If you're looking for the short answer: the first game starts at 4:30 p.m. ET and the nightcap kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Honestly, the NFL Divisional Round is usually the best weekend of football all year. You've got the rested No. 1 seeds coming off their bye, facing hungry teams that just survived the Wild Card gauntlet. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, is no different. We’re looking at two massive matchups that basically decide who gets one step closer to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara.
The atmosphere at Mile High and Lumen Field is going to be electric. If you're planning your wings and dips, here is exactly when you need to be on the couch.
What Time Is Kick Off Tonight NFL? The Saturday Slate
The league has split today's double-header between the AFC and the NFC. We start in the thin air of Denver and end in the rainy noise of Seattle.
Game 1: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos
- Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. local time in Denver)
- TV Channel: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+
The Denver Broncos, led by Bo Nix, are the AFC's top seed this year. They’ve had a week to heal up while Josh Allen and the Bills were busy grinding out a tough 27-24 win against Jacksonville last Sunday. This is a rematch of sorts, but Denver looks completely different under Sean Payton’s current system. If you're in Buffalo, you’re looking at a late afternoon start, but for those in Colorado, it’s a perfect midday tailgate.
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Game 2: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
- Kickoff Time: 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT)
- TV Channel: FOX
- Streaming: FOX Sports App / FOX One
This is the one everyone is talking about. An NFC West rivalry in the playoffs? Yes, please. The Seahawks earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC and the right to host this at Lumen Field, which is arguably the loudest stadium in the world. The 49ers are coming off a 23-19 upset over the Eagles. It’s Brock Purdy vs. the "12th Man." Expect things to get chippy early.
Why These Kickoff Times Matter for Your Viewing
NFL scheduling isn't just random. They want the maximum number of eyeballs on these screens. By starting the first game at 4:30 p.m. ET, the league captures the late-afternoon crowd on the East Coast and the lunch crowd out West.
The 8:00 p.m. ET slot is the "Prime Time" jewel. It's when the most people are home, settled in, and ready for the high-stakes drama.
A Note on Streaming
If you’ve cut the cord, don't panic. You don't need traditional cable to catch the games tonight.
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- Paramount+ will carry the CBS broadcast of Bills/Broncos.
- The FOX Sports app or FOX One will have the 49ers/Seahawks game.
- If you have NFL+ Premium, you can watch both on your phone or tablet, though the "big screen" experience is usually better for these high-speed playoff games.
What About the Rest of the Weekend?
If you're already looking ahead (because you're a football degenerate like the rest of us), Sunday has another double-header.
The Houston Texans travel to Foxborough to face the New England Patriots tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN. Then, the weekend wraps up with the Los Angeles Rams visiting the Chicago Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock.
Basically, cancel your plans for the next 48 hours.
Key Storylines to Watch Tonight
It's not just about the clock. It's about the matchups. In the early game, keep an eye on the Buffalo pass rush. They need to rattle Bo Nix early because if he gets comfortable in the pocket, he’s been surgical this season.
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In the late game, the weather in Seattle is always a factor in January. A little mist or a slick turf can turn a speed-based offense like the 49ers' into a tentative one. Christian McCaffrey’s health is the big "if" here—if he’s 100%, the 49ers can win anywhere. If he’s hobbled, Seattle’s defense will feast.
Quick Prep Checklist for Tonight:
- Check your streaming logins now. Don't be the person resetting their password at 4:29 p.m.
- Verify the local channel. Some markets have weird affiliate swaps; make sure your antenna is positioned right if you're going old-school.
- Sync your fantasy or betting apps. The lines have been moving all week, with Seattle currently favored by about 7 points at home.
The road to Super Bowl LX is getting narrow. Whether you're rooting for a Josh Allen hero-ball moment or a defensive masterclass in Seattle, tonight is going to be high-stress and high-reward.
Your Next Steps:
Check your local weather if you're attending in person—Denver is expected to be chilly but clear, while Seattle might have that classic Pacific Northwest drizzle. If you’re watching from home, ensure your Paramount+ or FOX Sports app is updated to the latest version to avoid mid-game crashes.