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Jarrett Stidham will make his first career playoff start next weekend as the Denver Broncos compete for the AFC Championship and a spot in Super Bowl LX.
Stidham took over the starting role almost immediately following the team’s win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night when it was revealed that Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle and will miss the remainder of the playoffs.
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Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 25, 2025. (Jay Biggerstaff/Image Images)
The veteran quarterback, who was once considered the heir to the New England Patriots’ starting job once Tom Brady departed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, received a big confidence boost from Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
“It started with our evaluation of him in New Orleans,” Payton said when asked why he thought Stidham was ready for the challenge. “He was a target for us in the draft. That doesn’t really mean anything other than we liked this player coming out. I know how he was trained in New England. I know exactly how he was trained in New England. So I know how [Patriots offensive coordinator Josh] McDaniels had feelings for him when he brought him from New England to Las Vegas. Then I got reports on how he played and then we saw him play in real time.
“But ultimately, to answer your question, it’s our three years here. In our three years, seeing him day in and day out that you guys don’t have access to. He’s going to be ready to play and ready for the moment.”
Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham warms up before an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
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Payton made it clear that Stidham will be ready for the game, comparing the situation to when Nick Foles replaced Carson Wentz and led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl title and Jeff Hostetler replaced Phil Simms to upset the Buffalo Bills in a Super Bowl victory.
“Historically speaking, not all bets were off. [former Giants quarterback Jeff] Hostetler. They weren’t in Philadelphia. [with former Eagles quarterback Nick Foles]. we lost [former Saints quarterback Drew] Brees midseason against the Rams, and [Buccaneers quarterback Teddy] Bridgewater won five in a row. All bets can be cancelled. They weren’t traveling to Houston this year when [Texans quarterback Davis] Mills came in,” Payton said.
“The plan always has to be based on the type and skill set of the players you’re playing with. So are there certain things that Bo does differently than ‘Stiddy’? Absolutely. That’s where the work begins tonight.”
If Stidham wins the game for Denver, he will be the second quarterback to make the playoffs for the first time in the season and win. Frank Reich did it for the Bills against the Houston Oilers in a dramatic comeback.
Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) practices before the game at Empower Field at Mile High on Nov. 6, 2025. (Isaiah J. Downing/Imagn Images)
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Stidham has 1,422 passing yards and eight touchdown passes in 20 regular-season games.
