Mile High is vibrating. If you were anywhere near downtown Denver on Saturday night, you felt it. The Broncos just pulled off a 33-30 overtime thriller against the Buffalo Bills, a game that felt like a decade of frustration evaporating into the thin mountain air. But the celebration has a massive, orange-and-blue cloud hanging over it.
Honestly, the question of when is the Denver Broncos next game has never been more loaded. We know the date. We know the place. But we also know that the guy who got them here won't be on the field.
The AFC Championship Schedule: Mark Your Calendar
The Broncos are the No. 1 seed in the AFC. That means the road to the Super Bowl runs directly through 1701 Bryant St.
Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM MT (3:00 PM ET)
Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
TV: CBS / Paramount+
This isn't just another game. It’s the first time Denver has hosted the AFC Championship since the 2015 season when Peyton Manning and that legendary defense took down Tom Brady. This time, however, the script has a nasty twist.
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The Injury That Changed Everything
Bo Nix is out.
It’s the news no one wanted to hear. After the overtime win against Buffalo, Sean Payton dropped the hammer: Nix suffered a broken right ankle. It happened on a simple-looking keeper where he lost two yards. He actually stayed in to throw the pass that set up Wil Lutz’s winning field goal, which tells you everything you need to know about his toughness.
He’s scheduled for surgery in Birmingham on Tuesday. He's done for the year.
So, when the Broncos take the field next Sunday, it’ll be Jarrett Stidham under center. Payton seems confident, cracking jokes in the presser about Nix's injury history just to keep the mood light, but let’s be real—the stakes just tripled for the rest of the roster. Stidham has the playbook down, but he doesn't have the "off-script" magic Nix has been flashing all season.
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Who is the Opponent?
We don't know yet. Sorta.
As the top seed, the Broncos are currently waiting on the result of the other Divisional Round matchup.
- The Houston Texans vs. The New England Patriots.
- That game kicks off today, Sunday, January 18, at 3:00 PM ET on ESPN/ABC.
If the Patriots win, they come to Denver. If the Texans pull off the upset, C.J. Stroud and company head to the Rockies. Either way, Denver’s coaching staff is currently pulling double duty, prepping two different scouting reports until the final whistle blows tonight.
Why This Game is Different
The 2025-2026 season has been a bit of a fever dream for Broncos fans. After years of mediocrity, a 14-3 regular season record felt like a gift.
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The defense, led by Zach Allen and Pat Surtain II, has been the backbone. They’ve been elite at forcing "three-and-outs" when it matters most. Against the Bills, they held Josh Allen just enough to let Lutz do his thing. But without Nix's ability to extend plays, the defense might be on the field a lot longer next Sunday.
Wait. Think about the matchups for a second.
- If it's New England: You're looking at a defensive slugfest. The Patriots beat the Chargers 16-3 in the Wild Card. They don't score a lot, but they turn games into mud fights.
- If it's Houston: It's a shootout. Stroud is a surgeon.
The Broncos' offensive line—specifically Garett Bolles and Quinn Meinerz—are going to have to play the game of their lives to give Stidham a clean pocket. If they can't establish the run and keep the clock moving, it's going to be a long afternoon in the South Stands.
Fan Events and Getting Tickets
If you’re looking to soak up the atmosphere before the kickoff on the 25th, the team is hosting a Conference Championship Fan Rally at Larimer Square on Saturday, January 24, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM MT.
Tickets for the game itself? Good luck. They’re already hitting the secondary market at eye-watering prices. Expect to pay a premium to see if Denver can reach Super Bowl 60.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Watch the Texans-Patriots game today: This determines the scouting report for the week.
- Monitor the injury report: Keep an eye on the status of the receiving corps; Courtland Sutton’s health becomes even more vital with a backup QB.
- Secure parking early: If you're heading to Empower Field on the 25th, the lots open at 9:00 AM MT. Don't wait until Sunday morning to figure out your commute.
- Update your streaming apps: Since the game is on CBS, make sure your Paramount+ login is active or your antenna is positioned for the best signal.
The Broncos are 60 minutes away from the biggest stage in sports. It won't be easy without their rookie sensation, but in Denver, the "Next Man Up" mentality isn't just a cliché—it’s a requirement.