The Denver Broncos scored a dramatic 33-30 win over the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round, but will be advancing without the services of their starting quarterback.
After the game, head coach Sean Payton delivered the horrible news that Bo Nix suffered an ankle injury in overtime and would miss the remainder of the playoffs.
That means Jarrett Stidham will be under center for the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game next weekend, and that news has sent Denver's NFL odds and Super Bowl odds spiraling.
AFC Championship odds
Odds as of 1-18.
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AFC Championship game hypothetical spreads
Patriots at Broncos
 New England Patriots |
 |
 Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| -4.5 (-105) | Spread | +4.5 (-115) |
| -225 | Moneyline | +188 |
| Over 40.5 (-110) | Total | Under 40.5 (-110) |
Having started just four games in six seasons, Jarrett Stidham is a career backup. He hasn't thrown a pass since 2023 and has a career 8:8 TD/INT ratio. Despite getting to play the AFC title game at home, Denver's chances of winning go way down without Nix.
This Broncos defense could still present problems for Drake Maye and the New England Patriots, but you might have to keep them below 14 points to have a chance, considering what you can realistically expect this new-look Broncos offense to produce. That may be too much to ask.
Texans at Broncos
 Houston Texans |
|
Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| -3.5 (-110) | Spread | +3.5 (-110) |
| -178 | Moneyline | +150 |
| Over 34.5 (-120) | Total | Under 34.5 (-102) |
A matchup with the Houston Texans seems much more winnable in theory. These are two of the best defenses left in the playoffs, but C.J. Stroud could very easily hand Denver free points with his recent turnover struggles.
He fumbled five times and lost two of those against the Steelers in the Wild Card Round. A scoop-and-score is just what the Broncos will be looking for in a game where points will otherwise be hard to come by.
However, if Stroud keeps it clean, it will be tough sledding against Houston's stout defensive front.
