Broncos Outlast Bills in Overtime Thriller, Punch Ticket to AFC Title Game - But at a Cost
The Denver Broncos are heading back to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since 2015, and they did it the hard way - in true Mile High fashion. In a gritty, back-and-forth battle that stretched into overtime, Denver edged out the Buffalo Bills in a game that had just about everything: clutch plays, defensive chaos, and unfortunately, a devastating injury to their franchise quarterback.
This win marks the third time in just over a decade that Denver will host the AFC title game - the previous two times (2013 and 2015), it was Tom Brady and the Patriots who came to town. This time, it’ll be a different Patriots squad, but the stakes remain the same. A trip to the Super Bowl is on the line.
Before we look ahead, let’s break down the biggest takeaways from Denver’s dramatic Divisional Round win - the players who stepped up, the ones who came up short, and the brutal blow that could define the rest of this postseason.
Winner: Marvin Mims Jr. - The Spark Plug Denver Needed
If you didn’t know Marvin Mims Jr. before this game, you do now. The rookie wideout put together a performance that was both electric and clutch, catching all eight of his targets for 93 yards and a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Every time Denver needed a play, Mims was there - whether it was hauling in tough catches in traffic or drawing a critical pass interference penalty that helped set up a game-tying field goal.
What stood out wasn’t just the production, but the timing. Mims made his biggest plays when the lights were brightest, and in doing so, he made a compelling case to be a bigger part of the offensive game plan moving forward. With his speed, hands, and knack for the moment, Mims isn’t just a promising young player - he’s a difference-maker right now.
Winner: Nik Bonitto - Game-Wrecker on the Edge
Denver’s defense needed someone to step up and disrupt Josh Allen’s rhythm. Nik Bonitto answered the call.
The dynamic pass rusher notched a sack and forced two fumbles in a game where every possession mattered. This was the kind of impact performance the Broncos envisioned when they invested in Bonitto - a relentless edge presence who can flip a drive in a single snap.
Bonitto’s timing couldn’t be better. He’s likely to square off against Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell in the AFC Championship, and based on what we just saw, that matchup could tilt heavily in Denver’s favor. If Bonitto can bring the same pressure next week, it could be a long day for New England’s offense.
Loser: Courtland Sutton - Drops Continue to Haunt
Courtland Sutton has had his moments this season, but Sunday wasn’t one of them. Targeted nine times, Sutton came down with just four catches and had multiple drops - an issue that’s become far too familiar. While he did see some late-game action, the inconsistency was glaring.
At this point in his career, drops shouldn’t be this persistent. And with the stakes only getting higher, Denver needs its veteran wideout to be more reliable.
With Bo Nix out, the Broncos will likely lean even more on their pass catchers to help a backup quarterback settle in. Sutton has to be better - plain and simple.
Winner: Bo Nix - A Warrior Performance Ends in Heartbreak
Bo Nix didn’t just play well - he played like a franchise cornerstone. The rookie quarterback was poised, accurate, and fearless, guiding Denver’s offense through pressure-packed moments and taking control when it mattered most. He was the engine behind nearly every key drive, and his command of the offense was beyond his years.
But then came the heartbreak. In the overtime period, Nix suffered a broken ankle - a brutal blow that will sideline him for the rest of the postseason.
He’s scheduled for surgery on Tuesday, and while the injury casts a shadow over Denver’s Super Bowl hopes, there’s no denying what Nix accomplished. In a game that demanded everything, he gave more.
The Broncos may be without him moving forward, but they’ve found their guy for the future.
Loser: The Run Defense - A Glaring Weakness Exposed
If there’s one area Denver has to clean up before the AFC title game, it’s the run defense. The Broncos gave up 183 rushing yards to Buffalo, and it wasn’t just a few big plays - it was a steady drumbeat of gains that kept the Bills’ offense ahead of schedule.
That kind of performance won’t cut it next week. Even if the Patriots don’t bring the same level of ground attack, Denver can’t afford to let opposing offenses dictate the tempo.
The front seven needs to tighten up, get off blocks faster, and play with more discipline at the point of attack. If they can’t control the line of scrimmage, it’s going to put a ton of pressure on a defense that may already be stretched thin without the offense’s usual firepower.
What’s Next
The Broncos are back in the AFC Championship Game, but this isn’t the same team that started the season. It’s a group that’s grown through adversity, found its identity, and now faces its biggest challenge yet - trying to win one more game without its starting quarterback.
The good news? They’ve got playmakers on both sides of the ball, a coaching staff that’s found its rhythm, and a home crowd that’s ready to make life miserable for the visiting Patriots. If Sunday’s win over Buffalo proved anything, it’s that this team won’t go quietly.
The road to the Super Bowl goes through Denver once again. Buckle up.