So, the Buffalo Bills are still alive. After that gritty 27-24 Wild Card win against the Jaguars, the Mafia is packing their bags for the mountains. If you’re trying to figure out exactly what time is the buffalo bills game on today, you need to clear your late afternoon.
Buffalo is set to take on the top-seeded Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. This isn't just another game; it's a massive AFC Divisional Round showdown. The winner moves on to the AFC Championship, and the loser starts planning for the draft.
The Essentials: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos Kickoff
Let's get straight to the point. The Buffalo Bills game is on today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET.
If you’re watching from Buffalo or anywhere else on the East Coast, that’s your number. If you happen to be in Denver for the game, or you’re living out west, you're looking at a 2:30 PM MT kickoff. It’s that perfect "late afternoon/early evening" slot that lets you get your grocery shopping done before the stress of playoff football takes over your life.
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Where can I watch the Bills game?
You don't have to go hunting for some obscure cable channel for this one. Since it’s a Divisional Round game, it's getting the big-stage treatment.
TV Channel: CBS
Basically, if you have an antenna, a cable box, or a pulse, you can probably find CBS. They are sending their A-team for this one. Jim Nantz will be on play-by-play, Tony Romo will be in the booth (likely predicting plays three seconds before they happen), and Tracy Wolfson will be reporting from the sidelines.
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If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't out of luck. You can stream the game live on Paramount+. It’s also available on NFL+ if you’re trying to watch on your phone or tablet while hiding at a wedding reception or something. For the international fans, DAZN and NFL Game Pass are your best bets to see if Josh Allen can work his magic in the thin air.
Why this matchup is actually terrifying
Honestly, Denver is a weird place to play in January. It's high, it's cold, and the ball travels differently. The Broncos are the #1 seed for a reason. Bo Nix has settled into Sean Payton’s system better than anyone expected, and that Denver defense is currently ranked 3rd in the league for a reason.
But the Bills? They’re the 6th seed with nothing to lose. They’ve won five of their last six games. Josh Allen is playing that "controlled chaos" style of football that makes him the most dangerous man on the field. The Bills are bringing the league’s top rushing attack into this game, which is exactly how you beat a team in the cold.
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Quick Game Day Checklist
- Kickoff: 4:30 PM ET / 2:30 PM MT
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- Broadcast: CBS / Paramount+
- Weather Forecast: Chilly, but clear. Expect temps in the 30s by kickoff.
- Radio: WGR 550 (Buffalo) or Westwood One (National)
The Bills are currently listed as slight underdogs, which usually suits this roster just fine. They played Denver earlier this year and it was a dogfight. Expect more of the same today.
What most people get wrong about the Bills in Denver
A lot of folks think the altitude is the only factor. It's not. The real story is the turnaround. Buffalo just played a physical game against Jacksonville and had to travel across two time zones. Denver is coming off a bye week. They’re fresh. They’re rested.
But Sean Payton knows that Josh Allen is the great equalizer. If Allen keeps the turnovers down—which he’s actually done pretty well lately—the Bills have a legitimate shot at the upset. Buffalo's defense, led by Greg Rousseau and Ed Oliver, needs to get in Nix’s face early. If they let the rookie get comfortable, it’s going to be a long flight back to Western New York.
Steps to take before kickoff
- Check your Paramount+ login now. Don't be the person resetting your password at 4:29 PM.
- Monitor the injury report. Pay close attention to the Bills' secondary; they’ve been banged up, and Nix loves to test deep safeties.
- Prep the snacks. It’s a 4:30 PM start, which means you’ll be hungry by halftime. Wings are mandatory, obviously.
- Sync your radio. If you prefer the local Buffalo call with Chris Brown and Eric Wood, use the Bills app, but be prepared for the 30-second streaming delay compared to the TV broadcast.
This game is the first half of a Saturday playoff doubleheader, with the 49ers and Seahawks playing the nightcap at 8:00 PM ET. It's going to be a full day of football. Get your chores done early, wear your lucky jersey, and settle in.