The Denver Broncos are heading to the AFC Championship Game after taking down the Buffalo Bills, but the path forward just got a little steeper. With injuries mounting, Denver’s offense will look very different when they line up against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Bo Nix Done for the Year, Stidham Steps In
The biggest blow came at quarterback. Rookie Bo Nix, who had shown poise and flashes of brilliance throughout the season, is officially out for the remainder of the year.
That means Jarrett Stidham is now the guy under center. Stidham’s been in this league long enough to know the stakes, but this isn’t just any start-this is the AFC title game, and he’ll be leading a banged-up offense against one of the league’s most disciplined defenses.
Troy Franklin Out, Pat Bryant Cleared to Play
The wide receiver room, already thin, took another hit. Denver announced that Troy Franklin will be inactive for the AFC Championship.
That’s a tough loss-Franklin was second on the team in receptions (65), receiving yards (709), and touchdowns (6). He’s been a reliable deep threat and a familiar target for Nix, his former college teammate.
His absence means the Broncos lose one of their most dynamic downfield weapons at the worst possible time.
There is some good news, though. Pat Bryant, who exited the Bills game early with a concussion, has cleared protocol and will suit up.
That’s a much-needed boost for a team that’s short on options. Bryant’s return gives Stidham another viable target, especially in the intermediate passing game.
Who’s Left in the Receiver Room?
With Franklin out and Bryant back in, the Broncos will lean heavily on Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, and Lil’Jordan Humphrey. Sutton’s been the steady veteran presence all year, and he’ll likely draw plenty of attention from the Patriots’ secondary.
Mims brings speed and big-play potential, while Humphrey offers size and versatility in the slot. It’s not the deepest group, but there’s enough talent here to make plays-if Stidham can get the ball out on time.
Tight Ends and Running Backs: What’s the Situation?
Tight end Evan Engram is good to go, and that’s significant. Engram’s ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against linebackers could be a key factor in helping Stidham find rhythm.
The running back trio of RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Tyler Badie is also healthy and ready to roll. Expect Denver to lean on the ground game early to take pressure off Stidham and try to control the tempo.
One name missing from that backfield, though, is J.K. Dobbins.
He’ll sit out another week, continuing a frustrating season that’s been marred by injury. Like Franklin, there’s hope Dobbins could return if the Broncos advance to the Super Bowl, but that’s a big “if” with the Patriots standing in the way.
The Road Ahead
With Nix, Franklin, and Dobbins all sidelined, the Broncos are walking into the AFC Championship with a patchwork offense. Still, there’s a gritty resilience to this team. They’ve found ways to win in tough spots before, and now they’ll need to do it again-this time with their season on the line.
If they can pull off the upset in Foxborough, reinforcements could be on the way for the Super Bowl. But first, it’s all hands on deck for a Broncos squad that’s short on stars but not short on fight.