Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix carries a heavy burden into Saturday's AFC Divisional Round game. He faces the Buffalo Bills once more, a team that handed him a crushing defeat in his playoff debut last season. That loss ended with a lopsided score of 31-7, leaving Nix with unfinished business.
A Changed Setting with Familiar Foes
This time, the venue shifts to Denver's Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos earned the AFC's top seed, while the Bills enter as the sixth seed after a narrow 27-24 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite the different location, Nix anticipates a fierce battle. He notes the Bills' consistency in roster and coaching.
"They're a similar team," Nix stated. "Same players, same coach, same quarterback. I know they've dealt with some injuries, but I imagine some of their guys will be back. And it's going to be a tough, physical football game."
Respecting the Opponent's Pedigree
Nix acknowledges the Bills' playoff experience. Buffalo has won seven postseason games in the last five years and reached the Divisional Round for six consecutive seasons. In contrast, the Broncos haven't won a playoff game since Super Bowl 50 in February 2016. That victory stands as their only postseason win in the past decade.
The Bills advanced to this round by rallying past Jacksonville. Quarterback Josh Allen played a pivotal role, completing 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and scoring two rushing touchdowns. His game-winning touchdown came with just 64 seconds remaining. Buffalo's defense sealed the win with late interceptions by Shaq Thompson and Cole Bishop.
Nix Praises Allen's Elite Talent
Bo Nix holds immense respect for Josh Allen, calling him an incredible player and the league's MVP for good reason. He admires Allen's ability to make spectacular plays under pressure.
"He just goes out there and does superhero stuff," Nix remarked. "And I think one of the things that separates him is just his toughness, his ability to go play after play at his max velocity, his max peak performance."
Nix described Allen as a generational talent, highlighting his unique combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength. He emphasized that such players are rare in the NFL.
Fourth-Quarter Prowess Could Be Decisive
Both quarterbacks excel in late-game situations. Josh Allen led the NFL with 1,216 fourth-quarter passing yards in 2025, while Bo Nix ranked third with 1,130 yards. Each threw eight touchdown passes in the final quarter. Allen also topped all quarterbacks in fourth-quarter rushing yards with 231, adding eight touchdowns on 44 carries. Nix recorded 118 yards and two scores on 32 carries.
This late-game impact has transformed the Broncos' fortunes. In 2024, Denver struggled in close games, posting a 1-6 record in one-score contests. This season, they improved dramatically, winning nine of eleven games decided by seven points or fewer. Nix stabilized the offense, throwing for 3,931 yards with 25 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions during the regular season.
Home Advantage and Playoff Atmosphere
The Broncos benefit from hosting this rematch. Last year's loss occurred at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Saturday's game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. CST in Denver, with CBS televising the matchup nationally. It will also stream on Paramount Plus.
Nix expects the home crowd to provide a significant boost. He predicts an extremely loud and energetic environment at Empower Field.
"I expect it to be a great environment, similar to what it's been recently, the past several home games," Nix said. "But something tells me it'll be kicked up a notch just because it's got playoffs on it. And it's a good team coming in, so a good team with a good fan base, so I expect it to be a great environment Saturday. Normal kickoff time. It's going to be a fun time."
Game Details and Broadcast Information
The AFC Divisional Round clash between the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. CST at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. CBS will broadcast the game, and viewers can also stream it on Paramount Plus.
Bo Nix and the Broncos aim to end their playoff drought and advance further in the postseason. This rematch against the Bills offers a prime opportunity for redemption and a chance to rewrite recent history.
