The Sean Payton era in Denver didn’t get off to a very hot start. After acquiring Payton for a haul of draft picks and signing Russell Wilson to a $242.5 million contract, the Broncos finished with a record of just 8-9 in 2023 while looking like one of the worst teams in football at times.
Thankfully for Broncos fans, the team has done a complete 180 this season. After drafting Bo Nix with the 12th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Denver has clinched its first playoff berth since winning Super Bowl 50 in 2016.
Nix and company will travel to Buffalo to take on Josh Allen and the Bills in the opening round of the playoffs. It’s tough to ask a rookie to go win in Buffalo in the playoffs, but Nix has proven that he can hang with the best of ’em.
Alongside a stout defensive unit, Nix has been Denver’s trusted leader throughout the season. In the unfortunate situation that he’s unable to play at any point during the playoffs, let’s take a look at who might replace him.
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Who is the Broncos’ backup quarterback?
NFL veteran Jarrett Stidham has served as the Bronco’s backup quarterback throughout the season.
Stidham has spent five years in the NFL, joining the Broncos ahead of the 2023 season. Stidham has since made two starts (both in 2023) with the team. Prior to signing with Denver, Stidham spent time in New England and Las Vegas, where he appeared in 13 games across three seasons.
Although Stidham has slotted in as the Broncos’ QB2 for the duration of the regular season, he did not attempt a single pass in any of Denver’s 17 games. He did log a handful of rush attempts (primarily kneel-downs), picking up five yards on four carries.
Stidham has performed when given the opportunity throughout his career, throwing for 250-plus yards in two of his four NFL starts. Even with this limited success, Broncos fans would certainly prefer to see Nix under center for the duration of their playoff run.
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Broncos QB depth chart
| Commanders QB Depth Chart | |
|---|---|
| QB | Name |
| 1 | Bo Nix |
| 2 | Jarrett Stidham |
| 3 | Zach Wilson |
Alongside Nix and Stidham, there is a familiar face in the Broncos’ quarterback room. Former No. 2 overall pick and New York Jet, Zach Wilson, is currently the QB3 in Denver.
Much like Stidham, Wilson hasn’t seen much action this season. In fact, his only reps have come in practice; Wilson has not logged a single snap in the regular season. Unless the injury bug hits the Denver quarterbacks hard, don’t expect to see Wilson on the field during the playoffs.
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