The energy is different today. You can feel it. We’ve moved past the chaos of Wild Card weekend and landed straight into the high-stakes pressure cooker of the NFL Divisional Round. If you’re asking who plays today football nfl, you’re looking at a Saturday doubleheader that basically defines why we watch this sport. We have the top seeds coming off their bye weeks, rested and ready to defend their home turf against hungry underdogs who just survived a playoff elimination game.
It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026. The weather is crisp, the brackets are narrowing, and the road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting shorter by the hour. Today isn't just about winning; it's about survival.
The AFC Kickoff: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
First up, we’re heading to the thin air of Mile High. The Denver Broncos, led by Bo Nix, are the AFC’s number one seed. They’ve been sitting home, watching the film, and getting their bodies right while the rest of the conference beat each other up. They’re hosting the Buffalo Bills, a team that seems to thrive on the "nobody believes in us" narrative.
Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: CBS (streaming on Paramount+)
The Vibe: Denver is a slight 1.5-point favorite. This isn't the blowout some might expect for a 1-seed vs. 6-seed.
The Broncos' defense has been a brick wall all season, ranking third in the league by allowing only 18.3 points per game. But here comes Josh Allen. The Bills' offense is a juggernaut, averaging 28.3 points. Something has to give. Will the altitude exhaust the Bills' fast-paced no-huddle, or will Allen's experience in big moments overwhelm a young Denver squad?
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Honestly, the injury report for Buffalo is a bit of a mess. They’re officially without cornerback Maxwell Hairston and safety Jordan Poyer. That’s a massive hole in the secondary against a Denver team that loves to take deep shots. On the flip side, Denver is relatively healthy, though they’ll be missing tight end Lucas Krull.
The Nightcap: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Once the sun goes down, the lights turn on at Lumen Field. This is a classic NFC West bloodbath. The Seattle Seahawks, the top seed in the NFC, are hosting the San Francisco 49ers. If you follow these teams, you know there’s no love lost here. They’ve already played twice this season, and they split the series.
Kickoff Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
TV Channel: FOX (streaming on the FOX Sports app)
The Vibe: Seattle is favored by 7 points, but don't let that fool you. This is a rivalry game.
The big story here is Sam Darnold. The Seahawks quarterback is dealing with an oblique injury. He’s listed as questionable, but he told reporters he has "next to no doubt" he’s playing. Head coach Mike Macdonald echoed that confidence. Seattle needs him because their offense has been electric—third-best in the league—but the 49ers' defense is notorious for making life miserable for quarterbacks who aren't at 100 percent.
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San Francisco is coming in with some significant bruises. Linebacker Fred Warner is out with an ankle injury. That is a devastating blow for a defense that relies on his range and leadership. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown is also sidelined. The 49ers' offense, led by Brock Purdy, will have to put up big numbers to compensate for a defense that might be missing its heartbeat in Warner.
Why Today Matters More Than You Think
In the NFL, the Divisional Round is often considered the best weekend of football. The talent gap is almost non-existent. You have the statistical titans (Denver and Seattle) meeting the "hot" teams that have momentum.
Statistically, home teams in this round usually have the upper hand, but the 2025 season has been anything but predictable. The Bills and 49ers both finished 12-5. They aren't typical 6-seeds. They are powerhouses that happened to take a longer road to get here.
Real-Time Stats and Betting Angles
- Total Points: The over/under for Bills-Broncos is 46.5.
- The Spread: Seattle at -7 feels high, especially with the 49ers' history of keeping it close in Seattle.
- The Weather: Watch the wind in Denver; it can shift a kicking game in seconds.
What to Watch For
Keep an eye on the trenches. In the Buffalo-Denver game, can the Bills' offensive line protect Josh Allen against a Denver pass rush that has been relentless at home? Allen is great on the move, but if he’s running for his life on every third down, Buffalo is in trouble.
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In the Seattle game, look at the 49ers' wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. He’s questionable with a knee injury but has been vocal about his optimism to play. If he and Deebo Samuel are both full-go, the Seahawks' secondary—led by Riq Woolen—is going to have its hands full.
Actionable Strategy for Fans
If you’re planning your Saturday around who plays today football nfl, here’s how to handle the triple-threat of snacks, viewing, and stats:
- Check the Inactives: Official "active/inactive" lists come out 90 minutes before kickoff. For the 4:30 p.m. game, check around 3:00 p.m. ET to see if Buffalo's questionable players like Ed Oliver or Curtis Samuel are actually suiting up.
- Streaming Prep: If you’re using Paramount+ or the FOX Sports app, log in now. Don't be that person resetting their password while the opening kickoff is in the air.
- Monitor the Weather: Denver weather can change fast. If the wind picks up, the "Under" becomes a much more attractive play for bettors.
- Watch the Oblique: Keep a close eye on Sam Darnold’s throwing motion early in the Seattle game. If he’s grimacing after follow-throughs, the Seahawks' playbook might shrink significantly.
The Divisional Round is where legends are made. By the time tonight's games are over, we'll know exactly who has the inside track to the Super Bowl. Enjoy the games.