The AFC Wild Card Round delivers an electrifying clash as the Buffalo Bills journey south to face the Jacksonville Jaguars. This high-stakes playoff battle, scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2026, promises edge-of-your-seat football. As the postseason drama unfolds at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, fans are eager to catch every moment. Whether you’re a devoted Bills Mafia member or rooting for the resurgent Jaguars, this comprehensive guide ensures you won’t miss a single play. Dive into everything you need to know about watching, streaming, and listening to this pivotal AFC Wild Card matchup.
Game Day Essentials: Date, Time, Location, and Stakes
This anticipated AFC Wild Card game features the formidable Buffalo Bills (12-5), entering as the AFC’s No. 6 seed, against the surging Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4), who clinched the No. 3 seed and the AFC South title. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The action unfolds live from EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. For both teams, this game represents a crucial step on the challenging road to the Super Bowl. The Jaguars look to leverage their impressive 8-game winning streak and strong home record, while the Bills aim to overcome their road playoff struggles and advance deep into the postseason.
How to Watch the Wild Card Showdown
Catching this playoff game is easy with multiple viewing options available.
TV Broadcast Details
The primary television broadcast for the Bills vs. Jaguars Wild Card game will be on CBS. Tune in starting at 1:00 PM ET to catch all the pre-game excitement and live action. The CBS broadcast team will feature the iconic voices of:
Play-by-Play: Jim Nantz
Color Analysis: Tony Romo
Sideline Reporter: Tracy Wolfson
For local Jacksonville fans, the game will also be aired on CBS47 and other Jaguars TV affiliates.
Streaming Options in the U.S.
For those preferring to stream the game, several platforms offer live access:
Paramount+: Watch local and featured national NFL on CBS games live.
NFL Sunday Ticket via YouTubeTV: The go-to for live out-of-market games.
NFL+: Stream live in-market games directly on your phone or tablet. Consider starting a 7-day free trial to catch the action.
Fubo: An additional streaming service noted to carry the CBS broadcast in-market.
International Viewing: Canada, UK & Beyond
Bills and Jaguars fans outside the U.S. have dedicated options to follow their teams:
Canada: Watch every Bills game live on DAZN. Canadian fans can also join a watch party at Real Sports Restaurant in Toronto (15 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 2Z2, Canada).
UK & Internationally: NFL Game Pass offers the ultimate way for Bills fans worldwide to watch live games every week. Click their respective links to get started.
Tune In: Radio & Audio Coverage
Even if you can’t watch the game, you can immerse yourself in the play-by-play with various radio options.
Bills Radio Network
Fans of the Buffalo Bills can listen to the game across the extensive Bills Radio Network. The flagship station is WGR Sports Radio 550 in Buffalo, NY. Other affiliates include:
Binghamton, NY: WDRE 100.5 The Drive
Bath, NY: WVIN 98.3 FM
Albany, NY: WTMM 104.5 The Team
Bradford, PA: 100.1 FM WBRR
Dunkirk, NY: WDOE 94.9 FM/1410AM
Wellsville, NY: WQRW 93.5FM
Jamestown, NY: WWSE 93.3FM /WJTN 1240 AM
Newark, NY: WACK 1420 AM
Olean, NY: WPIG 95.7 FM The Pig
Syracuse, NY: WKRL 100.9 & 106.5 FM)/(94.9 FM Utica)
Ithaca, NY: WIII (Eye One Hundred) 99.9/100.3 FM
Rochester, NY: 96.5 FM WCMF / AM 950 The Fan
Auburn, NY: WAUB 98.1FM/1590AM
Geneva, NY: WGVA 95.9FM/1240AM
Ogdensburg, NY: WQTK 92.7FM
Watertown, NY: WOTT 94.1 FM
The Bills Radio Network broadcast team includes: Chris Brown (play-by-play), Eric Wood (color analyst), and Sal Capaccio (sideline reporter).
Jaguars Radio Network & National Audio
For Jacksonville Jaguars fans, local radio coverage is available on 1010 XL & 92.5 FM and 99.9 FM Gator Country. The Jaguars radio team features: Frank Frangie, Jeff Lageman, and Bucky Brooks.
National audio coverage is also available on SIRIUS XM (channel 814) and Sports USA.
Team Deep Dive: Buffalo Bills
The Bills enter this Wild Card matchup with a 12-5 record, demonstrating their consistent playoff contention. However, they face a unique set of challenges.
Bills’ Offensive Firepower
Buffalo’s offense ranks fourth in the NFL, averaging an impressive 28.3 points per game. Their rushing attack is particularly potent, leading the league with 159.6 rushing yards per game. Running back James Cook has been a revelation, finishing as the NFL’s rushing champion in 2025 with 1,621 yards and 12 touchdowns in 17 games. Quarterback Josh Allen orchestrates this high-powered unit, tallying 3,668 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and a 69.3% completion rate in 16 games. Despite this, the Bills’ passing offense ranks 15th, and their receiving corps, with Khalil Shakir as the primary short-pass option, has been a “constant concern” with no player exceeding 725 receiving yards this season.
Bills’ Defensive Strategies
While the Bills’ rushing defense has been surprisingly porous, ranking fifth-worst in the league by allowing 136.2 yards per game, their passing defense is elite. Buffalo boasts the best passing defense in the NFL, conceding a mere 156.9 passing yards per game. This strength in limiting aerial attacks has often compensated for their struggles against the run. Their positive turnover margin (+1) ranks 12th in the NFL, reflecting their ability to generate takeaways.
Josh Allen’s Road Playoff Challenge
A significant storyline for Buffalo is quarterback Josh Allen’s 0-4 record in road playoff games. Despite consistently strong individual performances, averaging 351.0 total yards in these games, Allen has yet to secure a road playoff victory since the Bills last achieved one in 1992. With several key pass-catchers listed as questionable or out, the pressure will be on Allen to elevate his game and find new weapons to break this slump against a formidable Jaguars defense.
