Broncos Troll Bills With Viral Hailee Steinfeld Photo Ahead Of Playoff Showdown

It’s playoff time in the NFL, and the spotlight is shining just as brightly off the field as it is on it. This week, a decade-old photo of actress Hailee Steinfeld—now the wife of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen—has become the talk of both Broncos and Bills fans as the two teams prepare to clash in the AFC Divisional Round. The viral image, snapped at Super Bowl 50 back in 2016, shows Steinfeld decked out in Denver Broncos gear, celebrating the team’s 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. With the Bills and Broncos set to face off at Empower Field at Mile High, the timing of this resurfaced photo couldn’t be more perfect—or more awkward.

Social media lit up in January 2026 when the photo and accompanying video reemerged, just days before the crucial playoff matchup on January 18. In the now-famous post, Steinfeld is seen wearing a bright orange Broncos Starter jacket, enthusiastically captioning her moment with “HELL YEAH BRONCOS!!!!” and even playfully mimicking Cam Newton’s dab celebration. That Super Bowl, of course, marked Peyton Manning’s swan song, as the Broncos secured the Lombardi Trophy in what would be the legendary quarterback’s final NFL game.

The internet being what it is, the photo quickly made its way to the Broncos’ official social channels—and the team wasted no time joining in the fun. In a cheeky move, the Broncos displayed Steinfeld’s image on the stadium Jumbotron ahead of Saturday’s kickoff, drawing laughs and plenty of chatter from both sets of fans. It’s the kind of playful trolling that makes the NFL playoffs even more entertaining.

But what does Josh Allen think about his wife’s old allegiance? CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson caught up with the Bills’ star quarterback to get his reaction. According to Wolfson, “Asked Josh about this pic and he told me he had no idea it was floating around. Laughed and said she was probably paid to be there. And that he definitely wasn’t going to bring it up at home.” Allen’s good-natured response has only added fuel to the lighthearted banter between the two fanbases.

For those wondering about Steinfeld’s true football loyalties, it’s clear where her heart lies now. Since she and Allen began dating in May 2023, Steinfeld has become a regular fixture at Bills games, passionately supporting Allen and embracing the team’s AFC rivalries. The couple’s relationship has been in the public eye since their first appearance together, and their high-profile marriage in June 2025 only cemented Steinfeld’s place in Bills Mafia. Gone are the days of Broncos orange; these days, Steinfeld is all about Buffalo blue and red.

Last Sunday, January 11, was a whirlwind for the couple. Allen was leading the Bills to a dramatic 27-24 road playoff victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars—the first road playoff win of his career—while Steinfeld was presenting at the Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles. The actress wasn’t just there to hand out trophies; her film “Sinners” was a major contender, earning seven nominations and taking home the award for best original score. Steinfeld stole the show in a Prada dress, proudly displaying her baby bump after she and Allen announced their first pregnancy in December 2025 with a heartfelt Instagram video.

Allen’s performance on the field that day was nothing short of electric. The reigning MVP completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown, and added 33 rushing yards with two touchdowns on the ground. With the Bills trailing by four and just four minutes left in the fourth quarter, Allen orchestrated a nine-play, 66-yard drive that ended with a go-ahead touchdown. It was a signature moment for the four-time Pro Bowler, who’s still chasing his first Super Bowl appearance after six straight divisional-round games with Buffalo. “He’s been sensational,” said one analyst after the game, echoing the sentiments of Bills fans everywhere.

Now, Allen and the No. 6-seeded Bills are preparing for a showdown with the top-seeded Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the subplot of Steinfeld’s Broncos past only adds to the drama. The Bills haven’t reached the Super Bowl during Allen’s tenure, despite their consistent playoff presence. With the team’s window wide open and Allen at the peak of his powers, the pressure is on to finally break through. As Fox Sports’ Jason McIntyre put it, “Is this Super Bowl or bust for the Bills?”

Meanwhile, the Broncos have embraced the viral moment, using it to stoke excitement among their fans and maybe even get inside the heads of the opposition. The playful trolling on the Jumbotron is just the latest example of how social media and pop culture intersect with sports in today’s NFL. But if anyone’s worried about divided loyalties, those fears seem unfounded. Steinfeld’s support for Allen and the Bills has been unwavering, even if her Super Bowl 50 celebration is now immortalized in internet lore.

For Allen, the focus remains squarely on football. He’s shrugged off the social media buzz, keeping things light at home and in the locker room. “She was probably paid to be there,” he joked, making it clear he’s not letting the viral photo become a distraction. The couple’s journey—from dating to marriage, to expecting their first child—has been a feel-good story for both the sports and entertainment worlds. Their ability to balance high-profile careers and public scrutiny, all while supporting each other’s successes, has made them one of the NFL’s favorite power couples.

As kickoff approaches at Empower Field, all eyes will be on the field—and maybe a few on the Jumbotron, just in case the Broncos have another trick up their sleeve. The Bills are hoping Allen can deliver another clutch performance, while Steinfeld will undoubtedly be cheering him on, regardless of what jacket she wore a decade ago. One thing’s for sure: this playoff matchup has all the ingredients for a classic, both on and off the field.

With the action set to unfold and the viral photo still making the rounds, the only thing left is to see who comes out on top this Saturday. For now, the playful banter and off-field storylines are just one more reason fans can’t get enough of the NFL playoffs.