The adrenaline is basically vibrating through Buffalo right now. After that gritty 27-24 win over the Jaguars in the Wild Card round, Josh Allen and the crew are heading into the thin air of Colorado. Everyone is asking the same thing: what time is bills game this weekend?
If you're looking for the short answer, here it is. The Buffalo Bills face off against the Denver Broncos this Saturday, January 17, 2026. Kickoff is officially set for 4:30 p.m. EST.
Since this is the Divisional Round, the stakes are massive. Denver snagged the #1 seed and they've been resting up, while the Bills are coming in as the #6 seed with a lot of momentum and, honestly, probably some tired legs. But hey, that's playoff football.
What Time Is Bills Game and How to Watch the Divisional Round
If you’re on the East Coast, 4:30 p.m. is your magic number. For the Mafia members actually making the trek to Empower Field at Mile High, you’re looking at a 2:30 p.m. local kickoff in Denver.
🔗 Read more: Men's Sophie Cunningham Jersey: Why This Specific Kit is Selling Out Everywhere
Watching from the couch? CBS has the national broadcast. You can also stream it on Paramount+ if you’ve ditched traditional cable.
It’s the first game of the Divisional weekend doubleheader. Right after the Bills wrap up, the 49ers and Seahawks take the stage at 8:00 p.m. EST on FOX. It’s gonna be a long, glorious day of football.
The Matchup: Why This One Is Different
This isn't just another game. We’re talking about Bo Nix, who has been surprisingly efficient for the Broncos, going up against 2024 MVP Josh Allen. Denver’s defense is ranked third in the league for scoring, which is kind of terrifying when you think about how often the Bills like to take deep shots.
💡 You might also like: Why Netball Girls Sri Lanka Are Quietly Dominating Asian Sports
The Bills actually have the top-ranked rushing attack this year. That’s a weird thing to say about a Buffalo team, right? Usually, it's all Josh Allen's arm, but the ground game has been the secret sauce lately. They’re hitting Denver’s second-ranked rushing defense, so something has to give.
Weather and Environment Factors
Denver in mid-January is no joke. The forecast is looking chilly, but not quite "Buffalo Blizzard" levels of cold. The real factor is the elevation.
- Elevation: 5,280 feet.
- Game Temp: Expected to be in the low 30s.
- Wind: Historically tricky at Empower Field.
You've probably seen players on the sidelines using oxygen masks in Denver. The Bills have been training for this, but the "thin air" fatigue usually hits in the fourth quarter. That’s when we’ll see what this team is really made of.
📖 Related: Why Cumberland Valley Boys Basketball Dominates the Mid-Penn (and What’s Next)
Where to Catch the Game in Buffalo
If you aren't heading to Denver, the 716 is going to be electric. Most buildings downtown are lighting up blue on Friday night.
Wegmans is even hosting a pep rally at the McKinley location on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. before the game starts. Billy Buffalo and the Stampede will be there, so if you need a rally towel, that’s the spot. Honestly, the city feels like one giant watch party whenever it's playoff season.
Key Game Details
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.
- Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. EST.
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO.
- TV Network: CBS.
- Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+.
There aren't any games today, Thursday, Jan. 15. The NFL decided to skip Thursday Night Football for the playoffs to give teams more recovery time. So, you’ve got two days to get your wings ordered and your jersey washed.
Actionable Next Steps for Bills Fans
- Check Your Subscription: Ensure your Paramount+ login works before 4:00 p.m. on Saturday to avoid the "oops, I forgot my password" panic.
- Pre-Game Prep: If you’re hosting, get the groceries on Friday. Buffalo stores are notoriously empty an hour before kickoff.
- Monitor Injury Reports: Keep an eye on the final status of the secondary; containing Denver's receivers will be the biggest challenge for the Bills' defense.
- Plan Your Travel: If you're heading to a sports bar, get there by 3:00 p.m. Table spots will be gone long before the coin toss.