The road to Super Bowl LX has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn in Denver. In a stunning development just 48 hours before the AFC Championship Game, the Denver Broncos have officially named Jarrett Stidham the starter for Sunday's showdown against the New England Patriots. The announcement comes after standout quarterback Bo Nix was ruled out with a broken ankle, an injury sustained during the team's thrilling overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills last weekend.

Bo Nix Ruled Out: The Injury That Shook the Playoffs

The Broncos' fairytale run under second-year quarterback Bo Nix has hit a heartbreaking roadblock. Nix, who led Denver to the No. 1 seed and their first AFC Championship appearance since the Peyton Manning era, suffered a fractured ankle late in the Divisional Round win against Buffalo. While the team initially held out hope, the Bo Nix injury update provided by head coach Sean Payton on Friday confirmed the worst: the young signal-caller's season is over.

Nix had been enjoying an MVP-caliber campaign, throwing for over 4,000 yards and cementing himself as the franchise's long-awaited answer at quarterback. His absence leaves a massive void for an offense that has relied heavily on his mobility and precision. "It's a tough blow for Bo and for this team," Payton said during his Friday press conference. "But we built this roster to withstand adversity. Jarrett has prepared for this moment every single day."

Stidham vs. His Former Team: A Storybook Twist

In a storyline fit for a movie script, Jarrett Stidham's AFC Championship start comes against the very team that drafted him. Selected by New England in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Stidham spent three seasons with the Patriots before finding his way to Denver. Now, the 29-year-old veteran is tasked with leading the Broncos to Super Bowl LX against his former mentor, Bill Belichick's successor, and the franchise that gave him his start.

Stidham, who signed a two-year, $12 million contract extension with Denver in March 2025, has seen limited action this season, attempting zero passes and appearing only in mop-up duty. However, the Broncos' brass has long praised his professionalism and command of the offense. This Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High, he won't just be managing a game; he'll be asked to win one against the NFL's top-ranked defense.

The Drake Maye Factor: New England's Resurgence

While Denver scrambles to adjust, the Patriots arrive in Colorado riding the momentum of their own young superstar. Drake Maye's playoff stats have been nothing short of spectacular. In his second season, Maye has resurrected the Patriots dynasty, leading them to 14 regular-season wins and an AFC East title. The former No. 3 overall pick finished the 2025 regular season with 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 113.5, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors.

"We know the challenge ahead," Stidham said of facing Maye and the Patriots. "Drake has been phenomenal. Their defense is elite. But we have a great group of guys here, and we're playing at Mile High. We'll be ready." Maye's ability to extend plays and his connection with the Patriots' revamped receiving corps poses a severe threat to a Broncos defense that must now carry a heavier load.

AFC Championship Betting Odds & Prediction

The quarterback switch has caused a seismic shift in the NFL Championship Sunday betting odds. Denver, initially opening as a 4.5-point favorite, has seen the line swing dramatically. As of Friday evening, many sportsbooks now have the game as a