Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos: How to watch today’s NFL game, kickoff time, TV channel and more

The Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos are both a lock for the playoffs, but a lot is still riding on their Sunday game. The Broncos can clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC if they win the game (or if the Patriots lose to Dolphins and the Jaguars lose to the Titans), while the Chargers, who have a wild-card spot in the playoffs, could rise to the No. 5 seed if they win and the Texans lose to the Colts. With so many playoff variables up in the air, we’ll be toggling between every game all afternoon on Sunday to see how things shake out in real time.

The Chargers vs. Broncos game will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch this and every other Week 18 game.

How to watch the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos:

Date: Sunday, Jan. 4

Time: 4:25 p.m. ET

TV channel: CBS

Streaming: Paramount+, DirecTV, NFL+ and more

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos game time:

The Chargers vs. Broncos game kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET/1:25 p.m. PT on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos game channel:

The Week 18 game between the Chargers and the Broncos will air on CBS, which means if it’s on in your area, it’ll also stream live on Paramount+. You can also tune in on mobile devices with NFL+.

How to watch the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos game without cable:

NFL Week 18 schedule:

All times Eastern.

Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026

Panthers vs. Buccaneers: 4:30 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)
Seahawks vs. 49ers: 8:00 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)

Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026

Colts vs. Texans: 1:00 p.m.(CBS)
Chargers vs. Broncos: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Browns vs. Bengals: 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
Packers vs. Vikings: 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
Jets vs. Bills: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Commanders vs. Eagles: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Saints vs. Falcons: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
Titans vs. Jaguars: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
Cowboys vs. Giants: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
Lions vs. Bears: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Cardinals vs. Rams: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Dolphins vs. Patriots: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Ravens vs. Steelers: 8:20 p.m. (NBC)

How to watch NFL games in 2025:

Many NFL games are broadcast on local channels, so if you’re looking to catch an in-market game, it may be as simple as turning on your TV (or setting up a digital TV antenna) or finding a live TV streaming service that carries the correct RSN (Regional Sports Network). If you want to watch out-of-market games, a $7 monthly subscription to NFL+ will let you watch every out-of-market-game local and primetime game in the season on your phone — but only a select few regular season games on your TV. You could also spring for the uber-expensive NFL Sunday Ticket package to get every out-of-market Sunday game of the season.

When it comes to nationally broadcast games, NFL games typically air across ESPN, NBC, CBS, Fox, ABC and NFL Network. Thursday Night Football games stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, select football games will stream exclusively on Peacock, games on CBS will stream live on Paramount+, and Monday Night Football games will air on ESPN or ABC and stream on the newly revamped ESPN+ this season. That’s six channels and four streaming platforms to keep up with this season — and that’s not counting your local RSN’s for in-market games and an NFL+ or NFL Sunday Ticket subscription for out-of-market games. Plus, Netflix is once again hosting at least two Christmas Day matches, so add that subscription into the mix. And we can’t forget about Fox One, Fox’s first streaming service, a place where you can also stream games airing on FOX (if you don’t already have access to it).

Confused? You’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of the platforms we recommend checking out ahead of the 2025 NFL season, so that come game time, tuning into your favorite team’s games will be as easy as simply turning on the TV.