AFC West Finale: How to Watch Broncos vs. Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High

The 2025 NFL regular season is coming to a dramatic conclusion, and all eyes are on Denver. This Sunday, January 4, 2026, Empower Field at Mile High will host a monumental AFC West clash between the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers.

For the Broncos (13-3), the stakes couldn’t be higher: a victory over their division rivals would secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC, guaranteeing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and a much-needed first-round bye. The Chargers (11-5), having already clinched a Wild Card spot, are looking to play spoiler and improve their seeding in what has become one of the most competitive divisions in football.

Whether you’re braving the Colorado cold or watching from the comfort of your home, here is your ultimate guide to kickoff times, TV channels, and streaming options for this Week 18 blockbuster.

Broncos vs. Chargers Highlights

Game Information & Kickoff Time

The NFL has officially flexed this matchup to the late-afternoon window to accommodate its massive playoff implications.

  • Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026

  • Kickoff Time: 4:25 PM ET | 2:25 PM MT (Local) | 1:25 PM PT

  • Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO

TV Channel: National & Local Coverage

This regular-season finale will be broadcast nationally as the featured game on CBS. Because of the high stakes involving the top seed in the AFC, the network is sending its “A-Team” to the Mile High City.

  • Network: CBS

  • Play-by-Play: Jim Nantz

  • Color Analyst: Tony Romo

  • Sideline Reporter: Tracy Wolfson

For local fans in the Denver area, the game will air on CBS Colorado (KCNC-TV Channel 4). In the Los Angeles market, fans can tune in to their local CBS affiliate to catch the action.

Game Recap: Los Angeles Chargers 23-20 Denver Broncos – Chargers win late in Week 3 NFL thriller | Betting Offers

Streaming Options: No Cable? No Problem.

If you have moved away from traditional cable or satellite, there are several reliable ways to stream the Broncos vs. Chargers game live:

  1. Paramount+: As a CBS broadcast, the game will be available to stream live for Paramount+ subscribers (Essential or With SHOWTIME tiers). This is the easiest way to watch on smart TVs, tablets, or laptops.

  2. NFL+: For fans on the go, the NFL+ app allows you to stream live local and primetime games on your mobile phone or tablet. NFL+ also provides live game audio for every matchup.

  3. YouTube TV / FuboTV / Hulu + Live TV: These “cable-replacement” services all carry CBS in their channel lineups. FuboTV is particularly popular for sports fans due to its high-definition streaming quality.

  4. NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube): If you are outside of the Denver or Los Angeles markets and the game isn’t being shown on your local CBS station, Sunday Ticket is the only way to watch the full broadcast.

How to Set a Reminder (Don’t Miss Kickoff!)

With the excitement of the final Sunday of the regular season, it’s easy to lose track of time. Use these tools to ensure you don’t miss a second of the Bo Nix vs. Trey Lance (starting for the resting Justin Herbert) showdown:

  • Smartphone Alert: Open your clock or calendar app and set a reminder for 2:10 PM MT. This gives you 15 minutes to settle in before the national anthem and kickoff.

  • Digital Assistants: Simply say, “Siri, remind me at 2:20 PM that the Broncos game is starting” or “Hey Google, what time do the Broncos play today?”

  • Sports Apps: Use the ESPN or NFL app to “favorite” the Broncos or Chargers. You will receive a push notification the moment the game kicks off and whenever a scoring play occurs.

Key Storylines to Watch

  1. The Quest for the No. 1 Seed: Denver has a simple mission: Win and in. A victory grants them the path to the Super Bowl through Denver, where the altitude and the “Thunder” of the fans make them nearly unbeatable.

  2. Trey Lance’s Big Opportunity: With the Chargers choosing to rest star QB Justin Herbert to ensure he’s healthy for the Wild Card round, former first-round pick Trey Lance will get the start. How he handles the hostile Denver environment will be a major test for the backup.

  3. The Throwback Look: The Broncos have announced they will be wearing their iconic throwback jerseys (the 1977-style “Orange Crush” look) for this finale, adding a nostalgic flare to an already historic afternoon.

Final Thoughts

The road to the Super Bowl goes through the AFC West this year. Between Denver’s hunt for the top seed and the Chargers’ attempt to gain late-season momentum, Empower Field at Mile High is the place to be this Sunday.

Make sure your apps are updated, your jersey is on, and your reminders are set. It’s time for Mile High football.