The Broncos are still standing, but just barely. After a dramatic 33-30 overtime win over the Bills in the AFC Divisional Round, Denver punched its ticket to the AFC Championship Game.
But the celebration was short-lived. The team learned shortly after the game that starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle on the second-to-last play.
He’s officially out for the rest of the postseason.
That’s a gut punch for a team that’s been riding a wave of late-season momentum. Nix, the rookie signal-caller, had been steadily growing into the role, showing poise beyond his years. Now, the Broncos are turning to Jarrett Stidham, a veteran backup who’s no stranger to the spotlight-even if he hasn’t had many chances to shine in it.
Stidham’s story adds another layer to this AFC title matchup. Drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round back in 2019, he now gets the nod to face his former team with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. Talk about full circle.
The Broncos haven’t made it to the big game since their Super Bowl 50 win in 2016. Now, they’re one win away from returning-this time with a backup QB leading the charge and a fanbase holding its collective breath.
AFC Championship Game Details
The Broncos will host the Patriots on Sunday, Jan. 25 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
ET, with CBS carrying the broadcast. Jim Nantz will handle play-by-play duties, joined in the booth by Tony Romo, while Tracy Wolfson and Evan Washburn report from the sidelines.
For fans streaming the game, it’ll be available on both Paramount+ and Fubo, the latter of which includes CBS in its channel lineup and is currently offering a free trial for new users.
The Road to the Championship
The Broncos’ path through the postseason hasn’t been easy. Their overtime win against the Bills was a back-and-forth battle that left fans breathless-and social media buzzing about some questionable calls.
But Denver found a way. That’s been the theme of their season: resilience.
Elsewhere in the AFC, the Patriots handled business against the Texans with a 28-16 win, showing off a defense that’s been playing lights-out football. They’ve been methodical, efficient, and-true to form-dangerous in January.
Over in the NFC, the Rams edged the Bears in overtime, while the Seahawks dismantled the 49ers in a statement win. That sets up a Rams-Seahawks showdown in Seattle, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox, right after the AFC Championship wraps.
What’s at Stake
For Denver, this game is about proving they’re more than just a feel-good story. Losing Nix is a major blow, but the Broncos have built a team that’s more than just one player.
Their defense has come up big in key moments, and the run game has been a steady force. Now, it’s up to Stidham to manage the offense, avoid mistakes, and keep the Broncos’ Super Bowl hopes alive.
For the Patriots, it’s a chance to return to the Super Bowl stage after a few seasons of transition. They’ve quietly built a contender again, and a win in Denver would mark their return to the NFL’s biggest game.
Looking Ahead
Whoever comes out on top in Denver will head to Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara on Sunday, Feb. 8. The NFC champion will be waiting, and based on how the Seahawks and Rams have looked, it’s shaping up to be a heavyweight clash no matter the matchup.
But first, we’ve got a showdown in the Mile High City-a battle between a team trying to recapture past glory and another trying to write a new chapter with a new quarterback at the helm. Buckle up.