Five things to know about Jarrett Stidham, Broncos' new starting quarterback

Arguably the wildest game of the 2025 NFL postseason saved its biggest twist until after the final whistle.

Following a 33-30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton informed reporters that quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury.

That leaves Jarrett Stidham as the starter for next week's AFC championship game against either the Houston Texans or New England Patriots, the team's biggest home game since the 2015 AFC title game. Before Stidham looks to become the next Nick Foles — the former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback who took over for an injured Carson Wentz and led the Eagles to a Super Bowl LII victory — here are five things to know about the Broncos starting quarterback.

Outdueled Jalen Hurts in the 2017 Iron Bowl

As a sophomore, Stidham led the Auburn Tigers to a stunning 26-14 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide, who entered the game No. 1 in the Associated Press poll at 11-0 and were led by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, last year's Super Bowl-winning quarterback. 

Stidham finished 21-of-28 for 237 yards and a rushing touchdown, while Hurts was 12-of-22 for 112 yards and a passing touchdown.

The result propelled Auburn to the SEC title game, which it lost to Georgia, opening the door for Alabama to back into the four-team playoff. The Tide would go on to claim their fifth national title in nine years, but not before benching Hurts for Tua Tagovailoa at halftime of the national championship game.

Began his career in New England

Stidham was selected in the fourth round (No. 133 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. He served as Tom Brady's backup during his final season with the Patriots, then Cam Newton's in 2020. Over his first two seasons, Stidham completed 50 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and four interceptions.

Didn't play in 2021 season due to back surgery

An offseason injury forced Stidham to undergo back surgery on July 28, 2021. He began the season on the physically unable to perform list and was later activated but didn't throw a pass all year as he backed up then-rookie Mac Jones.

Made first career start with the Las Vegas Raiders on Jan. 1, 2023

A little over three years ago, in his fourth season, Stidham made his first start after being traded to the Raiders the previous offseason for a 2023 sixth-round pick. He replaced Derek Carr, who was inactive the final two weeks of the season, and led Las Vegas to a more-competitive-than-expected 37-34 overtime loss to the 12-4 San Francisco 49ers. He won his first game as a starter nearly a year later on Dec. 31, 2023 after signing with the Broncos in free agency.

Has played 18 snaps the past two seasons

As Nix's backup, Stidham hasn't thrown a regular-season pass over the past two years. He's only appeared in blowouts, giving him few chances to operate with the first-team offense. When considering his four career starts have come when his teams were out of contention, it's anyone's guess how he'll fare in the high stakes of an AFC championship game.

At least in Foles' case, he had three games at the end of the 2017 regular season, plus 36 career starts from 2012-16, to fall back on. Stidham doesn't have that same luxury. He's getting thrown into deep end. It will be up to the team around him whether he sinks or swims.