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Jarrett Stidham will make his first career playoff start next weekend when the Denver Broncos compete for the AFC championship and a spot in Super Bowl LX.
Stidham was thrust into 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 would 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/Imagn Images)
The veteran quarterback, who at one point was considered the heir to the New England Patriots’ starting job after Tom Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, received a huge 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 up for the challenge. “He was a target for us in the draft. It doesn’t really mean anything other than we liked the way this player came out. I know how he was coached in New England. I know exactly how he was coached in New England. Then I know how [Patriots offensive coordinator Josh] McDaniels felt affection 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. In our three years, watching him day in and day out, which you don’t have access to. He’ll be ready to go and ready for now.”
Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham warms up before an NFL Divisional Playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Denver. (Jack Dempsey/AP Photo)
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Payton made it clear that Stidham would be willing to play, 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 stun the Buffalo Bills in a Super Bowl victory.
“Historically speaking, not all bets were in vain [former Giants quarterback Jeff] Hostetler. They weren’t in Philadelphia [with former Eagles quarterback Nick Foles]. We lost [former Saints quarterback Drew] Brees mid-season against the Rams, and [Buccaneers quarterback Teddy] Bridgewater has won five in a row. All bets can be voided. They hadn’t left for Houston this year when [Texans quarterback Davis] Mills came in,” Payton said.
“The plan should always be built around the type and skill set of 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 his first of the season in the playoffs and win. Frank Reich did it for the Bills against the Houston Oilers in a spectacular comeback.
Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) practices before the game at Empower Field at Mile High on November 6, 2025. (Isaiah J. Downing/Imagn Images)
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Stidham has 1,422 passing yards and eight touchdowns in 20 regular season games.
