Tuesday, January 20, 2026- The Denver Broncos’ AFC Championship hopes took a dramatic turn after quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle in their thrilling 33‑30 overtime playoff win over the Buffalo Bills, ruling him out for the rest of the season and forcing him to undergo surgery. Nix had been a key reason for Denver’s postseason success, and his sudden loss just days before the conference title game has reshaped the outlook for both the Broncos and their upcoming opponent, the New England Patriots.
With Nix sidelined, the Broncos will turn to veteran backup Jarrett Stidham to start the AFC Championship Game, a scenario that has shifted momentum toward New England. Denver loses several points of offensive effectiveness without their starting quarterback, effectively putting added pressure on the Patriots to capitalize on the advantage. Stidham, a seasoned but limited‑use quarterback this season, now faces the challenge of leading Denver deep into the playoffs with high stakes on the line.
For the Patriots, Nix’s absence is both an opportunity and a reminder of how unpredictable the postseason can be. New England now prepares to face a Stidham‑led Broncos team in a hostile Mile High environment, but with an upgraded chance to reach Super Bowl LX. The Patriots’ offense, which had its own struggles in recent playoff games, now carries extra responsibility to make the most of the Broncos’ quarterback upheaval—and to avoid another season‑ending stumble at the final hurdle.
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