The road to Super Bowl LX runs through the Mile High City today as the 2026 NFL Divisional Round kicks off with a heavyweight AFC clash. The top-seeded Denver Broncos (14-3) are set to host the sixth-seeded Buffalo Bills (12-5) at Empower Field, marking Denver's first home playoff game in a decade. While the Broncos enter the contest fresh off a bye week, all eyes are on Buffalo's sideline for a critical Josh Allen injury update today. The reigning NFL MVP is active but nursing a trifecta of injuries—foot, knee, and throwing hand—sustained during last week's gritty Wild Card victory over the Jaguars.
Josh Allen Injury Update Today: The MVP's Toughest Test
Despite being listed as a full participant in Thursday's final practice, Josh Allen's physical condition remains the biggest variable in today's matchup. Allen suffered a lingering foot injury in Week 16 against the Browns and compounded it with a twisted knee and a bruised right finger during the Bills' narrow 27-24 win in Jacksonville last Sunday. Head coach Sean McDermott praised his quarterback's resilience, calling him a "warrior" after Allen led two fourth-quarter scoring drives to secure Buffalo's first road playoff win since 1993.
The challenge for Allen is compounded by a depleted receiving corps. With Gabe Davis and Tyrell Shavers both ruled out with season-ending ACL tears, the Bills will rely heavily on veteran Brandin Cooks, rookie sensation Keon Coleman, and slot specialist Khalil Shakir. Allen will need to be sharp against a Broncos defense that allowed the fewest points in the AFC this season.
Bills vs Broncos: A Grudge Match at Mile High
For Denver, today is about more than just advancing—it's about revenge. This game is a rematch of last season's Wild Card round, where the Bills dominated the Broncos 31-7 in Orchard Park. However, this is a vastly different Denver squad. Under Sean Payton, the Broncos surged to the AFC's No. 1 seed behind the efficient play of sophomore quarterback Bo Nix, who threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns this season.
The Broncos' defense has also undergone a transformation since that playoff exit. The offseason additions of linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga have turned Denver's unit into a juggernaut, particularly at home. "We're a completely different team than we were a year ago," cornerback Pat Surtain II told reporters Tuesday. "Last year is in the past, but we definitely remember how that felt."
Key Matchup: Denver's Pass Rush vs. Buffalo's O-Line
The trench warfare will likely decide the outcome. Denver's defense set a franchise record with 68 sacks this season, and they will look to exploit a Bills offensive line that gave up significant pressure against Jacksonville. If Allen's mobility is compromised by his foot and knee ailments, the Broncos' pass rush could force the turnover-prone version of the Bills' offense to reappear.
NFL Playoff Schedule 2026: Bracket Update & Night Cap
Following the conclusion of the Bills-Broncos showdown, the action shifts to the NFC for a bitter divisional rivalry. The NFL playoff schedule 2026 continues tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET as the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers. Early Seahawks vs 49ers predictions favor Seattle, who swept the regular-season series, but San Francisco's offense has caught fire late in the year.
The winner of today's AFC matchup will advance to the AFC Championship Game to face either the New England Patriots or the Houston Texans, who play tomorrow. Fans tracking the NFL bracket update know that a Bills win would force them to travel again, while a Broncos victory ensures the AFC title game stays in Denver.
How to Watch: Streaming, Free Trials, and Live Scores
Kickoff for Bills vs. Broncos is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. For cord-cutters, the game is available on Paramount+ and other platforms offering an NFL streaming free trial, such as FuboTV. Fans on the go can follow Bills vs Broncos live scores on the official NFL app or major sports news platforms to keep up with every play of this high-stakes rematch.
