What time is the Broncos game today? Kickoff guide for Saturday’s Divisional Round
The Denver Broncos host the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round today, Saturday, January 17, 2026. This high-stakes playoff game opens the weekend slate and sets the tone for the conference title race.
Broncos game time today (global time zones)
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Mountain Time (Denver): 2:30 p.m. MT
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Eastern Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
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UK: 9:30 p.m. GMT
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Cairo: 11:30 p.m. EET
Venue: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver
Note: Gates, inactives, and final lineup confirmations typically land within 90 minutes of kickoff; exact details can evolve close to game time.
Why this kickoff slot matters for Denver
Opening the Divisional weekend puts Denver in the national spotlight and offers a rhythm advantage: the earlier window at altitude often favors teams that can script efficient opening possessions and lean on a deep defensive rotation. With the postseason magnifying every possession, controlling pace in the first and last five minutes of each half is paramount.
Quick viewing checklist for the Broncos game today
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Plan around halftime adjustments: The first two drives after halftime frequently swing momentum in playoff games.
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Mind the clock at altitude: Longer drives at 5,280 feet can tax visiting defenses; Denver’s offense may sprinkle tempo to stress substitutions.
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Red zone efficiency decides it: Field goals vs. touchdowns will likely determine the margin in a one-score playoff script.
Three on-field keys at this kickoff time
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Early down success: If Denver stays on schedule (second-and-5 or better), the full playbook—play-action, boots, and shot plays—stays in play.
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Quarterback containment: Buffalo’s quarterback can flip downs with scrambles. Expect Denver to toggle spies and simulated pressure to keep the pocket honest.
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Hidden yardage: Special teams at altitude magnify field position. Pin-back punts and touchback management can steal points over four quarters.
What Broncos fans should watch for before kickoff
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Inactives and last-minute statuses: Final decisions on rotation players in the secondary and along the defensive front can subtly reshape matchups.
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Trench combinations: Any tweaks on Denver’s offensive line—especially at tackle—will influence how much help is needed against edge rush.
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Scripted openers: Denver typically scripts its first 10–15 plays; an early commitment to the run/pass mix will signal how they plan to manage the Bills’ coverage rules.
If you’re checking from different regions
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US/Canada: Use the ET or MT times above to sync pregame and inactives.
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UK: A late evening start means the fourth quarter can push near midnight—hydrate, pace the snacks.
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Cairo: Local kickoff is 11:30 p.m. EET; plan for a post-midnight finish if the game runs long.
If you’re asking “what time is the Broncos game today,” circle 2:30 p.m. MT / 4:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 p.m. GMT / 11:30 p.m. EET on Saturday, January 17, 2026. With altitude, defensive depth, and quarterback play in the spotlight, Denver’s margin will come down to red-zone precision and late-game management.