Broncos Advance to AFC Championship Game

The Denver Broncos secured a thrilling 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills on January 17, 2026, in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. This win propels them one step closer to Super Bowl 60, with their next opponent set to be determined by the outcome of the Texans vs. Patriots matchup scheduled for Sunday, January 18.

The Texans-Patriots game is set for the 3 p.m. ET window on ESPN/ABC. As the No. 1 seed, the Broncos will remain at home for the AFC Championship Game, which will take place at Empower Field at Mile High. This means the Broncos will have the advantage of playing in familiar surroundings and will not need to travel for the next round.

Understanding the Next Steps

The path forward for the Broncos hinges on the result of the Texans-Patriots game. Here’s how the potential matchups could unfold:

• If the Patriots defeat the Texans: The Broncos will face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
• If the Texans defeat the Patriots: The Broncos will face the Houston Texans in the AFC Championship Game.

Denver will spend the week preparing for either scenario, focusing on two distinct scouting files. This includes different defensive strategies, pressure packages, and unique matchups. Regardless of the opponent, the Broncos’ objective remains clear: win their next game and advance to the Super Bowl.

The NFL Playoff Schedule

The NFL playoff calendar has been firmly established, with the following key dates:

• AFC Divisional Round: Bills at Broncos — Saturday, January 17 (CBS/Paramount+)
• AFC Divisional Round: Texans at Patriots — Sunday, January 18, 3 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC)
• AFC Championship Game: Sunday, January 25 (CBS window; commonly listed around 3 p.m. ET)

If the Broncos win on Saturday, they will move on to the AFC Championship Game on January 25. The only remaining question is whether the opponent will be the New England Patriots or the Houston Texans.

Key Factors for the Broncos

After their win against the Bills, the Broncos are now in a position where they are just one game away from the Super Bowl. Several factors shape the upcoming week:

• Home-field advantage: As the top seed, the Broncos retain the benefit of playing at Empower Field at Mile High for the AFC Championship Game.
• Uncertain opponent: Denver will need to prepare for both the Patriots and the Texans until the Jan. 18 game concludes.
• Tight schedule: The AFC Championship Game is only a week after the Divisional Round, which means the focus will be on player health, practice participation, and availability.

Denver entered the game as the AFC’s No. 1 seed, hosting the Bills in the Divisional Round. With Bo Nix leading the offense, the Broncos are poised for a major playoff test. A win would secure their spot in the AFC Championship Game, with the only remaining question being who will be waiting for them on January 25.

Preparing for the Future

The Broncos’ preparation will involve analyzing both potential opponents, ensuring that the team is ready for any challenge. This includes adjusting defensive schemes, studying offensive tendencies, and developing game plans that can counter the strengths of either the Patriots or the Texans.

As the playoffs continue, the focus remains on the next game, the next opponent, and the next step toward the Super Bowl. The Broncos are well-positioned to capitalize on their home-field advantage and make a strong push for the championship.