You're probably here because you missed the ticker or just woke up from a nap and need to know: what's the Broncos score? Well, as of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Denver Broncos are currently in a "bye" week. Don't go checking your TV quite yet.
They finished the regular season with a dominant 19-3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on January 4th. That victory was massive. It wasn't just another win; it was the statement that secured them the #1 seed in the AFC.
Basically, the Broncos are the kings of the mountain right now. They earned a first-round bye in the playoffs, which is why they didn't play this past Wild Card weekend. They’ve been sitting back, resting up, and watching the rest of the league beat each other up while they prepare for their next big test.
What's the Broncos Score and Who Do They Play Next?
The "score" everyone is actually waiting for happens this Saturday. Because they took care of business in the regular season, the Denver Broncos are hosting the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round.
Mark your calendar: Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:30 PM MT.
✨ Don't miss: Red Sox vs Yankees: What Most People Get Wrong About Baseball's Biggest Feud
The Bills are coming off a Wild Card win and they’re looking dangerous, but they have to come into the thin air of Empower Field at Mile High. This is the first time Denver has hosted a home playoff game in a decade. If you're a fan, the energy in the city is kind of electric right now.
Why the Chargers Game Mattered
In that final regular-season game against the Chargers, Denver's defense was basically a brick wall. They held LA to just a single field goal. Ja'Quan McMillian was the hero of the day with a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown. Honestly, seeing a defensive score like that early in the game just sucks the life out of an opponent.
Bo Nix didn't have to be a superhero in that game because the defense and the run game did the heavy lifting. He finished 14 for 23 with 141 yards—nothing flashy, but he kept the car on the road. That’s been the story of the 2025-26 season: smart football and a defense that refuses to break.
A Season for the History Books
If you haven't been following every single week, you might not realize how insane this 14-3 record actually is. This team tied the franchise record for wins in a single season. The last time they did that? 1998. Yeah, the Terrell Davis and John Elway era.
🔗 Read more: OU Football Depth Chart 2025: Why Most Fans Are Getting the Roster Wrong
Sean Payton has this group playing with a level of discipline we haven't seen in Denver for a long, long time. They’ve had some absolute nail-biters this year.
- They beat the Commanders in overtime (27-26).
- They swept the Chiefs (including a massive 20-13 win on Christmas Day).
- They outlasted the Giants 33-32 in what many people are calling the "game of the year."
They aren't just winning; they're finding ways to win even when things go sideways.
The Roster is Stacked
It's not just luck. The NFL All-Pro list just came out, and Denver is all over it.
- Garett Bolles (LT) and Quinn Meinerz (RG): These guys are the reason Bo Nix has time to breathe.
- Zach Allen (DT): A total wrecking ball on the defensive line.
- Patrick Surtain II (CB): Still the best lockdown corner in the game.
When you have that much talent on both sides of the ball, "what's the Broncos score" usually ends up being a pretty high number for Denver and a very low one for the other guys.
💡 You might also like: NL Rookie of the Year 2025: Why Drake Baldwin Actually Deserved the Hardware
What to Expect Against the Bills
This Saturday is going to be a heavyweight fight. You’ve got Josh Allen, the 2024 MVP, coming into Denver to face the league’s #3 ranked scoring defense.
The Bills have the best rushing attack in the NFL. Denver has the #2 rushing defense. Something has to give. Most experts, like Pete Prisco over at CBS, are actually picking the Bills to pull the upset, which feels kinda disrespectful given how Denver has played at home. But hey, that's why they play the games.
If the Broncos win this one, they’ll host the AFC Championship Game right here in Colorado on January 25th.
Actionable Steps for the Divisional Round
If you're planning on following along or heading to the game, here is what you need to know:
- Kickoff Time: 2:30 PM MT / 4:30 PM ET on CBS.
- Weather Factor: Check the forecast for Saturday morning. January in Denver can mean anything from 50 degrees and sunny to a literal blizzard. The "score" often depends on how much the wind is whipping.
- Tickets: If you're looking for last-minute seats, be prepared to pay. Prices on the secondary market are starting around $490 and going up into the thousands for the lower bowl.
- Watch for the Run: Pay attention to how the Broncos' defensive line handles the Bills' run game in the first quarter. If Buffalo can't move the ball on the ground early, it’s going to be a long day for Josh Allen.
Denver is finally back in the conversation as a Super Bowl favorite. The road to the Lombardi Trophy officially runs through Mile High. Stay tuned for the final score this Saturday.