As the NFL divisional round approaches, one matchup has been especially difficult for fans and analysts to pin down: the Denver Broncos versus the Buffalo Bills. On paper, Buffalo’s postseason experience, along with the recent play of quarterback Josh Allen, suggests the Bills should have the upper hand.
Yet a deeper look reveals why the game feels far less certain than initial reactions might suggest. Coming off a bye week, Denver enters the matchup significantly healthier, while Buffalo is navigating a lengthy injury report that lists 15 players, with 12 either limited or not practicing.
Wednesday injury report pic.twitter.com/Ju35aSd6Rz
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) January 14, 2026
With Bills starting safety Jordan Poyer out for the game, after reaggravating a hamstring injury in the wild-card round, Denver should consider deploying a player who has been vastly underutilized this year, wide receiver Marvin Mims.
Lessons from the Past
Fans of the Broncos were expecting a big year from Mims after a strong finish to the 2024 season, during which he scored five touchdowns in his last five games and established himself as a consistent deep threat for quarterback Bo Nix.
However, injuries and lack of opportunity have stalled Mims' development, as he has been limited to 37 receptions for 322 yards and one touchdown this season and has largely been relegated to screens and quick slants.
The blueprint to beating the Buffalo Bills this season has been clear: establish the run and neutralize their ground game. However, despite a stout defensive line, Denver has struggled to match up with Buffalo's offensive front, which outweighs them by a combined 299 pounds.
Bully Ball Incoming 😤
— Buffalo Fanatics (@BfloFanatics) January 13, 2026
This is a game the big uglies dream about. The James Cook game. Bodies will be moved ⚠️#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/i0e8LX8kSR
Since the injury to running back J.K. Dobbins, the Broncos' rushing attack has been inconsistent, and if their defense cannot find a way to hold its ground in the trenches, the team could quickly find itself in a familiar hole, similar to last season’s wild-card loss.
If that scenario unfolds, Denver should lean on lessons learned from its own early-season missteps.
After starting safety Brandon Jones suffered a season-ending pectoral injury, P.J. Locke stepped in and struggled in his first start. Limited reps with the starters and communication breakdowns caused by the deafening environment at Mile High Stadium left Locke out of position multiple times against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Broncos should expect the Bills’ secondary to face similar challenges on Saturday. With communication compromised, Denver can look to exploit those vulnerabilities by using Mims' dynamic speed to catch Buffalo’s safeties flat-footed.
With margins this tight, it will be worth watching whether Mims can finally step into the “joker” role Sean Payton teased from the beginning of the season.