Backup Quarterback Elevated After Nix’s Ankle Break Bo Nix suffered a broken right ankle on the penultimate play of Denver’s 33‑30 overtime win over Buffalo, ending his season and prompting head coach Sean Payton to announce surgery and the promotion of backup Jarrett Stidham for the AFC title game [6][5]. The injury occurred during the divisional round on Jan. 17 and was confirmed by Payton in post‑game interviews [6]. Denver now faces New England with its starting quarterback sidelined.

Stidham’s Unprecedented Playoff Start Stidham has not thrown a pass in a regular‑season or playoff game since the final two contests of 2023, making his AFC Championship start his fifth career start and only the seventh time a quarterback has begun a playoff game without any regular‑season starts since 1950 [5][1]. Sportradar notes he joins Joe Webb as the only QBs to start a postseason contest after zero regular‑season attempts, and he becomes the second to make his first start in a conference title game [5]. This rarity underscores the unusual nature of Denver’s quarterback situation.

Personal Storyline Against Former Team Drafted by the Patriots in 2019, Stidham previously played for New England and the Las Vegas Raiders before returning to Denver, creating a narrative showdown as he prepares to face the team that originally selected him [1][3]. He publicly thanked former Patriots staff—including Bill Belichick and Sean Payton—during a Jan. 21 press interview, describing himself as “fired up for the opportunity” [1]. The matchup therefore carries both competitive and sentimental weight.

Broncos Defense and Coaching Tailor Game Plan Denver’s defense, led by Zach Allen, Nik Bonitto and Patrick Surtain II, has allowed just 18.3 points per game this season, giving the Broncos a strong foundation against a high‑scoring Patriots offense [4]. Payton indicated the offensive scheme will lean on the run and the play of JK Dobbins to suit Stidham’s skill set, while Mike Vrabel praised his accuracy and decision‑making [3]. The coaching staff aims to maximize Stidham’s strengths while relying on a top‑tier defense.

Patriots’ Quarterback Trouble and Defensive Edge New England’s rookie quarterback Drake Maye has thrown three touchdowns in the latest win but also recorded six interceptions across two playoff games, mirroring a broader decline after a strong regular season [2][4]. The Patriots’ defense has been the playoff engine, allowing only one touchdown, recording nine sacks and six turnovers, including a pick‑6 [2]. These defensive performances could offset Maye’s inconsistencies in the AFC Championship.