Broncos confident Stidham to 'be ready to go' for AFC title game - ESPN

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Just over 12 hours after Sean Payton had been told starting quarterback Bo Nix would miss the remainder of the playoffs because of a fractured right ankle, the Denver Broncos' coach said Sunday morning he has complete confidence in backup Jarrett Stidham.

Stidham will start the AFC Championship Game next Sunday for the Broncos and Payton is quick to say the 29-year-old quarterback is ready for his first postseason moment.

«I know how he was coached in New England, I know exactly how he was coached in New England,'' Payton said. „And then I know how [current Patriots offensive coordinator Josh] McDaniels felt about him… but ultimately… it's our three years here, our three years watching him day in and day out. He will be ready to go.''

Stidham, who was signed by the Broncos as a free agent in 2023 — Payton's first season — has never played in a postseason game. He has appeared in one game this season for four snaps, including a kneel-down to end the game, in the Broncos' 44-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8.

Stidham appeared in three games in the 2024 season, Nix's rookie year, but did not attempt a pass. His last significant playing time came in 2023 when he started the final two games of the season after Payton had benched Russell Wilson.

Stidham threw two touchdowns to go with an interception combined in those two games, including a 16-9 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17 that season. Sam Ehlinger, who has spent most of the season on the Broncos' practice squad before he was signed to the roster last week, will be the team's backup.

On Sunday, Payton called the notion the starting quarterback and backup quarterback split practice reps in some way during the regular season