You've probably been refreshing your feed all morning to make sure you don't miss the kickoff. The stakes couldn't be higher. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Buffalo Bills are back in the spotlight for a massive AFC Divisional Round showdown. If you’re asking what time does the bills play today, the answer is 4:30 p.m. ET. They are taking on the top-seeded Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
This isn't just another game. It is a collision of two teams that have taken very different paths to get here.
What Time Does The Bills Play Today and Where to Watch
The game kicks off at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. For those out West, that’s 2:30 p.m. in the Rockies or 1:30 p.m. on the coast.
CBS is the place to be. You'll hear Jim Nantz on the call with Tony Romo providing the analysis. If you’ve cut the cord, you can stream the whole thing on Paramount+. It’s also available on NFL+ for mobile users. Honestly, the atmosphere in Denver is going to be electric, but the thin air at Mile High is a real factor.
Why This Matchup Is Stressing Everyone Out
The Bills are currently 1.5-point underdogs. That feels about right given how dominant Denver has been this season. The Broncos finished 14-3 and earned that crucial first-round bye. Meanwhile, Buffalo (13-5) had to scrap their way through a wild-card win against Jacksonville last week.
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Josh Allen is playing some of his most composed football, which is saying something. But he's facing a Denver defense that led the league in sacks this year.
Injury news has been a bit of a roller coaster today. Center Connor McGovern was just evaluated for a head injury during the early stages of the game but has fortunately been cleared to return. That is huge for the offensive line. They also got a boost by activating DT Ed Oliver and WR Curtis Samuel from the IR just in time for this trip.
The Game Day Atmosphere
It’s currently 10-10 in the first half. A total grind.
Denver’s defense is bending but not breaking in the red zone. On the other side, Joe Brady’s play-calling has been praised by Romo early on, especially that touchdown design that got the Bills on the board. But drops are starting to haunt Denver. Courtland Sutton and Lil'Jordan Humphrey both missed opportunities that could have put the Broncos ahead.
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Essential Viewing Details
- Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. ET (January 17, 2026)
- TV Channel: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+, DAZN (Canada)
- Radio: WGR 550 (Buffalo), Westwood One (National)
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
What Most People Get Wrong About Road Playoff Games
Fans usually think the higher seed has a locked-in advantage because of the "rest vs. rust" debate. Sean Payton is 4-0 in the playoffs after a bye week. That is a terrifying stat for Bills Mafia.
However, Buffalo is trying to become only the fourth No. 6 seed in the last decade to reach a conference championship. They have this "grit" narrative going on that actually seems to be translating to the field. Josh Allen is 3-1 in his career against teams that lead the league in sacks. He loves the chaos.
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Actionable Steps for the Rest of the Game
- Monitor the O-Line: Keep an eye on McGovern. If his head injury flares up and he leaves again, the snap exchange in that loud Denver stadium becomes a massive liability.
- Watch the Altitude: The Bills' defense looked fresh in the first quarter, but the fourth quarter in Denver is where the lungs start to burn. Look for Sean McDermott to rotate his defensive line more frequently than usual.
- Check Live Betting Lines: If the score stays tied into the third, the "under" on the total points (currently 45.5) looks like a tempting play given how both defenses are stiffening up near the goal line.
The winner moves on to the AFC Championship on January 25. The loser goes home. It's as simple and as brutal as that.