Broncos Rally Behind Stidham And Defense For AFC Showdown

The Denver Broncos are gearing up for one of the most anticipated matchups of the year as they prepare to face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 26, 2026. With a season full of twists, injuries, and personal triumphs, the Broncos’ journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. As the team releases its latest depth chart and reflects on recent performances, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be a hard-fought contest in the Mile High City.

One of the most significant developments ahead of the championship showdown is the loss of rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who was placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, officially ending his season. Nix’s absence has thrust Jarrett Stidham into the starting role, with Sam Ehlinger backing him up. This change at the helm comes at a critical time, and the Broncos are looking to rally around Stidham as they chase their Super Bowl dreams. To fill the roster spot left by Nix, Denver activated center Luke Wattenberg, who had recently returned from his own stint on injured reserve with a shoulder issue.

The Broncos have also made moves to bolster their receiving corps, elevating Elijah Moore and Michael Bandy from the practice squad to the game-day roster. However, their stay on the active roster will be brief, as both are expected to revert back to the practice squad after the game on Monday, January 27. The wide receiver unit is getting a boost with Pat Bryant cleared to play following a concussion, while Troy Franklin remains questionable due to a hamstring injury. The team’s depth at receiver could prove crucial against a Patriots secondary that has shown vulnerability in the postseason.

On the offensive line, Ben Powers has reclaimed his starting job at left guard, playing every snap in both Week 18 and the divisional round. His durability and consistency have been a stabilizing factor for an offense that has dealt with its fair share of adversity. Marvin Mims, meanwhile, continues to dazzle on special teams, racking up a career-high 1,510 all-purpose yards during the regular season—a testament to his big-play ability and versatility as both a kick and punt returner.

Defensively, the Broncos have finally found their turnover mojo after a regular season that saw them lead the league in sacks (68) but struggle to generate takeaways, recording just 14. That narrative flipped in their thrilling overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills, where Denver forced five turnovers, including four from quarterback Josh Allen. The game’s pivotal moment came when Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted Allen on a deep throw to Brandin Cooks, setting up the game-winning field goal.

“Everyone’s been saying it for the whole season, that it would eventually flip,” linebacker Alex Singleton remarked, capturing the team’s belief that their luck would change with enough persistence. Nik Bonitto, who finished fifth in the league with 14 sacks, played a huge role in the win, forcing two fumbles from Allen. “I just feel like the emphasis that we put on these last couple of weeks, on creating turnovers and just knowing that we have the guys to go do it, I feel like it’s been real good,” Bonitto said. “We’ve been seeing the turnovers and more attempts at the ball and stuff like that. It’s been real crucial.”

The Broncos’ defense, anchored by All-Pro lineman Zach Allen, Bonitto, and star cornerback Pat Surtain II, has been a force all year. They rank second in both total yards and rushing yards allowed, and seventh in passing yards allowed. Surtain, recently elected to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl after overcoming a pectoral injury earlier in the season, underscored the importance of turnovers in playoff football. “I think turnovers are the key element to wins and losses, especially this time of the year. So, to be able to accumulate that many turnovers, it definitely helps us to win games,” Surtain explained.

As the Broncos prepare to face Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, they know they’ll need to keep the pressure on. Maye has thrown two interceptions and lost three fumbles in the playoffs but has still managed to guide New England to victories over the Texans and Chargers. “We’ve got to find a way to eliminate the explosives on their side and find a way to contain them,” Surtain said. “Looking forward to the matchup.”

Behind the scenes, linebacker Alex Singleton has been an emotional leader for the Broncos, both on and off the field. Singleton’s journey this season has been marked by personal resilience—he was diagnosed with testicular cancer following a random NFL drug test in late 2025. Singleton underwent surgery on November 7, 2025, and has credited his wife, Sam Singleton (née Amberik), for her unwavering support throughout his diagnosis and recovery. The couple, who got engaged in July 2024 and married in June 2025, welcomed their daughter, Tallyn Maye Singleton, in February 2025. Singleton has been open about his experience, using his platform to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and regular screenings.

“The strength and love you have shown me [through] the hardest times is what makes me the luckiest guy in the world. I love you, baby,” Singleton shared publicly, highlighting the crucial role his family has played during a challenging year. Sam, who keeps a low profile but is known for her fashion-forward style, has often been seen cheering for Alex from the stands with their daughter. Singleton’s story has resonated with fans and teammates alike, serving as a reminder of the human side of professional sports.

On the coaching front, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has received widespread recognition for his work this season. Joseph was recently named a finalist for the AP’s Coordinator of the Year award and won the Professional Football Writers of America’s Assistant Coach of the Year honor. His ability to maximize the talent on Denver’s roster, especially in the face of adversity, has made him a sought-after candidate for head-coaching vacancies across the league. “When you win games in this league, more coaches get rewards, players obviously get rewards,” Joseph said. “It speaks to our team winning.”

As the Broncos head into Sunday’s AFC Championship Game, their depth chart is as follows: Jarrett Stidham leads the quarterbacks, with R.J. Harvey, Tyler Badie, and Jaleel McLaughlin in the backfield. Evan Engram headlines the tight ends, while Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Elijah Moore, Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, and Michael Bandy round out the receiving corps. The offensive line features Garett Bolles, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Meinerz, and Mike McGlinchey. Defensively, Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, John Franklin-Myers, Jonathon Cooper, Nik Bonitto, Alex Singleton, Dre Greenlaw, Pat Surtain, Riley Moss, and P.J. Locke anchor a unit that’s peaking at the right time.

With a blend of resilience, star power, and a renewed knack for takeaways, the Denver Broncos are set for a dramatic clash with the Patriots. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and as Sunday approaches, the city of Denver is ready to rally behind its team, hoping that this rollercoaster season ends with a trip to the Super Bowl. For now, all eyes are on the AFC Championship Game, where every snap, turnover, and big play could make the difference between glory and heartbreak.