Why Eli Manning still has confidence in Bo Nix-less Broncos heading into AFC Championship

Manning specifically touched on the flow of the offense, a false start, taking a sack on third down and Nix's maneuverability as "the little things that can make the difference" as Stidham takes over under center.

The Broncos won 11 one-possession games during the regular season and have the fourth-best scoring defense in the league (18.9 PPG), so it is not like Stidham is stepping into a trap or set up for failure, as Denver has proven to be one of the best teams all season.

However, for someone who has only taken 18 snaps the past two seasons, this is certainly not an enviable spot to be in against New England's third-ranked defense (17.8 PPG) that has forced six turnovers in its two playoff wins.

The Broncos offensive line, though, has been one of the best units in the NFL, coming into Sunday's showdown tied for the fewest sacks allowed (23). Stidham's overall numbers are not eye-popping (117-of-197, 1,422 yards, eight TDs, eight interceptions), but he has also not played terribly, either.

Denver's 19th-ranked rushing attack (116 YPG) has not been the most consistent in the league this season, but going against a Patriots team that has allowed at least 100 rush yards in seven of its last eight games, it would be wise to focus its offensive approach on the ground game to help ease the load and pressure off of Stidham.

Not only does head coach Sean Payton believe in the 29-year-old's ability, but Nix expressed some encouragement of his own in Stidham in his first statement since the season-ending ankle injury.

With Nix under center, it was not going to be a surprise to see the Broncos in the Super Bowl. With Stidham, the odds of that happening would seem slim at first, but if he can do all the little things well and get a collective effort from those around him on both sides of the ball, it would not be the first time that a backup QB stepped in and led his team to Super Bowl glory.