The Denver Broncos pulled off a dramatic 33-30 overtime win against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, but the celebration was cut short by a brutal twist: rookie quarterback Bo Nix suffered a fractured right ankle late in overtime and is officially out for the remainder of the postseason.
It’s a gut punch for a team that’s been riding a wave of momentum behind their young signal-caller. Nix had been nothing short of poised under pressure, going 26-of-46 for 279 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
He led the Broncos on a clutch scoring drive to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, then did it again in overtime to set up the game-winning field goal. That kind of command in high-stakes moments is rare, especially for a rookie.
But with just over six minutes left in overtime, Nix was pulled down by Bills safety Cole Bishop and came up limping. He stayed in the game for two more plays-toughing it out on what we now know was a broken ankle-before Wil Lutz sealed the win with a field goal. That’s the kind of grit that earns respect in any NFL locker room.
The injury is a devastating blow not just for Nix, but for a Broncos team that had found its rhythm at the perfect time. Head coach Sean Payton confirmed after the game that Jarrett Stidham will take over as the starting quarterback heading into the AFC Championship Game.
“Stiddy’s ready to go,” Payton said. “I said this at the beginning of the season: I feel like I’ve got a two that’s capable of starting for a number of teams.
I know he feels the same way. So, watch out.
Just watch.”
That confidence in Stidham isn’t just coach-speak. Payton has long believed in the former Auburn and Patriots quarterback, and Stidham has shown flashes when given the opportunity. Now, he steps into the spotlight with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.
The Broncos will face the winner of the Texans-Patriots matchup in the AFC title game. Whoever it is, Denver’s path just got a lot tougher without Nix under center-but don’t count them out. This team has shown resilience all year, and with Payton pulling the strings and a defense that’s been coming up big in key moments, the Broncos still have a puncher’s chance.
Bo Nix’s postseason may be over, but his impact on this playoff run is undeniable. He gave Denver belief, stability, and a glimpse of a bright future. Now it’s up to Stidham and the rest of the roster to carry that momentum forward.