The Denver Broncos are in uncharted territory - and not just because they’re hosting the AFC Championship Game. They’re doing it without their starting quarterback, Bo Nix, who suffered a broken ankle in overtime of their dramatic Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills. That injury has thrust Jarrett Stidham into the spotlight, and now he’s the man tasked with leading Denver two wins away from a Super Bowl title.
It’s a tough break for a team that’s been riding a wave of momentum, but if the Divisional Round taught us anything, it’s that this Broncos team has no plans of fading quietly. Once again, they clawed their way back from a late deficit, pulling off another one-score win - something that’s become a bit of a calling card this season. They’re gritty, resilient, and playing with house money at this point.
And if you’re wondering how the locker room is handling the pressure? Just listen to head coach Sean Payton.
Sean Payton’s Message: Two Weeks Off for Broncos Country
Speaking to reporters after Wednesday’s practice, Payton didn’t mince words. His message to Broncos fans was short, bold, and dripping with confidence:
“They’re going to have a lot of rest after this one. Two weeks.”
Translation? He’s expecting to win.
He’s expecting to punch a ticket to the Super Bowl. And he’s telling Broncos fans to go ahead and start clearing their calendars.
This is classic Payton - unapologetically confident, even when the odds are stacked. And while some might see it as cocky, Broncos Country knows this is exactly the kind of swagger that’s fueled the team’s resurgence this season. Payton’s belief in his squad has been unwavering, and that mindset has clearly trickled down to the players.
A Familiar Foe, A Familiar Stage
Of course, standing in the way is a Patriots team that won 14 games in the regular season and looks as complete as any team in the league. They’re disciplined, physical, and well-coached - no surprises there.
But Denver’s got history on its side. The last two times the Patriots came to Mile High for the AFC title game - in 2013 and 2015 - the Broncos sent them packing.
This year’s Patriots squad brings a different look, led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, but he’s also been turnover-prone, with six fumbles and two interceptions in the postseason.
He’s been sacked 10 times, and that’s an area Denver’s defense - especially the front seven - could exploit. If they can bring pressure and force Maye into mistakes, they’ll have a real shot at controlling the tempo of this game.
And unlike the Bills, the Patriots may not be able to dominate Denver on the ground. Buffalo’s physical run game gave the Broncos fits, but New England doesn’t bring quite the same level of punch in the trenches. That could make a big difference in how defensive coordinator Vance Joseph schemes things up.
The Stidham Factor
Let’s not overlook the quarterback on Denver’s side. Jarrett Stidham may not have the pedigree of Bo Nix, but he’s no stranger to the NFL stage.
He’s been in big moments before, and he knows this system. More importantly, he’s got Payton in his corner - a coach known for getting the most out of his quarterbacks, no matter who’s under center.
Stidham doesn’t have to be a hero. He just needs to be efficient, protect the football, and let Denver’s defense and running game do the heavy lifting. If he can manage the game and make a few timely throws, the Broncos have enough firepower to hang with anyone - even a 14-win Patriots team.
Confidence or Controversy?
Payton’s comment about “two weeks off” could end up being the quote of the year - for better or worse. If the Broncos win, it’ll be remembered as a moment of prophetic bravado.
If they lose, it’ll be fuel for critics. But that’s the Payton way.
He’s never been afraid to speak his mind, and more often than not, he backs it up.
This Sunday, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Denver’s got a chance to write another chapter in a storied franchise history - and they’ll have to do it with a backup quarterback, a chip on their shoulder, and a coach who believes they’re just getting started.
One thing’s for sure: Broncos Country won’t be resting easy until the final whistle blows. But if Sean Payton’s right, they’ll have two weeks to soak it all in.