If you’ve been scrolling through your phone trying to figure out exactly when to park yourself on the couch, I’ve got you. Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and we are officially into the meat of the NFL Divisional Round. No more Wild Card chaos—this is where the real contenders separate themselves from the pretenders.
So, let's cut to the chase. What time is the first NFL game today on TV? The first kickoff happens at 4:30 PM ET (that’s 1:30 PM for those of you out west). You’ll want to flip your TV over to CBS to catch the Buffalo Bills taking on the top-seeded Denver Broncos.
Bills vs. Broncos: The High-Altitude Showdown
Honestly, this game is a fascinating matchup. You’ve got Josh Allen leading a Bills squad that just barely scraped past the Jaguars last week (27-24). They’re heading into the thin air of Mile High to face a Denver team that has been surprisingly dominant under Sean Payton.
Most people are looking at the 1.5-point spread and realizing this could go either way. Denver’s defense has been a brick wall, allowing the second-fewest rushing yards in the league this season. If Buffalo can’t get James Cook moving, Allen is going to have to play hero ball, which—as we all know—is either spectacular or terrifying.
Quick Broadcast Details for the Opener
- Kickoff Time: 4:30 PM ET
- TV Channel: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+, Fubo, or NFL+
- Venue: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver
If you’re watching on CBS, expect the usual A-team in the booth. The atmosphere in Denver is expected to be electric, especially since the Broncos secured that coveted #1 seed.
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What Time Is The First NFL Game Today On TV? Your Full Saturday Schedule
It isn't just a one-and-done kind of day. The NFL loves a Saturday double-header during the playoffs. Once the sun starts to go down in Denver, the action shifts over to the Pacific Northwest for a massive divisional rivalry.
The second game features the San Francisco 49ers at the Seattle Seahawks. This one kicks off at 8:00 PM ET on FOX.
The Nightcap: 49ers vs. Seahawks
This is the third time these two have met this season. Seattle actually took the last meeting in Week 18, winning 13-3 to lock up the home-field advantage. Sam Darnold has been a revelation for the Seahawks, but there's a big "if" hanging over this game: he’s currently dealing with an oblique injury.
On the other side, Brock Purdy and the 49ers are coming off a gritty win in Philly. They’re missing George Kittle, which sucks, but Christian McCaffrey is still... well, he's still McCaffrey.
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Pro Tip: If you’re a cord-cutter, the FOX game is streaming on the FOX Sports app and FOX One. If you have a digital antenna, this is the perfect time to dust it off.
Why Today's Timing Matters for Your Betting Slip
If you’re looking at the lines, pay attention to the kickoff times. The 4:30 PM start in Denver means the temperature will be dropping fast as the game progresses. Buffalo is used to the cold, but the altitude is the real "silent killer" here.
In Seattle, the 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM local) start means a night game at Lumen Field. It’s loud. Like, "can't hear your own thoughts" loud. The Seahawks are 7-point favorites, which feels high for a playoff game against a team like San Francisco, but the home-field advantage in Seattle is a real thing.
Saturday's Betting Quick Look
- Bills at Broncos (-1.5): The line flipped recently; Denver was actually the underdog at open.
- 49ers at Seahawks (-7): This is the largest spread of the weekend. The over/under is sitting at 45.
How to Watch If You Aren't Near a TV
Sometimes life happens and you’re stuck at a grocery store or a kids' birthday party when the 4:30 PM kickoff hits.
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Basically, you have three solid options. First, the Paramount+ app will carry the CBS feed for the Bills game. Second, the FOX Sports app handles the nightcap. If you want everything in one place, YouTube TV or Fubo are your best bets. Just make sure your login actually works before the kickoff. Nothing is worse than staring at a "forgot password" screen while you hear your neighbor cheering through the wall.
What’s Coming Up Tomorrow?
If today isn't enough football for you, Sunday keeps the momentum going.
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: 3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN.
- LA Rams at Chicago Bears: 6:30 PM ET on NBC/Peacock.
It’s a packed weekend. But for right now, make sure you're ready for that 4:30 PM start. Grab your snacks, check your fantasy leftovers (if you're doing playoff challenges), and settle in.
To stay ahead of the action, verify your streaming subscriptions now so you aren't hit with a "session expired" message right as Josh Allen takes his first snap. If you're hosting, make sure the CBS and FOX channels are tuned in and the volume is up—it's going to be a wild ride.