The Denver Broncos are one win away from the Super Bowl, but the road there just got a little bumpier. As they gear up for Sunday’s AFC Championship clash with the New England Patriots, Sean Payton’s squad will be missing a key offensive weapon-and they're already navigating a tough quarterback situation.
With rookie quarterback Bo Nix sidelined after suffering a fractured ankle in the Divisional Round, the spotlight now turns to Jarrett Stidham. And while Stidham has shown flashes of capability in limited action, he’ll be without one of the team's most reliable targets: wide receiver Troy Franklin, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
That’s a big blow for Denver. Franklin was the team’s second-leading receiver during the regular season, putting up 709 yards and six touchdowns on 65 catches.
His ability to stretch the field and create separation over the middle made him a valuable piece in Payton’s offensive puzzle. Perhaps more importantly, his chemistry with Nix-built during their time together at Oregon-had become a real asset for the Broncos down the stretch.
Now, with Franklin on the shelf, the Broncos will turn to Marvin Mims Jr. and Pat Bryant to help fill the void. Mims brings the kind of straight-line speed that can challenge defenses vertically, but he doesn’t offer the same physical presence that Franklin does. Bryant, who’s returning from a concussion sustained in the win over Buffalo, is more of a possession receiver-exactly the kind of target a backup quarterback like Stidham might rely on in a high-pressure playoff setting.
Of course, the Broncos will also need a bounce-back performance from their top wideout, Courtland Sutton. He was quiet against the Bills, finishing with just four catches for 53 yards.
That won’t cut it this time around, especially with New England’s standout corner Christian Gonzalez likely shadowing him throughout the game. If Denver wants to keep its Super Bowl hopes alive, Sutton will need to find ways to win those matchups and give Stidham a reliable go-to option.
There is some good news for Denver. Outside of Franklin’s absence, the team is relatively healthy. The return of starting center Luke Wattenberg from injured reserve could prove crucial, especially in a game where pass protection and timing will be everything for a quarterback stepping into the biggest start of his career.
This is a massive test for the Broncos, and they’ll be counting on a full-team effort to get past a tough Patriots squad. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and while the road to the Super Bowl just got steeper, Denver still has enough talent-and just enough time-to find a way.