If you’re waking up and wondering what time do the raiders play today, I’ve got some news that might be a little bit of a letdown. Or maybe a relief, depending on how much you suffered through the last few months of the season.
The Las Vegas Raiders are not playing today, January 17, 2026.
The NFL is currently in the thick of the Divisional Round of the playoffs. While there is plenty of football on the television right now, the Silver and Black aren't part of the bracket. After a regular season that wrapped up on January 4th with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Raiders headed into an early offseason.
The Reality of the 2025-2026 Raiders Schedule
Look, I get it. You see "Saturday" and "January" and your brain immediately goes to playoff football. It’s a natural instinct for any fan. But the Raiders finished their 2025 campaign with a 3-14 record. Honestly, it was a rough ride. Despite that high-note victory against the Chiefs in Week 18—which arguably ruined KC's seeding—the team didn't do enough to earn a spot in today's games.
Because the team didn't make the postseason, there is no "today" for the Raiders on the field. Instead of pads and helmets, the organization is currently wearing suits and ties. They are deep in the hunt for a new head coach after firing Pete Carroll on "Black Monday," January 5th.
Who is playing instead?
Since you're clearly looking for some football, here is what the actual NFL schedule looks like for today, Saturday, January 17, 2026:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m. ET. You can catch this one on CBS. It’s the AFC matchup of the day, and it's happening at Empower Field at Mile High.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: This is the nightcap starting at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX. A classic NFC West rivalry to end the night.
If you’re a Raiders fan, watching the Broncos host a playoff game today probably feels like salt in the wound. Denver finished as the #1 seed in the AFC, while Vegas is looking at a top-10 draft pick. It's a tough pill to swallow, but that’s the current state of the AFC West.
Why the Search for What Time Do the Raiders Play Today is Trending
People keep searching for the kickoff time because of how the NFL schedule has shifted over the years. With the 17-game season and the expanded playoffs, mid-January used to be Wild Card weekend. Now, it’s Divisional Round territory.
There's also some confusion because of other "Raiders" in the sports world.
For instance, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are actually playing today. They have a basketball game against Missouri State at 5:00 p.m. CT. Then you have the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who are facing off against BYU in a massive Big 12 basketball showdown tonight at 7:00 p.m. local time on ESPN. If you're a college sports fan, the "Raiders" are very much active today. But for the NFL squad in Las Vegas? The lights at Allegiant Stadium are off.
What's Next for the Silver and Black?
So, if they aren't playing, what are they doing?
The front office is incredibly busy. General Manager John Spytek is currently leading an exhaustive search for the next head coach. Just yesterday, reports surfaced that the team scheduled interviews with Joe Brady (Bills Offensive Coordinator) and Klay Kubiak (49ers Offensive Coordinator). They’ve already spoken to about ten candidates.
Basically, the "game" for the Raiders right now is winning the offseason.
Key dates to keep on your radar:
- NFL Draft (April 2026): With a 3-14 record, the Raiders are positioned for a high pick. Expect a lot of talk about quarterbacks like Cam Miller or Tommy Mellott as the draft approaches.
- Free Agency (March 2026): This is when the roster starts to take shape again. After losing guys like Nate Hobbs and Robert Spillane last year, they have holes to fill.
- Schedule Release (May 2026): This is when we will actually know the real answer to "what time do the raiders play" for the next season.
Actionable Steps for Raiders Fans Today
Since there is no game to watch, you might as well use the time to catch up on the future of the franchise.
Instead of searching for a kickoff time, check out the latest coaching search trackers on sites like Silver and Black Pride or Las Vegas Review-Journal. The team is expected to make a hire before the Senior Bowl in early February. You can also keep an eye on the Broncos vs. Bills game today; since the Broncos are a division rival, their performance today gives us a good look at the bar the Raiders need to clear next year.
The season is over, but the rebuilding process is just starting to heat up. Keep your eyes on the coaching interviews—that’s where the real action is happening this weekend.