The Denver Broncos are two wins away from a Super Bowl title, but the road just got a lot tougher. With Bo Nix sidelined for the rest of the season, it's Jarrett Stidham’s show now.
The AFC Championship Game is set in Denver, and the Patriots are coming to town. For the Broncos to keep this dream alive, it’s going to take more than just a solid game plan-it’s going to take a few key players stepping up in a big way.
Let’s break down three names who could be the difference between a trip to Super Bowl LX and a long offseason full of what-ifs.
Nik Bonitto: The Game-Wrecker Denver Needs
Nik Bonitto was a one-man wrecking crew in the Divisional Round. Two forced fumbles, a sack, and a tackle for loss-he didn’t just show up, he tilted the game in Denver’s favor. And now, with New England’s offensive line limping into town, Bonitto has a golden opportunity to do it again.
Rookie left tackle Will Campbell has flashed potential this year, but in the postseason, he’s looked overwhelmed. Ten sacks allowed in two playoff games tells the story. Campbell’s shorter arm length has been a concern since draft day, and Bonitto has the kind of burst and bend off the edge that can make life miserable for a young tackle still adjusting to the NFL’s speed.
Drake Maye has shown poise, but he’s also been under siege. If Bonitto can collapse the pocket and create havoc early, it could set the tone for the entire game. Denver’s path to victory likely runs through turnovers, and Bonitto might be the guy best positioned to force one-or two.
Jarrett Stidham: Next Man Up, Now the Main Man
Jarrett Stidham isn’t being asked to be Bo Nix. He’s being asked to be steady, smart, and ready for the moment.
And after three years in this system, he should be. Stidham has the benefit of familiarity with the offense and the trust of a coaching staff that’s kept him around for a reason.
This isn’t about Stidham dropping back 40 times and lighting up the scoreboard. Denver’s not built that way.
But he will have to make a few throws that matter-third downs, red zone chances, late-game pressure situations. The margin for error in a conference championship game is razor-thin, and Stidham’s ability to stay calm and execute will be critical.
He doesn’t need to be spectacular. He just needs to be clutch.
Courtland Sutton: Time to Be the Alpha
Courtland Sutton has built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable third-down targets. But last week, he had a couple of drops that could’ve cost Denver dearly. That inconsistency has followed Sutton at times-one game he’s dominating, the next he vanishes.
The Broncos can’t afford the disappearing act this week.
With Stidham under center, Sutton becomes even more important. He’s going to be the first read on a lot of plays, especially against a Patriots defense that loves to mix up coverages and force quarterbacks to hesitate. Sutton needs to win his matchups, find the soft spots in zone, and most importantly-secure the football.
This game could come down to a handful of high-leverage moments. Third-and-six.
Red zone fade. Two-minute drill.
Sutton has to be the guy Stidham can trust when it matters most.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t just about surviving without Bo Nix. It’s about seizing the moment with the guys who are still on the field.
Bonitto has a mismatch he can exploit. Stidham has a chance to prove he’s more than a career backup.
And Sutton has the talent to take over a game.
If all three rise to the occasion, Denver might just find itself heading to Super Bowl LX.