The Denver Broncos’ Playoff Victory and the Cost of Bo Nix’s Injury

The Denver Broncos made history by securing their first playoff win since Super Bowl 50, defeating the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in the divisional round of the 2025 NFL playoffs. However, this victory came with a heavy price as quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury during the game.

Nix’s injury occurred on what was initially reported as the second-to-last play of overtime. According to Broncos coach Sean Payton, Nix fractured a bone in his right ankle. “He’s scheduled to have surgery Tuesday of this week to put him out for the rest of the season,” Payton said during his postgame news conference. Later clarification revealed that the injury happened just before Nix’s pass to Marvin Mims Jr. A video of the play, which showed Nix taking a low hit from Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop, was shared on social media by NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.

Despite the injury, Nix managed to finish the overtime period, completing 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. He also led the team with 12 carries and 29 rushing yards. Now, Nix is set to undergo season-ending ankle surgery in Alabama on Tuesday, as confirmed by Payton.

Who Will Step In?

With Nix out for the remainder of the season, the Broncos will turn to their backup quarterback, Jarrett Stidham. Payton expressed confidence in Stidham, who will make his first start of the season in the AFC championship game. “Stiddy’s ready to go,” Payton said, referring to the backup quarterback by his nickname.

Stidham, 29, is a seven-year veteran who was selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He joined the Broncos in 2023 and started two games that season, posting a 1-1 record with a 60.6% completion rate for 496 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Since then, he has not attempted a regular-season or postseason pass.

The Broncos’ QB Depth Chart

The Broncos currently have only two healthy quarterbacks remaining in their organization: Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger. Ehlinger, a 27-year-old Texas native, joined the Broncos in his first season after spending four years with the Indianapolis Colts. He has not played a single snap for the Broncos this season but served as the emergency third quarterback for Sunday’s game.

Like Stidham, Ehlinger hasn’t played a regular-season or postseason NFL snap since the 2023 season. His last pass attempt came in 2022 when he started three games for the Colts, finishing with a 0-3 record, a 63.4% completion rate, 573 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.

The Broncos’ Backup QB Situation

Before the 2025 season, the Broncos were not known for having a strong backup quarterback situation. According to USA TODAY’s Nate Davis, the team ranked No. 25 out of 32 teams in terms of their passers-in-waiting. “Even though he’s had limited regular-season run in six NFL seasons, coaches tend to rave about Jarrett Stidham. Third-stringer Sam Ehlinger is similarly unproven,” Davis wrote.

Broncos’ Options Without Bo Nix

With Nix out, the Broncos are likely to rely on Stidham as their starting quarterback while Ehlinger takes on the backup role. However, the team could consider adding a third-string quarterback to their roster for additional depth. Potential candidates include:

• Shane Buechele
• Taylor Heinicke
• Adrian Martinez
• Clayton Tune
• Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Players Were Unaware of Nix’s Injury

Fans weren’t the only ones surprised by Nix’s injury. Bleacher Report’s James Palmer reported that “players didn’t know” about Nix’s injury until Payton announced it at the podium during his news conference.

Bo Nix’s Reaction

Payton mentioned that Nix remained upbeat and positive about his injury, largely due to his Christian faith. “He’s a tough cookie,” Payton said. Despite the setback, Nix has proven himself as a resilient player, and his journey serves as a testament to his determination.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.