As the Buffalo Bills gear up for their AFC Divisional Round clash against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, there’s plenty on the line - and plenty to watch. The Bills, fresh off a gritty road win, now face a Broncos team that’s not only well-rested after a first-round bye, but also loaded with talent on both sides of the ball.
Despite dealing with a laundry list of injuries, Buffalo isn’t backing down. But if they want to keep their postseason run alive, they’ll need to contain some key playmakers who’ve been driving Denver’s resurgence this season. Let’s take a closer look at four Broncos players who could tilt the balance in Saturday’s showdown.
1. Bo Nix, QB - The Calm Commander
Bo Nix has taken a major leap in just his second NFL season. After a strong rookie campaign, he’s now leading the top-seeded Broncos with the poise of a veteran.
His 3,931 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and only 11 interceptions tell part of the story - the rest is in how he manages games. Nix doesn’t just sling it deep; he’s smart, efficient, and rarely rattled.
The Bills’ defense will need to disrupt his rhythm early. That means pressure up front and tight coverage on the back end.
Nix has shown he can carve up a defense if given time, especially with a reliable target like Courtland Sutton at his disposal. Buffalo’s pass rush will need to be disciplined - Nix is savvy with hard counts and knows how to draw defenders offside.
If he gets into a groove, it could be a long afternoon for the Bills.
2. Courtland Sutton, WR - The Veteran Anchor
Sutton continues to be the heartbeat of Denver’s receiving corps. With over 1,000 yards on 74 catches and seven touchdowns this season, he’s been Nix’s go-to guy - and for good reason. Sutton brings physicality, route precision, and a knack for making contested catches in critical moments.
While Nix has familiarity with fellow wideout Troy Franklin from their college days at Oregon, Sutton’s presence as a seasoned playmaker gives this offense a reliable No. 1 option. He’s not just a pass-catcher, either - Sutton’s commitment to blocking and doing the dirty work makes him a complete receiver. The Bills’ secondary, especially their corners, will have their hands full trying to contain him.
3. Patrick Surtain II, CB - The Shutdown Specialist
When you talk about elite corners in the league, Patrick Surtain II is firmly in that conversation. He’s the kind of player who can erase a top receiver from the game plan, and he’s got the numbers to back it up: 47 total tackles, 12 pass breakups, and an interception across 14 games.
Surtain’s strength lies in his man-to-man coverage - he’s physical at the line, fluid in coverage, and rarely gives up big plays. He’s part of the Broncos’ modern-day “No Fly Zone,” and if he lines up across from Stefon Diggs or Gabe Davis, you can expect a heavyweight battle on the outside. For Josh Allen and the Bills’ passing game, testing Surtain too often could be a dangerous gamble.
4. Nik Bonitto, LB - The Disruptor
Bonitto has quietly put together a breakout season, and he’s become one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the league. At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, he’s a mix of speed and power off the edge - and his 14 sacks this season (good for fifth in the NFL) speak for themselves.
He’s not just a pass rusher, though. Bonitto has 31 tackles and brings a relentless motor that can create havoc in both the run and pass game.
With Josh Allen nursing injuries, Bonitto will be licking his chops at the chance to get home on the blitz or win one-on-one matchups against a banged-up offensive line. The Bills need to account for him on every snap - because if they don’t, he’ll make them pay.
This Divisional Round matchup isn’t just another playoff game - it’s a clash of two teams with something to prove. The Bills are trying to power through adversity and keep their Super Bowl hopes alive. The Broncos, meanwhile, are riding high with a young quarterback and a defense that’s peaking at the right time.
If Buffalo wants to walk out of Mile High with a win, they’ll need to limit the impact of these four Broncos difference-makers. Because make no mistake - each one of them has the ability to change the game in a heartbeat.