Wait, check your calendar. If you're looking for a Buffalo Bills game on this exact Thursday, January 15, 2026, you're going to find a whole lot of nothing on the TV schedule. The Bills don't actually play today.
Honestly, that’s probably a good thing for Josh Allen’s ribs and the collective blood pressure of Western New York. After that gritty 27-24 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card round last Sunday, the team needs every second of rest they can get.
The real action is just around the corner. Buffalo is officially moving on to the AFC Divisional Round, and the matchup is a heavyweight fight.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Tennessee Titans Music City Miracle Still Makes Bills Fans Cringe 25 Years Later
Who do the Bills play today? Not today, but the Broncos are next
The Buffalo Bills are scheduled to play the Denver Broncos this coming Saturday, January 17, 2026.
This isn't just any game. It’s a trip to Mile High to face the AFC's top-seeded team. Since Denver locked up the No. 1 seed with a 14-3 regular-season record, they earned a week off while Buffalo was busy fighting for their lives in Jacksonville. Now, the 6th-seeded Bills have to fly into the thin air of Colorado to keep the dream alive.
Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. You can catch the broadcast on CBS or stream it through Paramount+.
🔗 Read more: Womens College Basketball Rankings: Why the AP Poll is Lying to You
Why this matchup feels personal
Last year, these two met in the playoffs too. Buffalo absolutely dismantled Denver 31-7 at Highmark Stadium. But let’s be real: things are different now.
This time, the Bills are the ones traveling. They are 1-.5 point underdogs according to the early lines, which feels about right given the altitude and Denver’s current 13-1 run over their last 14 games. Bo Nix has looked like a different animal this season, and that Broncos defense is giving up less than 19 points a game.
Buffalo fans are already flooding Denver, though. AAA is reporting that flights from Buffalo to Denver are hovering around $1,100 for the weekend, but that hasn't stopped the "Bills Mafia" from booking every available seat. Expect Empower Field to have a significant splash of blue and red in the stands.
The Hailee Steinfeld "Controversy" (Sorta)
If you've been on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the weird drama surrounding Josh Allen’s wife, Hailee Steinfeld.
Because she grew up in California, old photos of her cheering for the Broncos surfaced recently. Some fans are jokingly (or maybe not so jokingly) calling her out for it. It’s a bit silly, considering she’s been a fixture at Bills games, though she did miss the Jacksonville game to attend the Golden Globes.
Word is she’ll likely be in Denver for this one, and honestly, if Josh Allen keeps playing mistake-free football—he hasn’t thrown an interception in six straight games—no one is going to care who she cheered for when she was ten years old.
Injury concerns for the Divisional Round
Buffalo's injury report is looking a little crowded. We’re talking 15 players listed as of Wednesday.
- Terrel Bernard: The linebacker's status is the big one to watch.
- Maxwell Hairston: He hasn't practiced yet this week with that ankle issue.
- Damar Hamlin: Listed with a pectoral injury, but he was a full participant in practice, which is a massive relief for the secondary.
Denver is much healthier, only listing four players on their report. That depth and fresh-leg advantage is exactly why the No. 1 seed is so coveted in the NFL.
How the Bills pull off the upset
To win on Saturday, Buffalo has to lean on James Cook. He’s an All-Pro for a reason, racking up over 1,600 rushing yards this season.
👉 See also: Dirty Fantasy Football Logos: Why Your League’s Humor Is Actually Getting Harder to Pull Off
Denver’s run defense is stout, but if Allen can use his legs to keep the chains moving, it opens up everything for Brandin Cooks and Khalil Shakir. It’s basically going to come down to whether Buffalo’s defense can pressure Bo Nix without leaving their secondary exposed to Courtland Sutton.
It’s going to be cold. It’s going to be loud. It’s going to be quintessential January football.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check local listings for CBS to ensure you have access before the 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday.
- If you're streaming, verify your Paramount+ login today to avoid the "password reset" panic five minutes before the game starts.
- Keep an eye on the Friday afternoon injury report, specifically for Terrel Bernard, as his presence usually dictates how aggressive the Bills' defense can be against the run.