If you are looking for the Broncos' kickoff time right now, on this Thursday, January 15, 2026, I have to be the bearer of "sorta" bad news. There isn't a game today. Honestly, the NFL rarely does Thursday games once the playoffs kick in, and right now, Denver is sitting in the catbird seat as the AFC's top seed.
But don't put the jersey away just yet. The answer to where do the broncos play today is actually more about preparation than a live game clock. While the field at Empower Field at Mile High is quiet today, the team is currently on the practice field at the Centura Health Training Center in Englewood, grinding through the final install for a massive showdown.
When and Where Do the Broncos Play Next?
The wait is almost over. Denver hosts the Buffalo Bills this Saturday, January 17, 2026. This isn't just another game; it is the AFC Divisional Round.
Because the Broncos finished the regular season with a stellar 14-3 record, they earned a first-round bye. That means while the Bills were out beating the Jaguars last week, Sean Payton’s squad was resting up and watching film.
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO.
- Date: Saturday, Jan 17, 2026.
- Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. local time (4:30 p.m. ET).
- TV Channel: CBS.
- Streaming: Paramount+ and NFL+.
If you’re heading to the stadium, remember that January in Denver is no joke. The forecast is looking chilly, and since it’s a late afternoon game, that sun is going to drop behind the Rockies mid-game. The temperature usually craters once that happens. Layer up.
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Why This Specific Matchup Matters
This isn't just about a playoff bracket. It’s about a little bit of revenge. Last year, the Bills absolutely thrashed Denver in the postseason, a 31-7 blowout that left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth.
Sean Payton basically obsessed over that loss all off-season. He wanted the road to the Super Bowl to run through Denver because of the "Mile High" advantage.
The air is thinner. The crowd is louder. Visiting teams—especially ones that rely on a high-octane passing game like Josh Allen and the Bills—often struggle with their wind in the fourth quarter. It’s a real thing.
The Bo Nix Factor
Let’s talk about the kid. Bo Nix has been a revelation this season. He isn't just playing like a rookie anymore; he’s leading the league’s 10th-ranked offense with a level of poise that’s honestly kind of shocking.
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He has a massive test on Saturday, though. The Bills’ defense is ranked 7th in the league. They’re aggressive. They’re fast. But Denver’s offensive line, led by All-Pros Quinn Meinerz and Garett Bolles, hasn't allowed many sacks this year. It’s going to be a "strength vs. strength" kind of afternoon.
Logistics for the Denver Crowd
If you are one of the lucky ones with a ticket to see where do the broncos play today (well, Saturday), you need to know the stadium rules have tightened up a bit for the 2025-2026 season.
- Parking: Lots open at 10:30 a.m. for the VIP tailgates. If you don't have a pre-purchased pass, don't even try to drive to the stadium. Use the light rail. The E and W lines drop you right there, and it saves you $50 and two hours of gridlock.
- Clear Bag Policy: It’s still in effect. Nothing bigger than a small clutch unless it’s clear plastic.
- Digital Tickets: Everything is on your phone. Make sure your battery is charged because the cold kills iPhone batteries faster than a Josh Allen scramble.
The Bigger Picture: Road to Super Bowl LX
Since Denver is the #1 seed, they don't have to travel as long as they keep winning. If they beat Buffalo on Saturday, they will host the AFC Championship Game right back at Mile High on January 25.
They’d face either the New England Patriots or the Houston Texans. The goal, of course, is Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara for Super Bowl LX on February 8.
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But we can't look that far ahead.
The Bills are coming in hot. They’ve won four of the last five matchups against the Broncos. They have the league's top rushing attack, and Denver has the second-best rushing defense. Something has to give.
Actionable Tips for Fans
- Check the Secondary Market: If you're looking for last-minute tickets, prices are dropping slightly on apps like SeatGeek today because of the cold forecast, but expect them to spike again Saturday morning.
- Update Your Streaming: If you're watching on Paramount+, log in today to make sure your subscription is active. There’s nothing worse than a "password incorrect" screen at kickoff.
- Radio Backup: If you’re stuck in traffic, tune into KOA 850 AM or 94.1 FM for the local call. Dave Logan’s voice is the soundtrack of Denver football for a reason.
While the answer to where do the broncos play today is technically "nowhere" for this specific Thursday, the city is already vibrating. Saturday afternoon is going to be electric. Get your gear ready, check your flight times if you’re coming from out of town, and get ready for the biggest game in Denver in a decade.
To stay ahead of the game, verify your gate entrance number on the Empower Field app now to avoid the bottleneck crowds that typically form at the south gates.