The Denver Broncos are preparing for a playoff showdown that feels distinctly different from last year. On Saturday, they will host the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round at Empower Field at Mile High. This marks a significant shift from their previous meeting, where the Bills dominated them 31-7 in Orchard Park, New York.
A Changed Team with a New Mindset
Last season, the Broncos entered the playoffs as the AFC's seventh seed, ending a long drought. Edge rusher Nik Bonitto recalls the excitement, saying, "We were just kind of excited to get in. We wanted to make some noise when we got in, but we didn’t do that." That loss sparked a determination within the team, particularly from coach Sean Payton, who resolved to earn home playoff games in the future.
This year, the Broncos have transformed. They tied a franchise record with 14 wins, secured 11 comebacks, and earned the AFC's top seed with a bye. Edge rusher Jonathon Cooper emphasizes, "We’re just not the same team that we were a year ago." The additions of safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the San Francisco 49ers have strengthened their run defense, a critical area after allowing 210 rushing yards to the Bills last year.
Key Additions and Breakout Performances
Denver's roster improvements extend beyond free agency. Rookie running back R.J. Harvey led all rookies with 12 touchdowns, while Devon Key earned All-Pro honors on special teams. Players like Pat Surtain II, Josh Allen, Quinn Meinerz, and Garett Bolles also received All-Pro recognition, showcasing the team's depth.
The Broncos set a franchise record with 68 sacks this season, putting pressure on opponents like Josh Allen, who was sacked 40 times. This defensive prowess adds to their confidence heading into the rematch.
Bills Face Challenges but Remain Dangerous
The Buffalo Bills, with a 13-5 record, are dealing with injuries but come off a historic road playoff win at Jacksonville. They hope that a playoff field missing stars like Patrick Mahomes might offer them a path to success. However, they face a motivated Broncos squad eager for revenge.
Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey notes the mindset shift, saying, "We don't feel as though we were in the position that we were in last year, right? We kind of got into the playoffs, we were excited to be there. And that’s kind of a different mindset than we’re in right now."
Home-Field Advantage and Fan Support
This game marks Denver's first home playoff game since January 2015, when they beat New England in the AFC championship. Quarterback Bo Nix expects an electric atmosphere, stating, "I expect it to be extremely loud. I expect it to be a great environment. Similar to what it’s been recently of the past several home games, but something tells me it’ll be kicked up a notch."
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton expresses excitement for his first home playoff game, praising the fans: "The way that the fans have been showing up, Broncos Country has been bumping." Nix adds that having the crowd noise challenge the Bills this time is an advantage, as communication will be easier for Denver.
Motivation from Last Year's Loss
Revenge is a subtle motivator for the Broncos. Cooper acknowledges, "Of course, I feel like revenge is definitely something people use to their advantage. I don’t know necessarily if that’s our mindset. I really feel like we’re just going to do what we do well." Hufanga, though new to the team, uses the loss as inspiration, saying, "It’s always fun when you play a team that you lost to before because it definitely holds a chip on your shoulder."
Despite early betting lines favoring the Bills, the Broncos embrace their underdog status. Surtain comments, "It could motivate us. But we’ve been underdogs before. We understand what it’s like, but none of that matters. We’ve got to go out there and play our brand of football."
As Saturday approaches, the Broncos aim for an extended playoff run, starting with a reversal of fortunes against the Bills. The stage is set for a thrilling rematch filled with intensity and high stakes.
