Broncos Survive Buffalo in Overtime, Then Lose Nix for Postseason

DENVER — The Broncos advanced with a 33–30 overtime victory over Buffalo on January 17, then learned their next playoff game would come without starting quarterback Bo Nix.

Wil Lutz made a 23-yard field goal to end the divisional-round game. Denver had forced five turnovers, including Ja'Quan McMillian's overtime interception, before completing the possession that sent the Broncos into the AFC championship game.

Denver’s winning possession covered 75 net yards in six plays, with penalties accounting for a substantial part of that movement. That distinction helps explain a finish in which field position, defensive mistakes and one final kick all carried immediate consequences. Buffalo could not get the stop that would have returned the ball to its offense.

The victory contained several changes in control. Buffalo led 27–23 before Nix threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Mims Jr. with 55 seconds left in regulation. Matt Prater answered with a 50-yard field goal with five seconds remaining, forcing the additional period rather than allowing Denver's late touchdown to settle it.

The Broncos' celebration acquired a major qualification after the game. Coach Sean Payton announced that Nix had suffered a fracture in his right ankle and would require season-ending surgery. Jarrett Stidham would take over for the remainder of Denver's postseason.

That left two distinct stories in the same result. Denver's defense had created enough extra possessions to help eliminate a dangerous Buffalo team. Its quarterback situation had changed at the moment the club reached the next round. The Broncos earned the right to continue, but their preparation now had to begin again around a different starter. For the Bills, the five turnovers and the final overtime possession closed a game they had still been in position to win.