It is finally here. After a ten-year wait that felt more like a century for some of us, playoff football is returning to Denver. Honestly, if you told a Broncos fan three years ago that Sean Payton would have Bo Nix leading a 14-3 team into the Divisional Round as the AFC's top seed, they probably would’ve asked what you were drinking. But here we are.
The latest news about the Denver Broncos isn't just about a game; it's about a redemption arc. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Buffalo Bills walk into Empower Field at Mile High for a rematch that has been simmering for exactly one year. Remember that 31-7 blowout loss in the Wild Card round last season? Sean Payton hasn't forgotten. Neither has Bo Nix.
The Elijah Moore Factor and Roster Chess Moves
One of the weirdest bits of news to drop this week involves the practice squad. Denver just elevated wide receiver Elijah Moore and tight end Caleb Lohner. Now, Lohner is an interesting "basketball-to-football" project, a 6-foot-7 rookie who hasn't seen a single snap yet. But Moore? That’s the real story.
Moore was with the Bills earlier this season. He played nine games for them before they cut him loose in November. He has basically spent the last week acting as a double agent in the Broncos’ meeting rooms. When asked about it, Moore didn't hold back, saying he gave the coaching staff everything they asked for regarding Buffalo’s tendencies. It’s a classic Sean Payton move—finding that 1% edge wherever possible.
Is the Offense Actually Stagnant?
If you’ve been following the local chatter, there’s a bit of anxiety. Denver limped across the regular-season finish line, failing to score more than 20 points in their last three games. They were 14-3, sure, but those wins against Kansas City and the Chargers weren't exactly offensive masterclasses.
Payton has been notably "salty" about it. He shot down the idea that he was "holding back" his playbook to hide things for the playoffs. He flat-out said the tape wasn't good. The Broncos' third-down numbers have been shaky, and the red zone efficiency needs a massive boost if they’re going to keep up with Josh Allen.
Basically, the "overdog" narrative that Bo Nix loves so much is being tested. Despite being the #1 seed at home, some Vegas lines actually had the Bills as slight favorites or the game as a pick'em early in the week. That’s insane. It’s the first time a #1 seed has been disrespected like this in a long while.
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Injury Updates: Good News for the Defense
Vance Joseph has to be breathing a sigh of relief looking at the defensive depth chart. Dre Greenlaw is back. The veteran linebacker has been dealing with a hamstring issue since Week 16, but he practiced fully on Thursday and doesn't even have an injury designation for Saturday. Having him out there to shadow Josh Allen is non-negotiable.
John Franklin-Myers is also a full go after dealing with a hip. The only real bums are Drew Sanders and Lucas Krull being ruled out, but neither was expected to be a focal point of the game plan.
Why the Altitude Matters Again
The Bills are "banged up," as the saying goes. They lost Gabe Davis to a torn ACL, and safety Jordan Poyer is out. They are digging deep into their own roster just to field a competitive receiving corps.
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Payton has been very vocal this week about the "Mile High Advantage." He isn't just asking fans to be loud; he’s giving them specific instructions. He wants the noise at its peak when the Bills enter the huddle, not just when they break it. He wants to force Josh Allen to use a silent count for 60 minutes.
Bo Nix vs. The Playoff Pressure
Nix is in Year 2, and while he’s played like a seasoned pro for most of the season, the playoffs are a different beast. Last year's postseason debut was a disaster. This year, he’s protected by a system that ranks 10th in yards and 14th in points, but he’s going to have to be aggressive.
Payton mentioned this week that he wants Nix to "take his shots." We might see more verticality than the conservative dink-and-dunk stuff we saw in late December. If the Broncos can’t establish the run with RJ Harvey—who many are picking for a breakout 100-yard game—the pressure on Nix to win with his arm becomes immense.
Strategic Insights for Game Day
If you're watching this one, keep an eye on these three specific areas:
- The Red Zone Turnover Margin: Denver thrived on a +9 turnover ratio at home this year. Buffalo leads the league in "second-act" explosive plays where Josh Allen scrambles and finds someone 40 yards downfield.
- The Moore Influence: Look at how Denver's secondary aligns. If they seem to know Buffalo's route concepts before they happen, thank Elijah Moore.
- Third-Down Conversions: Payton is obsessed with this right now. If Denver can't stay on the field, the defense will gas out in the thin air, negating the home-field advantage.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Monitor the Final Active Roster: Check the 90-minute prior inactive list to see if Caleb Lohner actually makes his NFL debut in a playoff game; if he does, expect some red-zone "jump ball" looks.
- Watch the Weather: Forecasts for Saturday afternoon in Denver suggest a cooling trend that could favor the ground game; track the wind speeds at Empower Field.
- Check the Betting Lines: If the line moves back toward Denver as the kickoff approaches, it usually indicates "smart money" is trusting the Sean Payton bye-week record (he’s 4-0 in the playoffs after a bye).
The latest news about the Denver Broncos proves this isn't the same team that got bullied in Buffalo last year. They’re older, they’re at home, and they’re playing with a massive chip on their shoulder.