker where Buffalo sent Denver packing. The storylines are everywhere. Josh Allen vs. the No. 3 scoring defense in the league? It’s a broadcaster's dream.
If you were searching for what time do broncos play sunday because you're planning a watch party, you might want to move those wings and dips to Saturday afternoon.
The Stakes at Mile High
This isn't just about a time slot. This is about redemption. Last year, the Bills beat the Broncos 31-7. It was ugly. It was cold. It felt like the Broncos weren't quite ready for the big stage.
This year feels different.
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Denver is coming off a bye week. They’ve had time to heal. The defense, led by a secondary that’s been absolute "No Fly Zone" 2.0, is playing its best football. But let’s be real—stopping Josh Allen is never easy. The Bills are the No. 6 seed, but they’re playing like a team that belongs in the Super Bowl. They just dismantled the Jaguars in the Wild Card round, and they’re coming into Denver with nothing to lose.
Oddly enough, some Vegas books have the Bills as a 1.5-point favorite despite being the road team and the lower seed. That’s a slap in the face to a 14-win Denver team. Expect the crowd at Mile High to be louder than usual.
Survival Guide for the Divisional Round
If you're heading to the stadium, remember it's January in Denver. The forecast is looking "football-y"—meaning cold and possibly breezy.
- Gate Times: Gates usually open two hours before kickoff. For a 2:30 p.m. start, you’ll want to be at the gates by 12:30 p.m. if you want to catch warmups.
- Parking: It’s a nightmare. Use the RTD or a rideshare if you can. If you must drive, expect to pay a premium for those lots near the stadium.
- Streaming Backup: If your cable goes out, Paramount+ is the official home for the CBS feed. Make sure your login works before kickoff.
Moving Toward the AFC Championship
Should the Broncos take care of business on Saturday, they’ll host the winner of the Texans vs. Patriots game. That game will be on Sunday, January 25. So, if you were really hoping for a Sunday game, you just have to hope the Broncos win this weekend.
The path to the Super Bowl goes through Denver this year. That’s a sentence Broncos Country hasn’t been able to say for a long time. The city is buzzing. The buildings are lit up orange. Even the airport train is probably doing that "Hold on, this is the way to the end zone" voice thing.
Basically, don't be the person who shows up to the bar on Sunday afternoon asking where the game is. The Broncos are a Saturday team this week.
Your Actionable Game Day Plan
- Double-check your DVR: If you have to work, set it for Saturday, not Sunday. Set it for an extra hour just in case of overtime.
- Stock up early: Grocery stores in Denver on Saturday morning are going to be a war zone. Get your supplies by Friday night.
- Check the injury report: Keep an eye on the final status of the Broncos' offensive line. They’ll need to be 100% to keep the Bills' pass rush off Bo Nix.
- Sync your clock: Kickoff is exactly 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Be in your seat (or on your couch) by 2:15 p.m. to see the introductions.