Bo Nix Injury Rocks Broncos Ahead Of AFC Championship

The Denver Broncos are riding high after a dramatic 33-30 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills, but the celebration has been tempered by a gut-wrenching setback. Quarterback Bo Nix, the driving force behind Denver’s first playoff win since Super Bowl 50, fractured a bone in his right ankle during the final moments of Saturday’s AFC divisional round. The injury, confirmed by head coach Sean Payton in a series of postgame statements, ends Nix’s remarkable sophomore campaign and sidelines him for the remainder of the 2026 postseason—including the highly anticipated AFC Championship Game.

Nix’s injury unfolded in the thick of the action, as the Broncos mounted a six-play, 75-yard drive in overtime to set up the winning field goal. The pivotal moment came on the third-to-last play, when Nix ran a sweep to his left and was tackled by Buffalo’s Cole Bishop for a 2-yard loss. Observers noted a slight limp as Nix returned to the huddle, but the young quarterback didn’t miss a snap. On the very next play, he launched a deep ball toward Marvin Mims Jr., drawing a crucial 39-yard pass interference penalty that put Denver on the doorstep of victory. Nix then took a snap, shifted to his right to center the ball, and kneeled—his right foot buckling awkwardly beneath him. Despite the pain, he stayed composed, setting up Wil Lutz’s game-winning 24-yard field goal.

"He’s a tough cookie," Payton said of his quarterback after the game. "And, listen, he’s the second quarterback in Year 2 to take his team to a championship game. The first was (Kansas City’s Patrick) Mahomes." Payton’s admiration for Nix’s resilience was palpable, especially considering this isn’t the first time Nix has battled through significant injuries. Last season, he played through transverse process fractures in his back and underwent an ankle clean-up procedure following a wild-card loss to Buffalo. Nix also broke his ankle during his college days at Auburn in November 2021.

Nix’s performance in the win over Buffalo was nothing short of heroic. He completed 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards, tossing three touchdowns against a single interception. On the ground, he added 29 rushing yards on 12 carries, orchestrating clutch drives and demonstrating the poise that has become his trademark. Denver’s offense, powered by Nix’s steady hand, has thrived in tight contests all season—posting a remarkable 12-2 record in one-score games, a testament to his ability to deliver under pressure.

But as the final whistle blew and the Broncos punched their ticket to the AFC Championship Game, the mood shifted. Reporters waited for Nix to address the media, but instead, it was Payton who returned to the podium, clad in a brown jacket over a green sweatshirt, to deliver the difficult news. "Look, they will be disappointed," Payton said of his team. "There will be a lot of emotions and then the refocus takes place. We celebrate the season for him and, listen, 'Stiddy' is ready. And we’ll be ready for the next challenge."

Nix is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama. The procedure will be performed by Dr. Norman Waldrop, a renowned foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon. Payton explained the decision to make the announcement promptly: "We felt it was best to tell everyone now," he said, acknowledging the magnitude of Nix’s impact and the impossibility of keeping such news under wraps.

With Nix sidelined, the Broncos will turn to backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham for their AFC Championship showdown. Stidham, who has not attempted a pass in the last two seasons, will be making just his fifth career start. Despite his limited recent action, Stidham brings a measure of experience, having attempted 197 career passes with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions across 20 NFL games. At age 29, he’s no stranger to the league’s demands, and Payton expressed unwavering confidence in his new starter.

"I feel like I’ve got a No. 2 that is capable of starting for several teams and I know he feels the same way," Payton remarked. "Watch out. Just watch." The coach’s faith in Stidham has been a recurring theme throughout the season, and now, with a Super Bowl berth on the line, Denver will need him to rise to the occasion. Sam Ehlinger, the only other quarterback on the active roster, will serve as Stidham’s backup in the pivotal matchup.

The Broncos’ opponent in the AFC Championship Game will be determined by the outcome of the New England Patriots vs. Houston Texans contest, scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET. Regardless of who advances, Denver faces a daunting challenge without its star quarterback. Still, the team’s resilience has been a hallmark of their season, and the locker room remains determined to rally around Stidham and pursue their Super Bowl dreams.

The loss of Nix is a devastating blow for a franchise that has rallied around its young leader. Over his two seasons as the Broncos’ starter, Nix has earned the respect and admiration of teammates, coaches, and fans alike. His calm demeanor in high-pressure situations, combined with his faith and toughness, have set the tone for Denver’s resurgence. As Payton noted, Nix “knows God’s got a plan for him. He said he had one in high school and then he had one at Auburn. And I said, ‘I didn’t realize that. If I’d have known that, I wouldn’t have drafted you.’” The coach’s attempt at levity underscored the deep bond between quarterback and team.

Denver’s path to the AFC Championship has been anything but easy. The overtime thriller against Buffalo showcased the team’s resolve, with Nix engineering a game-winning drive despite his injury. The Broncos’ defense also stepped up, holding the Bills in check during critical moments and setting the stage for the offense’s heroics. Kicker Wil Lutz’s clutch field goal sealed the victory, sending the home crowd at Empower Field at Mile High into a frenzy.

As the Broncos prepare for their next test, the spotlight shifts to Stidham, who now carries the hopes of a city hungry for another Super Bowl appearance. The coaching staff, led by Payton, is working to ensure the team remains focused and confident amid the adversity. "Refocus takes place. We celebrate the season for him and, listen, 'Stiddy' is ready. And we’ll be ready for the next challenge," Payton reiterated.

The coming week promises intense preparation and no shortage of intrigue as Denver adapts to life without its star quarterback. For Nix, the road to recovery begins with Tuesday’s surgery, and the organization will undoubtedly support him every step of the way. For the Broncos, the quest for a Super Bowl berth continues—now with a new face under center and a city rallying behind its team in the face of adversity.