In a high-stakes AFC divisional playoff showdown, the top-seeded Denver Broncos host the Buffalo Bills on January 17, 2026, at Empower Field at Mile High. This matchup pits Denver’s stout defense against Buffalo’s dynamic offense, with a trip to the conference championship on the line.
Game Details and Kickoff
The action starts at 4:30 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the broadcast on CBS or stream via DAZN for international viewers.
Denver enters with a 14-3 record, while Buffalo stands at 13-5. The Broncos earned the No. 1 seed after a dominant regular season.
Betting Odds Shift
Oddsmakers initially pegged Denver as slight underdogs. Now, the Broncos are 1-point favorites. The total points line sits at 46.
This flip reflects confidence in Denver’s home-field advantage and defensive prowess.
Weather Outlook
Expect temperatures in the upper 30s with winds around 10 to 15 mph. Gusts may reach 22 mph, but impacts on passing games appear minimal.
This marks Denver’s coldest contest this season, testing both teams’ adaptability at altitude.
Key Players to Watch
Buffalo’s Josh Allen brings dual-threat ability, rushing for multiple scores recently. Denver’s Bo Nix faces his first playoff start in his second year.
Rookie running back RJ Harvey has surged for the Broncos, scoring in five of his last six games.
- Josh Allen: Scored two rushing touchdowns last week against Jacksonville.
- RJ Harvey: Leads Denver in goal-line carries, with six scores in recent outings.
- Defenses: Broncos rank second overall; Bills seventh.
Matchup Insights
Defenses dominate the narrative. Denver boasts the league’s top red-zone stop unit, while Buffalo excels against the pass despite injuries.
Running games could decide the outcome. Buffalo’s James Cook struggled last week, facing another tough front.
Experience favors Allen in clutch moments, but Nix has shown poise against pressure.
Historical Context
Buffalo holds a 24-17-1 edge in the series. They won the last playoff meeting 31-7 a year ago.
Allen threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns in that victory, with Cook adding 120 rushing yards.
Predictions and Touchdown Bets
Analysts see a low-scoring affair, with one forecast calling for a 20-14 Bills upset.
Touchdown props highlight Allen at -110 odds and Harvey at -135, reflecting their red-zone roles.
Why This Game Matters
A Bills win would mark another step toward Allen’s elusive Super Bowl. For Denver, victory solidifies their resurgence under Sean Payton.
The winner advances to the AFC Championship, facing either Kansas City or Baltimore next weekend. This clash could define the conference’s path forward.
