Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix delivered one of the most clutch performances of his young career on Saturday, guiding his team to a thrilling 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional round. The win marked Denver’s first playoff triumph in a decade and propelled the Broncos, the AFC’s top seed, into their first conference championship game since the 2015 season. Yet the celebration proved short-lived. Just plays before the game-winning field goal, Nix suffered a fractured bone in his right ankle, an injury that requires surgery and will sideline him for the remainder of the postseason.
The injury occurred late in overtime during a designed quarterback run to the left. Nix took a handoff, gained minimal yardage, and was brought down by Bills safety Cole Bishop. Video replays show Nix twisting awkwardly as he hit the turf, limping noticeably afterward. Despite the pain, he stayed in the game long enough to complete a key pass that drew a pass-interference penalty, setting up Wil Lutz’s decisive 23-yard field goal. Broncos coach Sean Payton initially spoke to reporters about the victory without mentioning the severity of the issue. He returned shortly after to deliver the sobering update.
“On the second-to-last play in overtime, Bo fractured a bone in his right ankle,” Payton said. “He’s scheduled to have surgery Tuesday of this week to put him out for the rest of the season.” The procedure will take place in Birmingham, Alabama, with a specialist in foot and ankle surgery. Payton described Nix as a “tough cookie” and highlighted his faith, noting the quarterback’s calm acceptance of the setback. Nix, who has a history of ankle issues including one at Auburn and another earlier in his career, reportedly told Payton he believed God had a plan. In a lighter moment, Payton joked that had he known about the prior injuries, he might have reconsidered drafting Nix in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nix’s performance against Buffalo was exemplary under the circumstances. He completed 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. His poise shone through in critical moments. Late in the fourth quarter, he engineered a go-ahead drive capped by a 26-yard touchdown strike to Marvin Mims Jr. In overtime, after Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw a pivotal interception to Ja’Quan McMillian, Nix marched the Broncos 75 yards in six plays to set up the win. The victory came despite five turnovers forced by Denver’s defense, including two fumbles and two interceptions from Allen, the reigning MVP.
The Broncos’ defense carried much of the load in a back-and-forth contest. Nik Bonitto recorded a strip-sack early in the third quarter, and the unit held Buffalo to field goals in key spots. James Cook rushed for 117 yards for the Bills, and Buffalo mounted a 17-point surge to tie the game late in regulation. Yet Denver’s resilience prevailed, fueled by Nix’s leadership.
Now the Broncos face an uncertain path forward. Jarrett Stidham, the veteran backup, will start in the AFC Championship Game on January 25 at Empower Field at Mile High. Denver will host the winner of Sunday’s divisional matchup between the New England Patriots and Houston Texans. Stidham, a 29-year-old who entered the league as a fourth-round pick by the Patriots in 2019, has made only four career starts, including two for Denver at the end of the 2023 season after the team moved on from Russell Wilson. He has seen limited action recently, logging just one snap in the 2025 regular season. Sam Ehlinger will serve as the No. 2 quarterback.
Payton expressed confidence in Stidham, calling him capable of starting for multiple teams. “He’s ready,” Payton said. “He’s experienced, he’s played in games. They’re different type players to some degree. The plan’s always got to be built around the type and the skill set of the players you’re playing with.” The shift presents challenges. Nix had started every game since entering the league, amassing 24 regular-season wins in his first two seasons, tying an NFL record for a quarterback in that span. His mobility, decision-making, and ability to extend plays were central to Denver’s 14-3 regular-season record and seven game-winning drives.
The Broncos’ defense, led by Vance Joseph, remains one of the league’s strongest units and could carry the team. Denver boasts a 6-1 all-time record in home AFC Championship Games, providing a boost. Still, replacing a franchise cornerstone like Nix is daunting. Super Bowl odds shifted dramatically after the injury, with Denver moving from favorites to longer shots.
Nix’s absence adds to a season already marked by adversity. The Broncos lost key players throughout the year but persevered to secure the No. 1 seed. Payton emphasized the team’s resilience. “This team all year has lost key players,” he said. “We’ll rise up for the next challenge and go from there.” Teammates echoed that sentiment in the locker room, praising Nix’s composure and passion even as the news sank in.
For Nix, recovery timelines for a fractured ankle with surgery typically span four to six months for full football activities. Most players return to play within about 98 days, though regaining explosiveness often takes longer. Assuming no complications, he should be ready for the 2026 training camp in July. The injury is a major blow to a quarterback who had emerged as one of the league’s rising stars.
The Broncos’ journey to the Super Bowl now hinges on adaptation. Stidham will need to lean on the run game, play-action, and a stout defense to keep Denver competitive. Fans in Denver and across the country watched a euphoric moment turn bittersweet on Saturday night. The victory over Buffalo delivered hope, but the loss of Nix reminded everyone of the fragility of the sport.
As the AFC Championship approaches, the Broncos prepare to prove they can overcome this setback. One win stands between them and Super Bowl LX. With or without their starting quarterback, Denver’s resolve will be tested like never before. The team that has defied expectations all season now faces its greatest challenge yet.