If you’ve been looking at the calendar and realized it's Saturday, January 17, 2026, then you already know the intensity has shifted. We aren't in the regular season anymore. This is the Divisional Round. It’s arguably the best weekend of football in the entire year because the "bad" teams are gone, the rust from the bye week is a factor, and the stakes are massive.
So, who plays in the nfl game tonight? You actually get a double-header.
First up, the Buffalo Bills travel to face the Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Then, the nightcap features a massive NFC West grudge match between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
It’s going to be a wild ride.
The AFC Opener: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos
Josh Allen is back in a high-stakes road environment. This game kicks off the weekend's action at Empower Field at Mile High. Denver has been a bit of a surprise this year, securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC and a well-earned week of rest. But rest can be a double-edged sword. Sometimes teams come out flat, while a team like Buffalo—fresh off a 27-24 Wild Card win over the Jaguars—is already in "playoff mode."
Basically, the Broncos have had a week to sit on their couch and watch film, while the Bills have been hitting people.
Why the Broncos are dangerous
Denver’s home-field advantage is real. The thin air in January is no joke for visiting teams, especially in the fourth quarter. If the Broncos’ defense can keep Allen from escaping the pocket, they have a legitimate shot to shut down Buffalo's rhythm.
The Bills' momentum
Buffalo is the No. 6 seed, but nobody wants to play them right now. They showed last week that they can win ugly. In the playoffs, winning ugly is a skill. Honestly, if the Bills can survive the first 15 minutes without falling behind by two scores, the pressure shifts entirely to the home team.
The Main Event: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
This is the game everyone is talking about. When people ask who plays in the nfl game tonight, this is the matchup that makes them clear their evening plans. It’s an NFC West divisional battle with a trip to the NFC Championship on the line.
The Seahawks are the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They’ve been dominant, finishing the regular season 14-3. They have the top-ranked scoring defense in the league, allowing just 17.2 points per game. That’s a brick wall.
But the 49ers? They just went into Philadelphia and knocked off the No. 3 seed Eagles 23-19. They are battle-tested and healthy at the right time.
Key Storylines for 49ers at Seahawks
- The Rivalry: These teams know each other's playbooks better than their own. There are no secrets left.
- Lumen Field Noise: Seattle fans (the 12s) are going to make it impossible for Brock Purdy to hear himself think.
- The Redemption: Purdy is looking to bounce back after a rough Week 18 loss in this very stadium. He’s admitted that you have to "earn every single yard" against this Seattle group.
The Seahawks aren't just a defensive juggernaut; they also have the third-best scoring offense. It's a nightmare matchup. They’ve got Charles Cross anchoring that offensive line, giving their playmakers plenty of time to work.
How and Where to Watch
If you’re trying to catch the action, here is the breakdown of the TV schedule for tonight.
| Game | Time (ET) | Channel | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bills at Broncos | 4:30 p.m. | CBS | Paramount+ |
| 49ers at Seahawks | 8:00 p.m. | FOX | FOX Sports App / FOX One |
You’ve got options. If you’re a cord-cutter, Paramount+ has the AFC game covered, and the FOX Sports app is your best bet for the night game. Just make sure you’ve checked your login credentials before kickoff. Nothing is worse than missing a first-quarter touchdown because of a forgotten password.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Divisional Round
There is a common misconception that the No. 1 seeds (Denver and Seattle) are locks to win. History tells us otherwise. The "rust vs. rest" debate is a real thing in the NFL.
Since the playoff format expanded, we’ve seen plenty of top seeds fall to teams that played the week before. The 49ers and Bills are coming in with high-intensity game reps fresh in their minds. Denver and Seattle haven’t played a meaningful snap in nearly two weeks.
Watch the first two drives of each game. If the Broncos or Seahawks look sluggish or turn the ball over early, it’s a sign that the bye week might have cooled them off too much.
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Betting Insights and Expectations
Seattle is currently a 7-point favorite over the 49ers. That feels a bit high for a divisional rival, but the Seahawks have been so consistent at home that it makes sense. The over/under for that game is sitting around 45 points.
For the early game, expect a closer spread. Denver’s altitude is factored into the lines, but Buffalo’s ability to score quickly makes them a "live" underdog throughout the entire 60 minutes.
Actionable Next Steps for Tonight’s Games
- Check the Injury Reports: Look for late-breaking news on Buffalo’s secondary and Seattle’s offensive line an hour before kickoff.
- Monitor the Weather: Denver in January can be unpredictable. High winds or heavy snow will drastically change how much the Bills can throw the ball.
- Secure Your Stream: If you’re using Paramount+ or FOX One, log in now to avoid the "high traffic" lag that sometimes hits right at 4:30 p.m.
- Set Your Fantasy Lineups: If you're playing DFS or playoff challenges, keep an eye on the 49ers' backfield usage, as they leaned heavily on the run last week.
Knowing who plays in the nfl game tonight is only half the battle; understanding the matchups is what makes the viewing experience worth it. It’s a night of high-stakes football that will determine half of the conference championship field. Enjoy the games.