Team Deep Dive: Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) have orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent NFL history, joining only two other teams to win 13+ games after losing 13+ games the previous season.
Jaguars’ Offensive Surge
Under rookie head coach Liam Coen, the Jaguars’ offense has flourished, setting a franchise record with 27.9 points per game, ranking sixth in the NFL. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has had a career-best season, with 4,007 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and a 60.9% completion rate, complemented by a career-high 38 total touchdowns. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the third time, adding 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns. The passing game, ranked 12th (222.3 YPG), distributes the ball effectively among Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Brenton Strange.
Jaguars’ Defensive Dominance
Jacksonville’s defense is a force, particularly against the run. They boast the NFL’s best rushing defense, allowing an astonishingly low 85.6 yards per game. This stout run defense is a major factor in their ability to force turnovers, contributing to their league-leading +13 turnover margin, second only to one other team with 31 takeaways. Their passing defense ranks 21st, giving up 218.1 yards per contest, which could be a critical area for the Bills to exploit.
Jacksonville’s X-Factors & Turnaround Story
The Jaguars’ impressive season, culminating in an 8-game winning streak and their first playoff appearance since 2022, is a testament to their resilience. Wide receiver Parker Washington has emerged as a key X-factor, leading the team with 847 receiving yards on 58 receptions, including 17 gains over 20 yards. His playmaking extends to special teams, with two punt return touchdowns this season. Kicker Cam Little is another significant X-factor, having made the two longest field goals in NFL history this season (68 and 67 yards), posing a deep threat for points.
Key Matchups & Betting Insights
This Wild Card clash presents several compelling matchups:
Bills’ Rushing Offense (1st in NFL) vs. Jaguars’ Rushing Defense (1st in NFL): This is a rare, must-watch battle, marking only the tenth time in NFL playoff history the top rusher (James Cook) faces the top-ranked run defense.
Josh Allen vs. Jaguars’ Pass Defense: While the Jaguars’ overall defense is strong, their pass defense (21st) could be a “soft spot” Allen aims to exploit. However, the inconsistent Bills receiving corps adds a layer of uncertainty.
Trevor Lawrence vs. Bills’ Pass Defense: Lawrence will face the league’s best passing defense, a significant challenge for the Jaguars’ aerial attack.
Betting odds from BetMGM show a tight contest:
Spread: Buffalo Bills -1 (-102), Jacksonville Jaguars +1 (-118)
Moneyline: Both teams are at -110
Total Over/Under: 51.5 points (Over -115, Under -105)
Injury Report Snapshot
Injuries can significantly impact playoff outcomes. Here’s a look at key players for both teams:
Buffalo Bills:
Out: LB Terrel Bernard (Calf), CB Maxwell Hairston (Ankle), S Damar Hamlin (Pectoral).
Questionable: OLB Shaq Thompson (Neck), K Matt Prater (Quad), WR Josh Palmer (Ankle), RB Ty Johnson (Ankle).
Full Participation: S Cole Bishop (Ribs), QB Josh Allen (Foot), DT T.J. Sanders (Shoulder), S Jordan Poyer (Hamstring), LB Matt Milano (Illness), DB Cameron Lewis (Toe), TE Dalton Kincaid (Knee), DT DaQuan Jones (Calf).
Jacksonville Jaguars:
Questionable: OL Cole Van Lanen (Knee).
Limited Participation: OL Patrick Mekari (Back), CB Greg Newsome II (Shoulder), CB Montaric Brown (Neck).
- Full Participation: DL Danny Striggow (Elbow), CB Jarrian Jones (Illness).
- www.foxsports.com
- www.jaguars.com
- www.nfl.com
- www.nytimes.com
- www.tvguide.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key storylines for the Bills vs. Jaguars Wild Card game?
This Wild Card matchup features several critical storylines. For Buffalo, the focus is on Josh Allen’s 0-4 road playoff record and whether his receiving corps can step up against a tough Jaguars defense. Jacksonville’s narrative revolves around their remarkable turnaround from a 13-loss season to a 13-win playoff berth, fueled by rookie coach Liam Coen and X-factors like Parker Washington and kicker Cam Little. Another major point of interest is the clash between the Bills’ top-ranked rushing offense and the Jaguars’ league-best run defense.
How can I watch or stream the Bills vs. Jaguars AFC Wild Card game in the US?
In the United States, the Bills vs. Jaguars AFC Wild Card game will be broadcast live on CBS, starting at 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, January 11, 2026. For streaming, you can use Paramount+ for local and featured national games. Out-of-market viewers can access the game via NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTubeTV, while in-market games can be streamed on phones or tablets with NFL+. Fubo is another option for live CBS access.
What are the betting odds for the Bills vs. Jaguars Wild Card matchup?
According to BetMGM, the Buffalo Bills are favored with a spread of -1 (-102), while the Jacksonville Jaguars are +1 (-118). Both teams currently hold the same moneyline odds at -110. The total over/under for the game is set at 51.5 points, with the Over odds at -115 and the Under odds at -105, indicating expectations for a relatively high-scoring affair.
Conclusion
The AFC Wild Card Round delivers an epic showdown when the Buffalo Bills face the Jacksonville Jaguars. This game is more than just a playoff opener; it’s a test of resilience, strategy, and mental toughness. With the Jaguars riding a historic turnaround and the Bills seeking to conquer their road playoff demons, every possession will be critical. From the statistical battles on the field to the injury reports and betting lines, this matchup offers a fascinating spectacle for NFL fans. Be sure to tune in via your preferred method—TV, streaming, or radio—and witness which team takes the next step towards championship glory.
