Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills
Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills

Matchup: Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills

Round: NFL Divisional Playoffs

Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026

Kickoff time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

Primary US broadcaster: CBS

This Divisional Round matchup pairs two teams built very differently, but with the same goal: a trip to the AFC Championship. It also raises a practical question for fans around the world:

Can you watch Broncos vs. Bills live for free and legally?

Read more: NFL Divisional Playoffs 2026: Full Schedule, Matchups, Predictions, and How to Watch

United States: How to watch live (free and legal options)

Over-the-air TV with an antenna (best free option)

In the US, this game airs nationally on CBS. Because CBS is a free, over-the-air broadcast network, anyone with access to a local CBS affiliate can watch the game live at no cost.

What you need:

  • A digital TV antenna

  • A TV within range of a CBS affiliate

No cable subscription, login, or streaming app is required. Once the antenna is set up, the game is available in full HD.

To check whether you can receive CBS in your area:

For viewers who want the simplest and most reliable free method, this is it.

Live TV streaming free trials (no antenna, no cable)

If you do not have an antenna, your next best option is a live TV streaming service that carries CBS, using a free trial.

Common options in the US include:

  • YouTube TV – https://tv.youtube.com

  • Hulu + Live TV – https://www.hulu.com/live-tv

  • Fubo – https://www.fubo.tv

These services stream your local CBS station live in most markets. New users can typically access a trial period ranging from a few days to a week.

This approach is legal and widely used, but it requires remembering to cancel before the trial ends if you do not want to be charged.

Paramount+ (paid in most cases)

CBS’s streaming platform, Paramount+, often carries live NFL playoff games through the local CBS feed. However:

  • A paid subscription is usually required

  • Free trials are not guaranteed during the playoffs

  • Local affiliate availability can vary

Website: https://www.paramountplus.com

This is a good backup option, but not a dependable free solution.

Mobile-only option: NFL+

NFL+ allows live playoff games on smartphones and tablets.

Key points:

  • Live games are available on mobile devices

  • Smart TVs and computers are not supported for live viewing

  • A subscription is required

Website: https://www.nfl.com/plus

This works best for fans who will be away from home during kickoff.

Read more:

- Can the Super Bowl Logo Really Predict the Champion?

- 2026 NFL Playoffs: Team-by-Team Super Bowl Path Analysis

Canada: Viewing options

In Canada, NFL broadcast rights are centralized.

Primary broadcasters:

  • TSN (cable and streaming)

  • CTV (select games)

To stream reliably, Canadian viewers generally need access to TSN or TSN+, which requires a subscription.

Website: https://www.tsn.ca

Some CTV NFL games air free over the air, but playoff availability can vary by region. Fans should not assume the game will be free nationwide.

Worldwide: Watching outside the US and Canada

For viewers outside North America, the most reliable legal option is NFL Game Pass International, which is distributed through DAZN in many countries.

Service: NFL Game Pass

Website: https://www.dazn.com

Game Pass International typically includes:

  • Every NFL playoff game live

  • Full replays on demand

  • Multiple language options

This service is paid in most regions, but it is the only consistent worldwide solution.

What not to rely on “free NFL stream”?

Unofficial “free NFL stream” websites and social media restreams are illegal, unstable, and frequently shut down mid-game. They also pose security risks. None are recommended.

Game Preview: Broncos vs. Bills

This matchup is expected to be tight and physical.

Denver’s edge comes from:

  • A disciplined defense

  • Strong home-field advantage

  • Comfort playing low-scoring, possession-based games

Buffalo’s edge comes from:

  • Offensive explosiveness

  • Playoff experience

  • Quarterback-driven upside late in games

Key factors likely to decide the outcome:

  • Turnovers: one mistake could swing the game

  • Third-down efficiency

  • Red-zone execution, especially in cold conditions

Prediction

Expect a controlled, physical game that stays close into the fourth quarter. Denver’s defense and home environment give them a narrow edge.

Prediction: Broncos 24, Bills 21

Bottom line

You can watch Broncos vs. Bills live and legally:

  • In the United States, for free, using a CBS antenna or a live TV streaming trial

  • In Canada, primarily through TSN (usually paid)

  • Worldwide, through NFL Game Pass International (paid)

With a little planning, you do not need cable to watch one of the most compelling games of the NFL postseason.