Buffalo fans are basically living on a knife's edge right now. If you've been frantically Googling who are bills playing today, the answer is finally here: the Buffalo Bills are heading into a massive AFC Divisional Round showdown against the Denver Broncos.
It is officially January 17, 2026. This isn't just another game. We’re talking about the No. 1 seed Broncos hosting the battle-tested Bills at Empower Field at Mile High. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET, and honestly, the stakes couldn't be higher. Buffalo is coming off a gritty 27-24 Wild Card win against the Jaguars, while Denver has been sitting pretty on a bye week, resting up after a dominant 14-3 regular season.
How to Watch the Bills vs. Broncos Today
If you aren't in the stands at Mile High (where tickets are currently hovering around a staggering $360 on the low end), you’re probably looking for a screen. The game is being broadcast nationally on CBS.
The A-team is on the call: Jim Nantz and Tony Romo in the booth, with Tracy Wolfson on the sidelines. If you’ve cut the cord, you can stream the whole thing on Paramount+. For the international fans or those stuck in the car, the Bills Radio Network—led by Chris Brown and Eric Wood—will be live across their usual affiliates like WGR 550.
Matchup Details at a Glance
- Opponent: Denver Broncos (AFC No. 1 Seed)
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. local Denver time
- Venue: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- TV/Streaming: CBS, Paramount+
Why This Matchup Is Stressing Everyone Out
Let’s be real for a second. The Broncos have been a juggernaut this year. They finished the season 14-3, and their defense is a nightmare. They rank in the top three for total points allowed.
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Buffalo, meanwhile, is the quintessential "scary" No. 6 seed. Josh Allen has been playing some of the most disciplined football of his career—he hasn't thrown an interception in six straight games. That’s wild for a guy known for "hero ball."
The weather in Denver is looking chilly but manageable for two teams used to the cold. We're looking at about 34°F at kickoff. The real challenge isn't the temperature; it's the altitude and that relentless Broncos pass rush led by Nik Bonitto, who racked up 14 sacks this season.
The Injury Report Shuffle
You can't talk about who are bills playing today without looking at who is actually healthy enough to take the field. The Bills got some massive news on Friday: star defensive tackle Ed Oliver has been activated from IR. Having him back to clog the middle against Denver's run game is a game-changer.
However, it’s not all sunshine. The Bills are officially without Maxwell Hairston and safety Jordan Poyer. That puts a ton of pressure on the secondary to contain Courtland Sutton, who went over 1,000 yards this year. On the Denver side, they’ve been busy elevating guys like Elijah Moore from the practice squad, looking for any extra spark they can find after a two-week layoff.
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The Bo Nix vs. Josh Allen Factor
This game is a fascinating clash of styles at quarterback. Josh Allen is the established titan, 11th in the league in passing yards this year but arguably first in "ability to make something out of nothing."
Then you have Bo Nix. He’s been efficient. Maybe too efficient? He threw for nearly 4,000 yards but his yards per attempt (6.4) was one of the lowest in the league. He’s a point guard. He distributes. He doesn't take massive risks.
Buffalo’s defense, which ranks No. 1 against the pass, is going to try to bait him into those mistakes he’s avoided all year. If the Bills can get to Nix early, that Denver crowd might get quiet fast.
What Most People Are Missing
Everyone is talking about the point spread—Denver is a 2.5-point favorite—but look at the "hidden" stats. Buffalo actually went 3-0 against the spread as an underdog this season. They play better when people count them out.
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Denver, despite that 14-3 record, was actually just 3-4 against the spread as home favorites. They win, but they don't always dominate the way the scoreboard suggests.
If James Cook can find some room against a Broncos defense that is slightly more vulnerable to the run than the pass (91.1 yards allowed per game, which is elite, but still), it opens up everything for Dalton Kincaid and Khalil Shakir.
Tactical Next Steps for Fans
If you're gearing up for kickoff, here is exactly what you need to do to stay on top of the action:
- Check the Final Inactives: About 90 minutes before the 4:30 p.m. kickoff, the official "inactive list" will drop. Keep a close eye on Terrel Bernard (calf) and Damar Hamlin (pectoral)—both are questionable and their presence drastically changes the Bills' defensive depth.
- Sync Your Audio: If you prefer the local Buffalo radio call over Romo, use an app like WGR 550, but be prepared to pause your TV for a few seconds to sync the delay.
- Monitor the Altitude Factor: Watch for heavy rotations on the Bills' defensive line in the first quarter. If they start looking gassed early in that thin Denver air, it could be a long night.
- Watch the Other Game: Since the Bills play the early slot, you can relax afterward and watch the 49ers vs. Seahawks at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX. That game decides who the NFC representative might be in the Super Bowl, but for Bills Mafia, all eyes are on the AFC bracket.
The winner of today's Bills-Broncos game moves on to the AFC Championship on January 25th. It’s win or go home time.