Denver is buzzing, but honestly, it’s a weird kind of energy. You’ve probably heard the roar from Empower Field at Mile High by now—the Broncos just punched their ticket to the AFC Championship for the first time in a decade. It was an absolute thriller, a 33-30 overtime win against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills that felt like a fever dream. But here is the thing: the Denver Broncos news now isn’t just about the win. It’s about the massive, Bo Nix-sized hole in the roster.
Just minutes after the biggest victory of the post-Peyton Manning era, Sean Payton had to walk back to the podium and drop a bomb. Bo Nix, the rookie-turned-savior who threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns in the game, is done. Out. A fractured bone in his ankle.
It’s the kind of news that makes your stomach drop. One minute you’re celebrating a legacy-defining win, and the next, you’re realizing the road to Super Bowl LX just got a whole lot steeper.
The Bittersweet Reality of the AFC Championship Berth
We finally broke the drought. Ten years. That is how long it took to get back to this stage. The win over Buffalo was a masterclass in grit, with the Broncos overcoming five turnovers from Josh Allen. Yes, five. But Nix was the engine. He managed the game beautifully, hitting Marvin Mims Jr. for a 26-yard score and showing the kind of poise that made Sean Payton look like a genius for drafting him.
Then came that keeper late in the game. Nix got tackled, limped a bit, but stayed in to take the knee that set up Wil Lutz’s game-winning 23-yard field goal. We thought he was fine. He wasn’t.
👉 See also: LeBron James and Kobe Bryant: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Now, the focus shifts to Jarrett Stidham.
Payton, ever the optimist (or the salesman), says "Stiddy's ready." But let's be real: Stidham hasn't thrown a meaningful pass all season. He’s a veteran, sure, and he knows the system, but asking him to step in and win an AFC Championship Game against either the Houston Texans or the New England Patriots is a massive ask. The Broncos have won with defense and opportunistic offense all year, but the margin for error just evaporated.
What This Means for the Roster and the 2026 Outlook
Beyond the immediate playoff drama, there’s a lot of "business" Denver Broncos news now that's going to hit the fan once the season ends—whenever that is. George Paton, the GM, is apparently in line for a long-term extension. He’s navigated the "dead money" era of Russell Wilson better than anyone expected, and the 2025 roster he built—including additions like Evan Engram and RJ Harvey—is clearly Super Bowl caliber.
But the cap sheet for 2026 is already looming.
✨ Don't miss: Lawrence County High School Football: Why Friday Nights in Louisa Still Hit Different
- Projected Cap Space: Around $35 million to $40 million, but that’s before we talk about futures contracts and rookie escalators.
- The Dre Greenlaw Dilemma: The linebacker has been a beast when healthy, but he’s carrying a massive cap hit next year. Cutting him would save $7 million, but could you actually replace that production?
- Quarterback Insurance: With Nix facing surgery on Tuesday in Birmingham, his recovery will be the only thing anyone talks about this spring. Does Denver look for a more robust veteran backup in free agency now?
Basically, the "honeymoon phase" of this playoff run is over. It’s down to the nitty-gritty of survival football.
Why the Defense is the Only Story That Matters Now
If Denver is going to actually win a Super Bowl with Jarrett Stidham under center, the defense has to be legendary. We’re talking 2015-level legendary. They forced four interceptions from Josh Allen on Saturday. They’ll need to do the same to C.J. Stroud or whoever the Patriots are trotting out.
The secondary, led by the return of guys like Dre Greenlaw and the emergence of the "No Fly Zone 2.0" vibes, is the only reason Denver is even a slight threat in the next round. If you’re a betting person, you’re looking at the Under. You’re looking at Wil Lutz. You’re looking at a ground game that needs to eat clock like it’s a full-time job.
Actionable Insights for Broncos Country
If you’re trying to keep up with the chaos, here’s what you actually need to do this week:
🔗 Read more: LA Rams Home Game Schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
- Watch the Texans-Patriots game closely: The Broncos host the winner. If it’s Houston, expect a high-octane battle where Denver’s pass rush is the only thing that saves them. If it’s New England, prepare for a low-scoring coaching chess match between Payton and Mayo.
- Monitor the Injury Report for the O-Line: With a backup QB starting, protection is everything. Any dings to the interior line will be magnified 10x.
- Check the Tuesday Surgery Updates: Bo Nix’s surgery in Alabama will give us a timeline. We need to know if he’ll be ready for OTAs in the spring or if this is a long-term recovery.
The dream isn't dead, but it definitely looks different than it did 24 hours ago. It’s "Stiddy" time in Denver, for better or worse.
Grab your orange gear and hold on tight. It’s going to be a long week at Dove Valley.
Next Steps for the Offseason: Once the playoff run concludes, the front office will need to finalize the George Paton extension to ensure continuity before tackling the $11 million decision on Dre Greenlaw's contract. Keep an eye on the practice squad elevations for the AFC Championship, as WR Moore and TE Lohner are already being prepped for larger roles in the passing game to support Stidham.