Broncos' Playoff Hopes Hinge on Stidham After Bo Nix's Season-Ending Ankle Fracture

The Denver Broncos' exhilarating 33-30 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Playoffs has been overshadowed by a devastating injury that reshapes the team's championship aspirations. Quarterback Bo Nix, who led six game-winning drives this season, fractured his right ankle on the final offensive play and will miss the remainder of the postseason. Coach Sean Payton delivered the somber news approximately an hour after the game, confirming Nix requires surgery and veteran backup Jarrett Stidham will assume starting duties as Denver prepares for the AFC Championship Game.

The Injury Sequence and Immediate Aftermath

The injury occurred during what should have been a routine victory formation. According to ESPN's detailed report, Nix had already taken a hit on a designed run play earlier in the overtime drive, showing a slight limp but remaining in the game. After a pass interference penalty moved the ball to the Buffalo 8-yard line, Nix took the snap for what appeared to be the game-ending kneel-down. It was during this seemingly innocuous play that his right ankle twisted awkwardly beneath him. Nix immediately grimaced and displayed a pronounced limp as he returned to the sideline, though the severity wasn't apparent until post-game X-rays revealed the fracture.

Coach Payton described the moment with characteristic bluntness, beginning his post-game announcement with "not good news" before confirming the quarterback's season was over. Nix underwent evaluation while many teammates had already left the locker room, meaning Payton essentially broke the news to the team through his media availability. The quarterback is scheduled for surgery in Birmingham, Alabama, on Tuesday—a procedure that will officially end his remarkable second season.

Bo Nix's Season in Review

Nix's injury concludes what had been a breakout campaign for the young quarterback. In Saturday's victory alone, he completed 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, continuing his pattern of clutch performances. Payton highlighted Nix's resilience, noting this marks the third time the quarterback has fractured an ankle in his football career—previously in high school and during his collegiate career at Auburn. Despite this history, Nix had started every game this season and established himself as one of the league's most promising young talents.

Perhaps most impressive was Nix's late-game prowess. The overtime win against Buffalo marked the sixth time this season he engineered a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime, demonstrating poise beyond his years. Payton placed him in elite company during his announcement, telling Nix he believed the quarterback was "the second quarterback in his second year to take his team to the [conference] championship game and the first is [Patrick] Mahomes." This context makes the injury particularly cruel, occurring just as Nix was cementing his status among the NFL's emerging stars.

Jarrett Stidham: The Next Man Up

The Broncos' playoff fortunes now rest with seven-year veteran Jarrett Stidham, who has served as Nix's backup since the quarterback's rookie season. Stidham's regular season action was minimal in 2025—just four snaps in a Week 8 victory over Dallas, including a kneel-down—but he brings valuable experience. His most significant playing time came in 2023 when Payton benched Russell Wilson late in the season, starting Stidham for the final two games. During that stretch, he threw two touchdowns and one interception while leading the Broncos to a 16-9 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Payton expressed confidence in his backup quarterback during the announcement, stating "Stiddy is ready to go" and emphasizing that he feels "like I've got a two who's capable of starting for a number of teams." The coach highlighted the close relationship between Nix and Stidham, describing them as "very close friends" in a "tight room" that will now need to rally around the new starter. Sam Ehlinger, recently promoted from the practice squad, will serve as Stidham's backup, creating an entirely new quarterback dynamic for the conference championship.

Team Impact and Emotional Response

The emotional toll on the Broncos locker room cannot be overstated. Players learned about the severity of Nix's injury through media reports rather than directly from team officials, as many had already departed by the time diagnosis was complete. Payton acknowledged this unusual circumstance, noting "in essence I'm telling them now" during his press conference. The coach predicted the team would experience "a lot of emotions" followed by necessary "refocus" as they prepare for their next opponent.

Payton described finding Nix sitting in the hallway with his family after the diagnosis, characterizing the quarterback as "such a strong faith-based guy" facing adversity with characteristic resilience. This personal dimension adds to the challenge of regrouping a team that just achieved one of its most dramatic playoff victories in recent memory. The Broncos must channel the emotional energy from both the win and the loss of their starting quarterback into preparation for the AFC Championship Game.

Strategic Adjustments and Path Forward

Denver's offensive approach will necessarily shift with Stidham under center. Payton acknowledged the quarterbacks are "different types of players to some degree," suggesting potential scheme adjustments. Stidham lacks Nix's mobility and late-game magic but brings a veteran presence and familiarity with Payton's system dating back to 2023. The coaching staff must quickly adapt their game plan to maximize Stidham's strengths while compensating for the loss of Nix's unique skills.

The Broncos' remarkable season continues despite this setback, advancing to face either the New England Patriots or Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. How the team responds to this adversity will define their legacy—either as a resilient squad that overcame losing its star quarterback or as a team whose championship hopes were derailed at the worst possible moment. Payton's closing words—"Here we go"—perfectly capture the uncertainty and challenge ahead as Denver pursues a Super Bowl appearance with an unexpected quarterback leading the way.