Broncos ready to battle for Jarrett Stidham vs. Patriots in AFC Championship after Bo Nix injury

One couldn't blame members of the Denver Broncos if they were a bit shaken regarding the upcoming AFC Championship Game matchup versus the New England Patriots. 

Denver starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken bone in his ankle late in the club's overtime win over the Buffalo Bills this past Saturday. 

Instead, Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey made it known on Monday that he and his teammates believe backup signal-caller Jarrett Stidham can guide the club to a Super Bowl appearance this winter. 

Broncos have "the utmost confidence" in Jarrett Stidham after Bo Nix's injury

"I’m also going to hammer home the confidence that [head coach Sean Payton] portrayed out there because being around Stidy for the last three years now, one, he’s one of my best friends and two, this guy just loves football," McGlinchey explained, per Mike Klis of 9News. "He’s been absorbing everything we’ve been doing. He’s been ready for his opportunity whenever that may come. He stays in his routine every single day for three years straight, not knowing when that opportunity is going to come around. I know our team and our staff, and everybody has the utmost confidence in Jarrett to play well and lead our team forward." 

Stidham has made four career regular-season starts since the Patriots made him a fourth-round draft pick in 2019. His last start occurred during the 2023 campaign, and that was the last time he attempted a regular-season pass. Nevertheless, Denver players are embracing a next-man-up mentality this week. 

"Obviously, Bo was a huge part in us getting to this point," Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen said on Monday. "We feel terrible for him, and all of our well-wishes go to him. We know he’ll come back stronger than ever when he gets healthy. But at the same point we have full faith in Stidy." 

Why Broncos players "have full faith" in Jarrett Stidham

As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Broncos as 5.5-point home underdogs against the Patriots. That line says plenty about how certain insiders view Stidham, but Denver players seem unbothered by such forecasts. 

"He’s the first guy in the building every day," Allen added about Stidham. "He prepares like a starter, so we’re really excited to see what he does. …He’s a really good quarterback in this league, so excited to see what he does this week." 

If Stidham fails to give the Broncos even average quarterback play this Sunday, Denver's season could come to a heartbreaking end.