Wait. If you’re checking your watch right now because you think there’s a kickoff in Denver this evening, take a breath. You haven’t missed the coin toss. Honestly, the most important thing to know about what time does Broncos game start tonight is that the game actually isn't tonight.
It’s happening this Saturday.
The Denver Broncos, coming off a stellar 14-3 regular season and a well-deserved first-round bye, are set to host the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round. Because they locked up the No. 1 seed, Sean Payton’s squad earned the right to sit back and watch the Wild Card chaos from their couches last weekend. But the wait is almost over.
The Kickoff Details You Actually Need
If you are looking for the precise moment the ball flies through the Mile High air, mark your calendar for Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The official kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. MST.
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For those of you tuning in from different time zones—because let’s face it, Broncos Country is everywhere—here is how that translates:
- Pacific Time: 1:30 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 2:30 p.m. (Local Denver time)
- Central Time: 3:30 p.m.
- Eastern Time: 4:30 p.m.
The game will be broadcast nationally on CBS. If you’ve cut the cord, you can stream the whole thing on Paramount+ or use a service like Fubo or YouTube TV.
Why the Saturday Slot Matters
The NFL loves a good Saturday playoff double-header. By putting the Broncos in the afternoon slot, they’ve set the stage for a massive ratings draw. Denver hasn't hosted a playoff game since the 2015 season—the year Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset with a Lombardi Trophy. The energy at Empower Field is going to be borderline feral.
Bo Nix has been the story of the year. He's been decisive, accurate, and surprisingly mobile when things break down. But he’s facing a Buffalo Bills team that is arguably the hottest in the league right now. Josh Allen just dismantled the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card round, and even though the Bills are playing on a shorter week, they look dangerous.
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Basically, the Broncos are rested, but the Bills are battle-tested.
Where to Watch and Listen
If you aren't one of the lucky ones who snagged tickets (which are currently retailing for a small fortune on the secondary market), you have plenty of options.
- Television: CBS is the primary home for this AFC clash. Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will likely be on the call, given it's the premier AFC matchup of the weekend.
- Streaming: Paramount+ is the easiest "official" way to stream if you have a subscription.
- Radio: In the Denver area, 850 KOA and 103.5 The Fox will have the local broadcast. There is something nostalgic about listening to Dave Logan call a playoff game while you're firing up the grill.
A Quick Reality Check on the Matchup
Don't let the "tonight" confusion throw you off. The NFL playoff schedule is a rigid beast. Tonight, Wednesday, January 14, is a "dead" day in the league—a day for film study, injury reports, and coaches sleeping in their offices.
The Broncos are currently listed as slight 1.5-point favorites by most major sportsbooks. That is a razor-thin margin. It essentially means the Vegas experts think these teams are equal on a neutral field, and the Broncos are only favored because they're playing at 5,280 feet.
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Buffalo beat Denver 31-7 in the playoffs last year. That's the elephant in the room. The Broncos scored on their opening drive and then completely vanished. This year feels different, though. The defense has found its teeth, and the running game has enough consistency to keep Josh Allen off the field.
Preparing for Saturday
Since there is no game tonight, you've got a few days to get your setup ready. Check your Paramount+ login. Make sure your lucky jersey is clean (or dirty, if that’s your thing).
If you’re heading to the stadium, the parking lots open four hours before kickoff. That means tailgating starts at 10:30 a.m. MST. It’s going to be cold—forecasts are already hinting at typical mid-January Denver temperatures—so layers are mandatory.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Sync your calendar: Add the 2:30 p.m. MST Saturday kickoff to your phone now so you don't miss the first quarter.
- Check your tech: Open your streaming app today to ensure no updates are required right before kickoff.
- Finalize your menu: If you’re hosting, Thursday is the day to hit the grocery store before the Friday rush.
The road to the Super Bowl runs through Denver this year. Make sure you're ready when the clock finally starts.