The energy at Empower Field at Mile High was basically electric this past Saturday. If you’re looking for what's the score of the Denver Broncos, the answer is a heart-stopping 33-30 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round.
It wasn't just a win. It was a chaotic, beautiful, stressful mess of a football game that didn't end until Wil Lutz knocked through a 23-yard field goal in overtime. Denver fans have been waiting for a home playoff win since 2015, and honestly, this one delivered enough drama to cover the last decade. But it came with a massive price tag that has the entire city of Denver holding its breath.
Why Everyone is Talking About the Broncos Score Right Now
You’ve probably seen the headlines. The Broncos are officially heading to the AFC Championship Game to face the New England Patriots. That's the good news. The bad news? Bo Nix, the rookie-turned-savior who has been the engine of this 15-3 season, is done. He suffered a fractured ankle late in the game, and Sean Payton confirmed the worst shortly after the final whistle.
It’s a bittersweet reality. You win the game, you advance, but you lose the guy who got you there.
💡 You might also like: What Channel is Champions League on: Where to Watch Every Game in 2026
Breaking Down the 33-30 Scoreline
The game was a total see-saw. Denver jumped out to a 23-10 lead, and for a second, it felt like they might actually cruise. Then Josh Allen happened. The Bills scored 17 unanswered points to take a 27-23 lead in the fourth quarter.
The scoring sequence was wild:
- Bo Nix found Marvin Mims Jr. for a 26-yard score with 55 seconds left to put Denver up 30-27.
- Josh Allen marched Buffalo down the field in a panic, and former Bronco Matt Prater (who is somehow still kicking at 41) nailed a 50-yarder to tie it.
- In Overtime, Ja’Quan McMillian made the play of his life, picking off Allen on a deep shot to Brandin Cooks.
That interception set the stage. After a couple of massive pass interference penalties on Buffalo—one for 30 yards against Tre'Davious White—Lutz stepped up and ended it.
📖 Related: Eastern Conference Finals 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
The Defensive Masterclass Nobody Expected
We need to talk about Vance Joseph’s defense. This unit only forced 14 turnovers all regular season. On Saturday? They forced five. Five!
Nik Bonitto was a nightmare for the Bills' offensive line, recording a strip-sack on Allen right at the start of the second half. Alex Singleton was everywhere, and P.J. Locke snagged a crucial pick earlier in the game. While the defense gave up nearly 450 yards, they came up with the "splash plays" that actually decided the outcome. It’s the kind of high-variance football that makes coaches lose their hair but keeps fans glued to the screen.
What’s Next for Denver?
The focus now shifts immediately to Jarrett Stidham. With Nix out, Stidham is the guy. Sean Payton told reporters that Stidham will be "ready for the moment," but let's be real—going from a dual-threat playmaker like Nix to a veteran backup for a spot in the Super Bowl is a terrifying jump.
👉 See also: Texas vs Oklahoma Football Game: Why the Red River Rivalry is Getting Even Weirder
Denver will host the AFC Championship Game in eight days. It’s their eighth time hosting this round in franchise history. They’ll be facing a Patriots team that is coming in with plenty of momentum after knocking off the Texans.
How to Stay Updated on Broncos Scores
If you want to keep track of the live score of the Denver Broncos during the AFC Championship, you’ve got a few solid options.
- Local Broadcasts: CBS and Paramount+ have the rights for the next round.
- The Official App: The Denver Broncos official app is surprisingly fast with drive-by-drive updates.
- Radio: If you're driving through the Rockies, KOA 850 AM is still the gold standard for game-day audio.
The 2025-2026 season has been a ride. From starting 1-2 to finishing 14-3 and winning a playoff thriller in the snow, this team has grit. Whether they can survive without Nix is the only question that matters now.
For anyone tracking the bracket, the road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara officially goes through Denver. Make sure your Saturday afternoon is clear for next week—it's going to be another loud one at Mile High.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the official NFL injury report mid-week to see the exact status of the offensive line depth, as they'll need to protect Stidham more than ever.
- Verify your Paramount+ login or local CBS listings now to ensure you don't miss the 4:30 PM EST kickoff next Sunday.
- Monitor the weather forecast for Denver; another cold, high-wind game significantly favors Denver's ground game and kicker Wil Lutz over a pass-heavy opponent.