The Denver Broncos are one win from reaching the Super Bowl, yet their path forward changed abruptly late in their divisional playoff victory over the Buffalo Bills.
On the final drive of that overtime win, quarterback Bo Nix fractured his ankle, an injury that ended his season and reshaped Denver’s championship plans.
In the days that followed, speculation took over. Some wondered if head coach Sean Payton might explore a dramatic reunion with Drew Brees or consider reaching out to Taysom Hill, both former New Orleans Saints standouts tied to Payton by history.
That chatter faded quickly. Brees, awaiting induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer, cannot throw with his right arm. Hill is dealing with an AC joint injury in his throwing shoulder suffered in the Saints’ regular-season finale, and retirement had already been on the table for him.
Instead, Denver opted for stability. Jarrett Stidham, Nix’s primary backup throughout the season, will start Sunday against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
To reinforce depth, the Broncos signed Ben DiNucci, another quarterback familiar with both Payton’s system and the organization. DiNucci spent last offseason with New Orleans before the Saints drafted Tyler Shough and previously chose to remain in Denver in 2023 when the Saints sought help after Derek Carr’s shoulder injury.
Broncos lean on experience, defense as Stidham steps into spotlight
Stidham enters the biggest start of his career with a modest but tangible NFL resume. He has appeared in 20 games, including four starts, compiling a 1-3 record while throwing for 1,422 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has not attempted a pass since the 2023 season, a reality that adds pressure to an already unforgiving stage.
Inside the locker room, confidence remains intact. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II said the news of Nix’s injury was jarring but expressed belief in the quarterback stepping in. Nik Bonitto echoed that sentiment, pointing to Stidham’s command and confidence within the offense.
The Broncos expect that familiarity to matter. Stidham has spent the entire season preparing in Payton’s system, reducing the need for schematic adjustments. That continuity allows Denver to lean into what has carried it all year: one of the league’s strongest defenses, capable of shortening games and controlling momentum.
There is no illusion about the challenge. Stidham has one opportunity to justify the trust placed in him, and the margin for error is thin with a Super Bowl berth at stake.
The Broncos will dress Sam Ehlinger as the primary backup, with DiNucci available if needed, while Nix’s role shifts to support and preparation. Denver’s season now hinges on execution, defense, and whether Stidham can deliver when everything is on the line.
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