For the first time in nearly a decade, the Denver Broncos finally broke through and grabbed a playoff win. It was a long time coming - a hard-fought victory that gave fans a taste of postseason glory they hadn’t felt in years.
But just as the celebration was starting to build, the mood shifted. Head coach Sean Payton delivered the gut punch: rookie quarterback Bo Nix fractured his ankle on the second-to-last play of the game and will miss the rest of the season.
That’s a brutal blow, no question. Nix had been growing into the role, and his performance against the Buffalo Bills showed just how far he’d come.
But if there’s a silver lining, it’s this - the Broncos didn’t just win a playoff game, they showed they’ve got the depth, grit, and playmaking ability to keep pushing forward. And the latest grades from Pro Football Focus back that up, highlighting some standout performances on both sides of the ball.
Offense: Bo Nix Goes Out Swinging
Before the injury, Bo Nix turned in one of his best outings of the year, earning an 80.1 grade from PFF. That’s not just a solid number - it’s a testament to how well he managed the moment.
He kept the offense moving and made the kind of throws that win playoff games. Two of his touchdown passes went to players who also landed on PFF’s top offensive performers list.
Rookie wideout Pat Bryant stole the show with a 93.7 grade - the highest on the team. He was sharp, explosive, and reliable when it mattered most.
Marvin Mims Jr. also made his mark, hauling in a 26-yard touchdown with just over a minute left in regulation. That kind of clutch play doesn’t go unnoticed.
And how about Frank Crum? The offensive lineman turned unlikely hero caught a seven-yard touchdown - his first ever, at any level. That’s the kind of moment that defines playoff football: unexpected, emotional, and unforgettable.
Up front, Garett Bolles continued to anchor the line with an 86.5 grade. He’s been a steady presence all year, and his protection gave Nix the time he needed to operate.
Offensive Struggles: Drops and Missed Opportunities
Not everyone had a banner day. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin struggled to get going, grading out at just 41.5. Tight ends Evan Engram and Nate Adkins couldn’t find much rhythm either, both posting grades in the low 50s.
Lil’Jordan Humphrey had a rollercoaster of a game. It started rough - a dropped touchdown on the opening drive forced Denver to settle for a field goal.
But to his credit, he bounced back, snagging a 29-yard touchdown later in the second quarter that gave the Broncos the lead. That kind of resilience matters in the playoffs.
Defense: Turnovers Flip the Script
All season long, the knock on Denver’s defense was the lack of takeaways. That changed in a big way against Buffalo.
Edge rusher Nik Bonitto was a force, notching two forced fumbles and earning an 86.2 grade. Devon Key led the unit with a 90.0 - a dominant showing from the defensive back.
P.J. Locke delivered a game-changing performance as well, forcing two fumbles and grabbing a key interception.
Ja’Quan McMillian sealed the win with an overtime pick, and his 79.2 grade reflects just how impactful that play was. Up front, Malcolm Roach and Zach Allen brought the pressure, combining for strong performances that helped contain the Bills’ offense.
Defensive Lows: Missed Tackles Prove Costly
Not every defender had their best outing. Linebacker Justin Strnad and cornerback Jahdae Barron both finished with sub-35 grades. Jonathon Cooper and Kris Abrams-Draine also struggled in coverage and run support.
Talanoa Hufanga’s stat line - 10 tackles and a pressure - suggests he was active, but the details tell a different story. PFF docked him for three missed tackles, allowing three receptions on four targets, including a 14-yard touchdown to Dalton Kincaid in the fourth quarter. That kind of inconsistency can be costly in tight playoff games.
Special Teams: A Punter’s Moment
In a game full of big plays, one of the most underrated came off the foot of punter James Crawshaw. In overtime, he delivered what Sean Payton called “probably the best punt in his career” - a booming 55-yarder that flipped the field and set Denver up with prime field position.
That punt paved the way for the game-winning drive. Special teams don’t always get the spotlight, but in this case, it was well earned.
Next Up: A Date with the Patriots
With Bo Nix sidelined, the Broncos are turning to Jarrett Stidham, who will make his first start of the season - and it just so happens to be in the AFC Championship. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Denver will host the New England Patriots with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
MST.
The road ahead just got tougher without their starting quarterback, but if the Divisional Round proved anything, it’s that this team has more than one way to win. The Broncos are still standing - and they’re not done yet.