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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 was thrust into the starting role almost immediately after 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 rest of the playoffs.
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Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 25, 2025. (Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)
The veteran quarterback, who at one point was considered the heir to the New England Patriots’ starting job when Tom Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, got a huge confidence boost from Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
“It started with our evaluation in New Orleans of him,” Payton said when asked why he thought Stidham was ready for the challenge. “He was a target for us in the draft. It doesn’t really mean anything other than we liked this player coming out. I know how he was coached in New England. I know exactly how he was coached in New England. So I know how [Patriots offensive coordinator Josh] McDaniels felt for him when he brought him from New England to Vegas. Then I know reports about how he played and then we saw him play in real time.
“But at the end of the day, to answer your question, it’s our three years here. Our three years, seeing him day in and day out that you guys don’t have access to. He’ll be ready to go and ready at 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 took over for Carson Wentz and led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl title and Jeff Hostetler filled in for Phil Simms to beat the Buffalo Bills in a Super Bowl victory.
“Historically, all bets were off [former Giants quarterback Jeff] Hostetler. They weren’t off in Philly [with former Eagles quarterback Nick Foles]. We lost [former Saints quarterback Drew] Brees midseason vs Rams, and [Buccaneers quarterback Teddy] Bridgewater won five in a row. All bets may be off. They didn’t go to Houston this year [Texans quarterback Davis] Mills came in,” Payton said.
“The plan always has to be built around the type and skill set of the players you’re playing with. So are there some things Bo does differently than ‘Stiddy’? Absolutely. That’s where the work starts tonight.”
If Stidham wins the game for Denver, he will be the second quarterback to make their first of the season in the playoffs 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.
