If you had told me in August that the Denver Broncos would be heading into the 2026 AFC Championship game with Jarrett Stidham under center, I probably would’ve laughed you out of the room. It’s not that "Stiddy" is bad, but Bo Nix was looking like the second coming of franchise stability. Football is a brutal business, though. One bad landing in the overtime win against Buffalo, and suddenly, the starting lineup for denver broncos looks completely different than the one we saw dominating the regular season.
Honestly, it’s a lot to process. We’re looking at a team that’s essentially a "next man up" poster child right now. Between Nix’s season-ending ankle injury and the constant rotation in the backfield, head coach Sean Payton is earning every penny of that contract.
The Quarterback Conundrum: It’s Stidham’s Time
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Jarrett Stidham is now the guy. With Bo Nix scheduled for surgery on his right ankle, the Broncos are putting their Super Bowl dreams in the hands of a veteran who has spent most of his career holding a clipboard.
Is it ideal? No. But Stidham isn't a total stranger to Payton's system. He’s been in the building for three years. He knows where the bodies are buried in this playbook. During the 2025 preseason, he was actually lighting people up, throwing for nearly 400 yards and four touchdowns in limited action. There’s a quiet confidence in the locker room about him, even if the national media is already writing the team's obituary.
A Backfield in Flux
The running back situation is just as chaotic. J.K. Dobbins was having a career year until that foot injury in Week 10. Since then, it’s been the RJ Harvey show. Harvey, the rookie out of UCF, has been a bit of a rollercoaster. He’s got 12 touchdowns on the year, which is insane for a second-round pick, but his 3.7 yards per carry average is... well, it’s a bit worrying.
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The rumor mill is already spinning about 2026. Word on the street is that Denver might go after Travis Etienne in free agency to pair with Harvey. But for right now? It’s Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin carrying the load. McLaughlin still provides that lightning-fast change of pace that keeps defensive coordinators awake at night.
The Trench Warfare: Offensive Line Stability
One area where Denver hasn't completely imploded is the offensive line. Thank goodness for Quinn Meinerz. The guy is a brick wall at right guard.
- LT: Garett Bolles – The veteran anchor who just keeps performing.
- LG: Ben Powers – He’s been solid, though there’s talk he might be a trade candidate this coming offseason to save cap space.
- C: Alex Forsyth – He’s stepped in and held the middle together.
- RG: Quinn Meinerz – Easily the best player on this line.
- RT: Mike McGlinchey – He’s had his ups and downs, but his veteran presence is huge for Stidham.
It’s a group that has stayed relatively healthy, which is a miracle in the NFL. If Stidham is going to have a chance against a high-pressure AFC defense, these five guys have to be perfect.
The "No Fly Zone" 2.0?
Defensively, this team is still terrifying. Patrick Surtain II is basically a human eraser at this point. If a quarterback throws his way, it’s usually a mistake. Riley Moss has really come into his own on the other side, making it hard for teams to just "avoid PS2."
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The addition of Dre Greenlaw at linebacker was a masterstroke by the front office, even if he’s dealt with some nagging injuries. When he's on the field with Alex Singleton, the middle of the field is a no-go zone. However, both Singleton and Justin Strnad are hitting free agency soon. This playoff run is essentially their final audition for a massive extension.
The defensive front is led by Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers. Allen has been a wrecking ball this year. He doesn't always get the sack, but he’s constantly re-establishing the line of scrimmage in the backfield.
Wide Receiver Depth and Tight End Woes
Courtland Sutton is still the alpha. He’s the safety blanket Stidham is going to lean on heavily. Behind him, it’s a mix of youth and "wait, who’s that?"
Troy Franklin has shown flashes of being a deep threat, and Marvin Mims Jr. is always one touch away from a house call. But the tight end position? That’s been a struggle. Evan Engram was supposed to be the answer, but it hasn't quite clicked the way Payton hoped. Don't be surprised if you see the Broncos targeting a tight end like Kenyon Sadiq in the upcoming draft.
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What Actually Happens Next?
The starting lineup for denver broncos is going to be tested like never before. Winning a divisional game with your backup QB is one thing; winning an AFC Championship and going to the Super Bowl is another.
If you're looking at what this team needs to do to survive, it comes down to three things. First, the offensive line has to give Stidham a clean pocket. He isn't as mobile as Nix was. Second, RJ Harvey has to find a way to get more than four yards a carry. Efficiency matters more than volume right now. Finally, the defense has to score. Or at least set the offense up in the red zone.
Whatever happens, the 2026 version of the Broncos has proven they aren't going to just lay down because their star quarterback is in a walking boot. It’s gritty, it’s ugly sometimes, but it’s winning football.
To stay ahead of the curve on this roster, watch the injury reports specifically for Dre Greenlaw and the practice squad elevations. If Elijah Moore or Caleb Lohner get the call-up again, it tells you exactly how Payton plans to attack the middle of the field. Keep an eye on the defensive rotation in the first quarter; if they're leaning heavily on Nik Bonitto early, they’re planning to sell out on the pass rush.