Bills vs. Broncos: AFC Heavyweights Clash in Mile High Showdown
After locking up the No. 1 seed and enjoying a well-earned first-round bye, the Denver Broncos are set to host the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round. And while the Broncos have been resting and game-planning, the Bills are riding the momentum of a gritty wild-card win over the Jaguars - powered, once again, by Josh Allen doing Josh Allen things.
This matchup is loaded with storylines, but let’s start with the obvious: for the first time in years, Patrick Mahomes isn’t standing between Allen and a trip to the Super Bowl. That alone changes the landscape in the AFC. But before Allen can think about hoisting a conference trophy, he’s got to get past a Denver defense that’s been one of the league’s most consistent forces all season.
Denver’s Defense: The Backbone of a 14-Win Season
The Broncos didn’t go 14-3 by accident. Their defense has been the bedrock of their success, and it’s going to be the key to slowing down Allen and the high-risk, high-reward Buffalo offense. Playing in the thin air of Mile High only adds to the challenge for visiting teams, and Denver will be banking on that home-field edge to disrupt Buffalo’s rhythm early and often.
Bo Nix, Denver’s rookie quarterback, will be making his playoff debut - and all eyes will be on how quickly he can settle into the moment. He hasn’t faced a live defense in nearly three weeks, so rust is a real concern. But if Nix can find his groove, the Broncos have the pieces to make a deep run.
Josh Allen: History on the Line
Allen has already made his mark this postseason with two rushing touchdowns in the win over Jacksonville. He now sits at nine career playoff rushing scores - just one shy of tying Jalen Hurts for the most ever by a quarterback in postseason history. That’s not just a stat; it’s a testament to how much Allen puts on his shoulders when the stakes are highest.
He’s looking to lead the Bills to their second straight AFC Championship appearance and their third in six seasons. A win in Denver would also mark Buffalo’s eighth all-time appearance in the conference title game, tying them with the Chiefs for most in AFC history.
Health Watch: Terrel Bernard’s Status
One major storyline to monitor is the status of Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard. He’s been a key piece in Buffalo’s defensive puzzle all season, racking up 65 total tackles and 44 solo stops.
He’s listed as questionable with a calf injury but was spotted going through pregame workouts with the training staff. If he’s able to go, that’s a significant boost for a Bills defense that’ll need all hands on deck to contain Denver’s balanced attack.
Bo Nix: Ready for the Moment?
Back to Nix - the rookie QB has had a strong season, but playoff football is a different beast. There’s no easing into the moment when you’re facing a team that just knocked off a playoff-tested Jaguars squad.
Nix doesn’t just have to manage the game - he’ll need to make plays. And he’ll need to do it against a Bills defense that loves to disguise coverages and bring pressure from all angles.
Still, Denver’s coaching staff has done a good job of putting Nix in positions to succeed all year. If they can establish the run early and give Nix some clean looks off play-action, the Broncos could be in business.
What’s at Stake
For Denver, it’s a chance to return to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since the 2015-16 season - the year Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset with a Super Bowl ring. For Buffalo, it’s about breaking through the ceiling that’s kept them just short of the Super Bowl in recent years.
Both teams have the talent. Both have the motivation. And both know the margin for error is razor-thin.
Kickoff Info
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 17
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Fubo
Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will be on the call, with Tracy Wolfson reporting from the sidelines.
The Road Ahead
The winner of this game will move on to face either the New England Patriots or the Houston Texans in the AFC Championship. With Mahomes and the Chiefs out of the picture, the door is wide open - and both Denver and Buffalo know it.
This is the kind of playoff matchup that defines legacies. For Allen, it’s another step in his quest to bring a title to Buffalo. For Nix, it’s the start of what Denver hopes is a long and successful postseason career.
One thing’s for sure: Mile High is about to deliver playoff football at its finest.