Key Takeaways
- The Denver Broncos earned their first playoff win since Super Bowl 50 by beating the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in the divisional round of the 2025 NFL playoffs.
- Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury during the game and will undergo surgery.
- Jarrett Stidham will replace Nix as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.
- The Broncos have only two healthy quarterbacks remaining, Stidham and Sam Ehlinger, with Nix out for the season.
Introduction to the Broncos’ Playoff Win
The Denver Broncos have secured their first playoff win since Super Bowl 50, defeating the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in the divisional round of the 2025 NFL playoffs. This victory marks a significant milestone for the team, but it came at a cost. Quarterback Bo Nix suffered an ankle injury during the game, which will keep him out for the remainder of the season. In this article, we will delve into the details of Nix’s injury, the Broncos’ quarterback situation, and how the team will move forward without their top quarterback.
Bo Nix’s Injury Update
Broncos coach Sean Payton announced that Nix had suffered a season-ending ankle fracture during his postgame news conference. The injury occurred during the game, and Nix was able to finish the overtime period despite the pain. Payton explained that Nix fractured a bone in his right ankle and is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday. The play that caused the injury was a low hit from Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop, which was captured on video by NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. Nix’s season will now come to an end, and he will undergo surgery in Alabama.
The Broncos’ Backup Quarterback
With Nix out for the season, Jarrett Stidham will take over as the starting quarterback for the Broncos. Payton expressed confidence in Stidham, who has been with the team since 2023. Stidham is a seven-year veteran who was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He has made two starts for the Broncos, going 1-1 and completing 60.6% of his passes for 496 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Although Stidham has not attempted a regular-season or postseason pass since the 2023 season, Payton believes he is ready to lead the team.
The Broncos’ QB Depth Chart
The Broncos are now left with only two healthy quarterbacks, Stidham and Sam Ehlinger. Ehlinger is in his first season with the Broncos, having spent his first four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. The 27-year-old quarterback has not played a snap for the Broncos this season but was the team’s emergency third quarterback for Sunday’s game. Like Stidham, Ehlinger has not played a regular-season or postseason NFL snap since the 2023 season. The Broncos’ quarterback situation is now a concern, with only two healthy quarterbacks remaining on the roster.
Moving Forward
The Broncos will have to adjust to life without Nix, who was a key player in their playoff win. Stidham will have to step up and lead the team, and Ehlinger will be ready to fill in if needed. The team’s coaching staff will have to prepare Stidham for the upcoming AFC championship game, and the quarterback will have to be ready to perform under pressure. The Broncos’ season is far from over, and they will have to rely on their backup quarterback to lead them to victory. As the team moves forward, they will have to overcome the loss of Nix and find a way to succeed with their new quarterback lineup.
