The Denver Broncos may have suffered a season-ending fractured ankle to starting quarterback Bo Nix in the AFC’s divisional round of this postseason, but they still managed to deal the knockout punch to the Buffalo Bills.
On a thrilling day at Empower Field at Mile High, the resilient Broncos – despite losing their starting quarterback to a fractured ankle before the end of regulation – emerged from the overtime battle to defeat the Bills 33-30.
Along with the victory, an X post video showed several former Broncos legends celebrating in a private stadium suite.
As the group of alumni met, with Hall of Famers Peyton Manning, Shannon Sharpe, and Terrell Davis, former defensive star DeMarcus Ware, lineman Mark Schlereth, and former coach Brian Pariani all celebrating, the suite might have been crowded.
Manning was shouting, having promised that the team would be back at the stadium next Sunday.
Broncos alumni Peyton Manning, Shannon Sharpe, Demarcus Ware, Terrell Davis, Mark Schlereth, and Brian Pariani celebrating the big win over the Bills.
— Rachel Strand (@MileHighRachel) January 18, 2026
Peyton's hyped to be back there next week.
"Right here baby, next Sunday. Right here!" #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/scyiPHnxkP
While the victory represents a major milestone, fans and former players viewed the win as a return to the success of the 2015 season.
Head coach Sean Payton announced that Nix suffered a fractured right ankle, noting the injury happened on the second-to-last play of regulation.
Nix, however, has been ruled out for the remainder of the year. A fractured ankle forced him to exit after the game before handing the offense to backup QB Jarrett Stidham for the remainder of the playoffs.
MORE: Penalties shift the script as Broncos outlast Bills in OT thriller
The Denver Broncos' season rests on rusty Jarrett Stidham
The current QB situation is a statistical anomaly, as Stidham is entering the most important game of the season with almost no recent experience, Tom Pelissero reported.
Jarrett Stidham played one snap this season — a kneeldown in October.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 18, 2026
He hasn’t thrown a regular-season pass since 2023, when he started two games after Denver benched Russell Wilson.
In eight days, Stidham will start the AFC Championship Game. Pic.twitter.com/ljxRsB9k42
Stidham has served as the backup all season and has not thrown a single regular-season pass since 2023. He finished his last start with 20 of 32 passes and a 93.8 passer rating.
It also appears that Payton utilized Stidham to provide an offensive spark and to shield the team from financial risks associated with Russell Wilson. Wilson had a $37 million injury guarantee that would have vested if he were hurt.
Along with the release, the front office also announced they were letting go of Wilson in March 2024 with a record $85 million in dead money to pivot to the Nix era.
Nix will travel to Birmingham, Alabama, for surgery on Tuesday, with the procedure to address his ankle fracture and officially end his sophomore campaign.
The Broncos' quest to reach the Super Bowl will continue next Sunday. They will play the winner of the game between the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans.
Stidham will make his first start in two years during the conference title game, hoping to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since their 2015 championship season.
More Denver Broncos News:
- Who is Jarrett Stidham? Broncos backup QB who will take over for Bo Nix
- Bo Nix suffers season-ending ankle fracture
- Can Broncos sign a free-agent quarterback to replace injured Bo Nix?
- Explaining Ja'Quan McMillian's game-saving interception