If you’re staring at your calendar wondering when do the Denver Broncos play football again, you’re actually asking at the best possible time. Denver isn't just "playing" right now. They are deep in the hunt.
After a decade of—let’s be honest—pretty mediocre Sundays, the Mile High magic is officially back. The Broncos finished the 2025 regular season with a stellar 14-3 record, clinching the No. 1 seed in the AFC. That earned them a much-needed first-round bye, which is why the stadium was quiet during Wild Card weekend.
But the wait is over.
The Next Big Game: AFC Divisional Round
Denver hits the field again this Saturday, January 17, 2026.
They are hosting the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High. This isn't just another game. It’s a massive rematch from last year's Wild Card round where the Bills essentially bullied the Broncos in a 31-7 blowout. Things are different now. Bo Nix has matured, the defense is suffocating, and Denver has home-field advantage.
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Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. MT (4:30 p.m. ET). If you aren't lucky enough to have tickets, you can catch the broadcast on CBS or stream it through Paramount+. Local fans can also tune into 850 KOA for the radio call.
What to expect on Saturday
The Bills are coming off a dominant win against the Jaguars, and they’ve historically played Denver tough. But playing at altitude in mid-January is a different beast entirely. Honestly, the energy in Denver right now is the highest it’s been since the Peyton Manning era. You’ve got a team that finally believes it can win it all.
If the Broncos win this weekend, they’ll play in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 25, 2026. If they keep winning? You’re looking at Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, in Santa Clara.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Regular Season
Even while we’re all obsessed with the playoffs, the NFL has already quietly locked in who the Broncos will face next year. If you're planning your 2026 travel or just want to know when do the Denver Broncos play football again once the summer heat hits, here is the breakdown.
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The 2026 regular season officially kicks off on September 10, 2026.
While the exact dates and times won't be released by the NFL until May, we already know the opponents. Because Denver won the AFC West, their 2026 schedule is going to be a gauntlet. They’ll play 10 games against teams that made the 2025 playoffs.
Home Opponents at Mile High
- Kansas City Chiefs (The rivalry that never gets old)
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Buffalo Bills (Rematch alert!)
- Miami Dolphins
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Los Angeles Rams
- Seattle Seahawks
Road Games on the 2026 Calendar
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Arizona Cardinals
- San Francisco 49ers
- Carolina Panthers
It’s a tough draw. Denver will play nine road games and only eight at home next year. That’s just the way the 17-game schedule rotation works sometimes. Going to San Francisco and Pittsburgh in the same year is a tall order for any squad, but Sean Payton seems to have this roster built for the grind.
Why This Schedule Matters
Kinda crazy how fast things changed, right? A couple of years ago, people were writing off this franchise. Now, the question of when do the Denver Broncos play football again is something the entire league is paying attention to.
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The 2026 schedule features the "First Place" treatment. Since Denver won their division, they have to play the winners of the AFC North (Steelers), AFC South (Jaguars), and NFC South (Panthers). There are no "easy" weeks when you're at the top of the mountain.
Key Dates for Your Calendar
- January 17, 2026: AFC Divisional Round vs. Buffalo Bills.
- January 25, 2026: Potential AFC Championship.
- February 8, 2026: Super Bowl LX.
- May 2026: Full 2026 regular season schedule release (dates and times).
- August 2026: Preseason games begin.
- September 10-14, 2026: Week 1 of the 2026 Regular Season.
How to Prepare for the Playoff Game
If you're heading to the stadium this Saturday, keep in mind that the "Orange Out" is in full effect. The team has been leaning hard into the nostalgia lately, so expect plenty of throwback vibes and a crowd that’s ready to lose their voices.
Basically, the Broncos are the team no one wants to see in their bracket right now. They’ve got the momentum, the quarterback, and the home-field roar.
To stay ready for the matchup, you should check the injury reports later this week, specifically focusing on the offensive line depth. Keeping Bo Nix clean against the Bills' pass rush is going to be the entire game. If the pocket holds, Denver likely moves on to the AFC Championship.
Next Steps:
- Set your DVR: Mark Saturday, January 17, at 2:30 p.m. MT for the Divisional Round.
- Plan your 2026 trips: Look at the road opponents like San Francisco or Arizona and start scouting flight prices before the official May schedule release spikes the demand.
- Monitor the AFC bracket: Watch the Patriots vs. Texans game on Sunday to see who Denver might face in the conference championship.