The Denver Broncos are heading back to the AFC Championship Game, and they'll do it on home turf. Mile High will be rocking next Sunday as Denver awaits the winner of the Houston Texans-New England Patriots showdown.
But the big storyline heading into that game? Quarterback Bo Nix is officially done for the season after suffering a broken ankle in the divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills.
That’s a brutal blow for a team that’s been gaining momentum at the right time. Nix had been growing into his role, showing poise and command in Sean Payton’s offense.
Now, the torch passes to Jarrett Stidham - a name that might not spark headlines, but one that Payton trusts. And that trust matters.
Payton has made it clear he believes Stidham is one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league, and he’ll have him ready.
So the question becomes: who would be the better matchup for the Broncos - the Patriots or the Texans?
Let’s break it down.
If It’s the Patriots…
New England has been one of the most balanced teams in the league this year. Drake Maye, in his rookie season, has been nothing short of sensational.
He’s in the thick of the MVP conversation - and for good reason. He’s shown maturity beyond his years, distributing the ball with precision and poise.
The Patriots’ offense finished third overall in the league, and their defense wasn’t far behind at eighth.
That kind of balance is dangerous in the postseason. First-year head coach Mike Vrabel, returning to the organization where he built his name as a player, has been a perfect fit.
His team plays smart, physical football, and they don’t beat themselves. The Patriots can grind you down with their run game, then hit you over the top with Maye’s arm.
They’re a complete team, and they’re going to be a tough out for anyone.
If It’s the Texans…
Houston is riding a 10-game winning streak - the hottest team in football right now. But that streak started right after their last loss, which came at the hands of the Broncos back in Week 9.
That game was a slugfest, and Denver walked away with an 18-15 win. But context matters: C.J.
Stroud was knocked out of that game with a concussion, and the Texans had to turn to Davis Mills, who nearly pulled off the comeback.
This time around, Stroud is healthy - and that changes the equation. Still, the Texans' offense hasn’t been dominant this season.
They rank 18th overall, and Stroud has shown he’s not immune to mistakes. Just look at his performance in the Wild Card round against Pittsburgh, where turnovers nearly cost them the game.
But where Houston really separates itself is on defense. They’ve been the best unit in the league this year, ranked No. 1 overall.
They’re loaded across the board, and their pass rush is relentless. That’s where things get tricky for Denver.
Asking Stidham - who hasn’t thrown a regular-season pass in two years - to go up against that defense is a tall order. Houston’s front can collapse a pocket in a hurry, and they’ll test every inch of Denver’s protection.
So, Who Should Broncos Country Be Pulling For?
It’s a bit of a pick-your-poison scenario.
The Patriots bring a high-powered offense and a quarterback who’s playing like a seasoned vet. They’re well-coached, balanced, and don’t give you much room for error. On the other hand, the Texans are dominant on defense but more vulnerable on offense - especially if the Broncos’ defense can rattle Stroud and force mistakes.
If Denver’s going to win without Nix, they’ll likely need some help from their defense - turnovers, short fields, maybe even a defensive score. That’s more likely to happen against Houston than New England.
Stroud has been excellent, but he’s not infallible. And if Denver can muddy the waters for him, they might be able to grind out a win in a low-scoring battle.
So while the Texans might be the scarier team on paper - especially on defense - they might also be the more beatable one, given the circumstances. Either way, the Broncos are in for a fight.
But with Payton’s experience, a home crowd behind them, and a defense that’s been rising to the occasion, they’re not out of this yet. Not by a long shot.