The Denver Broncos secured a dramatic berth in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, defeating the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in an overtime classic at Empower Field at Mile High. However, the victory came at a devastating cost. In a crushing blow to their Super Bowl aspirations, quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken right ankle in the game's dying moments. The Bo Nix injury update has sent shockwaves through the NFL, confirming that the second-year signal-caller will miss the remainder of the 2026 postseason.

Victory and Heartbreak in Denver

Sunday's Divisional Round clash will go down as one of the most emotional days in Broncos franchise history. The Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills score was knotted at 27-27 at the end of regulation, forcing an overtime period that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Nix, who had been spectacular all afternoon, led a decisive drive in the extra period that culminated in the game-winning score.

Nix finished the game with impressive numbers, completing 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns. His performance was instrumental in securing Denver's first playoff victory since Super Bowl 50. But the celebration was cut short when Nix was carted off the field following a play in the final minute of overtime. Medical imaging confirmed the fracture shortly after the game, casting a long shadow over the NFL Divisional Round results 2026.

Jarrett Stidham Steps In as Starter

With Nix sidelined, the Broncos will turn to veteran backup Jarrett Stidham to lead the offense in the AFC Championship Game. Stidham, who signed a two-year, $12 million contract extension with the team in March 2025, is no stranger to Sean Payton's system. Having served as the primary backup for the past two seasons, the 29-year-old quarterback has the confidence of the coaching staff.

"Our hearts break for Bo because of how hard he's worked to get us here," head coach Sean Payton said in his post-game press conference. "But this is why we value Jarrett. He prepares like a starter every single week. We have full confidence in Jarrett Stidham Broncos QB to step in and execute the game plan. The goal hasn't changed."

Stidham's Readiness

Stidham has limited starting experience but has been praised for his command of the huddle and arm talent. His task will be tall: taking over a championship-caliber team mid-postseason. The Broncos' offense will likely lean heavily on their rushing attack and stout defense to support the transition under center.

Sean Payton and the Path Forward

The latest Sean Payton Bo Nix news is a harsh reality check for a team that seemed destined for a deep run. Nix had blossomed in his second year, showing the poise and leadership that made him a Rookie of the Year finalist in 2024. Losing him now tests the team's resilience like never before.

"We talk about mental toughness all the time," Payton added. "This is the ultimate test. We are going to enjoy this win for about an hour, and then we turn the page. We have a championship game to prepare for."

AFC Championship Schedule 2026

The Broncos now look ahead to the next challenge. The AFC Championship schedule 2026 is set for next Sunday, January 25. Denver will face the winner of the other Divisional matchup, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. While the opponent is yet to be finalized, the storyline will undoubtedly focus on how the Broncos can adapt without their franchise quarterback.

For NFL playoff injury news, this is arguably the most significant development of the postseason. The Broncos' odds have shifted, but the locker room remains defiant. They have rallied around adversity before, and they will need every ounce of that spirit to keep their season alive next week.