DENVER (Interstat) — A clash of conference titans is set for the AFC playoffs as the No. 2 seed Denver Broncos host the No. 5 seed Buffalo Bills on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos (14-3), riding the NFL’s best home-field advantage, face a Bills team (13-5) defined by its high-octane offense and nail-biting finishes. Denver secured a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, while Buffalo advanced with a dramatic 27-24 road victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday. The matchup features a compelling quarterback duel. Buffalo’s Josh Allen enters as the ultimate dual-threat, coming off a performance where he passed for 273 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 33 yards and two more scores against Jacksonville. In his last three games, Allen has accounted for six total touchdowns. He will test a formidable Denver defense that allowed the fewest points in the AFC during the regular season. For Denver, second-year quarterback Bo Nix has engineered a remarkable turnaround, leading the Broncos to their best record in a decade. While his recent outings have been more game-manager than gunslinger — he threw for 141 yards and rushed for 49 in a 19-3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers two weeks ago — his mobility and efficiency have been key. However, a three-interception outing in a Week 16 loss to Jacksonville serves as a cautionary note. The Bills’ path has been turbulent, with three losses in their final six regular-season games, including a puzzling 13-12 home defeat to Philadelphia. Yet, Allen and running back James Cook provide a consistent offensive foundation. The Broncos counter with a balanced offensive approach and a defense that has held opponents to 13 points or fewer in four of their last six contests. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the Broncos are projected to win 31-22, leveraging their home field and top-ranked defense. The forecast calls for a temperature of 18 degrees at kickoff, with light snow possible, adding another layer of intrigue to this postseason showdown. The winner will advance to the AFC Championship Game.