The Denver Broncos, for most, are going to be up against it in the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots.
That, despite being at home.
With Bo Nix out, it is Jarrett Stidam taking the starting role against Mike Vrabel's team, and there isn't too much hope that in his first game in over a year, he can rally the Broncos to a win.
But not everyone is out on Stidham defying the odds.
NFL.com's Maurice Jones-Drew has a huge prediction for the game - Stidham outduels Drake Maye.
"Stidham has not thrown a pass in a real game since Week 18 of the 2023 season, which might not engender a ton of confidence among those outside of the Broncos facility," Jones-Drew wrote. "But the Bo Nix replacement rises to the occasion and throws for 300 yards and three touchdowns, outplaying New England's MVP candidate to send Denver to the Super Bowl a decade after the franchise lifted its third Lombardi Trophy."
More: Broncos' Sean Payton lights AFC Championship fire with 2 incredible words
Could Stidham really upset New England?
Of course, he could, but it is a tall order.
With Sean Payton calling the plays, Stidham has a genius in his ear.
Plus, being at home with that Denver crowd is a big advantage. So too is having one of the NFL's best defenses behind him. So, could Stidham put up, say, 17 points? And the Broncos defense only allows 14? Sure.
It's a tough task, but don't discount the Broncos completely here.
Stidham outplaying Maye is certainly a bold prediction, but Stidham might not have to outplay Maye for Denver to win.
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