So, you’re looking for the score. Honestly, keeping up with the schedule this time of year is a total headache because of the playoff seeding and the way the NFL flexes games. If you’re checking the ticker right now on January 15, 2026, here is the short answer: The Denver Broncos did not play a game yesterday.
I know, it's kinda confusing since we’re deep in January. But there’s a very specific reason for the silence coming out of Empower Field at Mile High this week. Because Denver finished the regular season with a stellar 14-3 record, they locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC. That earned them the ultimate prize: a first-round bye. While other teams were bruising each other during Wild Card weekend, Sean Payton’s squad was sitting at home, resting their starters and watching the chaos unfold from their couches.
What Was The Score To The Broncos Game Recently?
The last time we actually saw the Broncos take the field was back on Sunday, January 4, 2026. That was the regular-season finale, and it was a massive one. They faced off against the Los Angeles Chargers with everything on the line. Denver ended up stifling the Chargers in a 19-3 victory.
It wasn't exactly a high-flying offensive shootout, but it was effective. Basically, the defense turned into a brick wall. Ja'Quan McMillian was the hero of that day, snagging a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter that basically set the tone for the entire afternoon. Wil Lutz was also busy, kicking four field goals because the offense struggled a bit to finish drives in the red zone. But hey, a win is a win, and that 19-3 score is what secured home-field advantage through the playoffs.
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If you’re wondering about other "Broncos" scores—like if you're a college fan—the Boise State men's basketball team just had a rough outing. They played the UNLV Rebels on Tuesday night, January 13, and lost a heartbreaker in overtime, 89-85. On the women's side, the Santa Clara Broncos just played the Portland Pilots tonight (Jan 15) and unfortunately dropped that one 73-66.
The Road To The Divisional Round
People keep asking about the score because the hype in Denver is higher than the elevation right now. It’s been a decade since this city hosted a playoff game. Ten years! The last time the orange and blue had this kind of postseason momentum, Peyton Manning was still under center.
Bo Nix has been the talk of the town. He’s managed to tie NFL records for wins by a young QB, and honestly, his chemistry with Courtland Sutton is the main reason this team isn't just "good" but "dangerous."
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Here is how the AFC looks right now as we head into the Divisional Round:
- Denver Broncos (1): Coming off a bye.
- Buffalo Bills (6): Just beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-24 in a Wild Card thriller.
- New England Patriots (2): Set to play the Houston Texans.
The Bills are the ones coming to town next. This is a huge revenge game. Last year, Buffalo absolutely embarrassed Denver in the playoffs with a 31-7 blowout. You can bet Sean Payton has been playing clips of that game on a loop in the locker room all week.
When Is The Next Broncos Game?
Since there was no score to report for yesterday, all eyes are on this coming Saturday. Mark your calendars for January 17, 2026.
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The Broncos will host the Buffalo Bills at 2:30 PM MT (4:30 PM ET). It’s going to be on CBS. This is the first game of the Divisional Round, and it’s going to be cold. The Bills are coming in "banged up," as the beat writers like to say. They’ve got a massive injury list, including safety Jordan Poyer and several receivers like Gabe Davis.
Meanwhile, Denver is fresh. They’ve had two weeks to get Nix’s thumb healthy and to let the defensive line recharge.
What To Watch For
If you’re betting or just bragging to your friends, keep an eye on the run defense. Last year, Josh Allen and James Cook ran all over Denver for 210 yards. This year? Denver’s run defense is ranked second in the league. It’s a completely different unit.
Expect a low-scoring, physical battle. Denver’s crowd is going to be deafening, which Bo Nix noted is a huge advantage for his communication versus Josh Allen’s.
To stay ready for the big game this weekend, make sure your jerseys are washed and your snacks are prepped. If you're heading to the stadium, remember that the "Orange Crush" atmosphere starts early—tailgating lots open four hours before kickoff. For those watching at home, check your local listings to ensure you have the CBS feed or a Paramount+ subscription ready to go, as streaming delays can be a real spoiler on social media.