If you're looking for the kickoff time right this second, here’s the reality: the Denver Broncos aren't actually playing a game today, Thursday, January 15, 2026.
But don't close the tab just yet. While the field at Empower Field at Mile High is quiet today, the building is buzzing because the Broncos are officially in the "win or go home" stretch of the postseason. After a dominant 14-3 regular season that secured them the No. 1 seed in the AFC, Sean Payton’s squad is currently in the middle of their bye-week preparation, waiting for their massive Divisional Round matchup against the Buffalo Bills this coming Saturday, January 17.
Basically, today is the "calm before the storm" day. It’s the day the coaching staff finalizes the red-zone scripts and the day Bo Nix tries to ignore the mountain of hype building up in the Mile High City.
Who is Broncos playing today? Understanding the Playoff Bracket
Even though there isn't a game on the TV tonight, the answer to who is Broncos playing today in terms of their next opponent is officially the Buffalo Bills.
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This isn't just any game. It’s a rematch of last year's Wild Card round where the Bills absolutely dismantled Denver 31-7. But honestly, this 2025-2026 Broncos team is a completely different beast. They aren't the scrappy underdogs anymore; they’re the team everyone else is terrified to visit at 5,280 feet.
Why Saturday is the real date to circle
The NFL schedule-makers have slated this heavyweight bout for:
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Time: 4:30 PM ET (2:30 PM local Denver time)
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- Broadcast: CBS / Paramount+
If you were hoping to crack a beer and watch them today, you’ve got about 48 hours to wait. But that wait might be worth it. The Broncos haven't been a No. 1 seed since 2015—the year Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset with a Lombardi Trophy.
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The Injury Report: Who's actually healthy?
One of the biggest reasons the Broncos are favorites heading into the weekend is their health. While most teams are duct-taping their offensive lines together by mid-January, Denver is remarkably intact.
John Franklin-Myers (hip) has been a full participant in practice this week. That’s huge. Having him back on the interior next to Zach Allen makes this defensive front almost impossible to run against. The Bills, on the other hand, are hurting. Josh Allen is dealing with a trio of nagging issues (foot, knee, and finger), and their secondary is missing key pieces like Jordan Poyer and Maxwell Hairston, who haven't been practicing.
Key Broncos players to watch in practice today:
- Bo Nix: The rookie-turned-franchise-savior has been the story of the year. He’s been assisted by a run game that finally found its teeth in December.
- Patrick Surtain II: He’ll likely spend his Saturday glued to whoever the Bills try to throw at.
- Dre Greenlaw: He’s been limited with a hamstring issue, so today’s practice report will be the one everyone is refreshing their browser for.
What the Vegas Sharps are saying
Currently, the Broncos are sitting as slight 1.5-point favorites. That’s a "respect" line. Usually, the No. 1 seed at home gets more than a field goal, but Vegas knows Josh Allen is a human cheat code in the playoffs.
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The Bills just scraped by the Jaguars in a 27-24 nail-biter, while the Broncos have been resting and getting healthy. Some analysts think the "rest vs. rust" factor is real. Coach Sean Payton isn't buying it, though. He’s been vocal this week about how the bye is a tool, not a guarantee.
What you should do today to prepare
Since the Broncos aren't playing today, you’ve got time to get your logistics sorted. If you’re heading to the stadium on Saturday, remember that Denver weather in mid-January is unpredictable. Currently, the forecast looks cold but clear—perfect "Orange Crush" weather.
- Check your streaming login: If you're watching on Paramount+, make sure your subscription is active today so you aren't scrambling at kickoff.
- Watch the final injury report: The "Game Status" designations (Questionable, Out, Doubtful) usually drop late on Thursday or early Friday. Keep an eye on Dre Greenlaw’s status.
- Stock up: If you’re hosting a watch party, Saturday afternoon games are prime "wings and chili" territory.
The Broncos have a chance to do something special this year. They tied a franchise record with 14 wins. They broke the sack record with 68 takedowns. Now, they just have to prove that being the best team in the regular season actually means something when the lights get bright on Saturday.
The most important thing to remember: No game today, but the quest for Super Bowl LX officially resumes in Denver this Saturday at 4:30 PM ET.
Actionable Next Steps
- Sync your calendar: Set an alert for Saturday, Jan 17 at 4:00 PM ET to catch the pre-game analysis on CBS.
- Verify your tickets: If you bought through a third-party seller, ensure the digital transfer to the Denver Broncos/Ticketmaster app is complete today.
- Monitor the weather: Check the Denver local forecast on Friday evening; Empower Field is notorious for wind gusts that can affect the kicking game.