Broncos Face Bills as Underdogs in First Playoff Game Since Super Bowl 50

The Denver Broncos are set to face the Buffalo Bills in their first playoff game since Super Bowl 50, entering the matchup as eight-point underdogs. The game, scheduled for Wild Card Weekend on Jan. 11, 2025, will pit the AFC‘s No. 2 seed Bills against the No. 7 seed Broncos. Buffalo, led by MVP-caliber quarterback Josh Allen, finished the regular season with 13 wins, while Denver, under rookie quarterback Bo Nix, secured 10 wins and a historic season.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton expressed confidence in his team despite their underdog status. “I would only say past experience. History,” Payton said during a press conference on Friday. “There are several things that you know. Even in last year’s regular season—take any of our games we’ve played this year—the momentum pendulum is going to swing back and forth.” Payton, who won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints in 2009, emphasized the importance of his team’s growth throughout the season.

Bo Nix, the Broncos’ rookie quarterback, echoed his coach’s optimism. “I know these guys. We have each other’s back,” Nix said earlier this week. “No matter what—offense, defense, special teams—somebody’s going to make a play. Somebody’s going to put us in a situation to go out there and win it.” Nix, who led the Broncos to exceed preseason expectations, highlighted the team’s resilience and unity as key factors heading into the playoffs.

The Broncos’ journey to the playoffs was marked by significant challenges, including an 0-2 start to the season. However, the team rallied behind Nix and Payton’s leadership, finishing with a 10-7 record and securing a Wild Card berth. Payton dismissed preseason predictions that set Denver’s win total at 5.5 games, calling the team’s performance a testament to their hard work and determination.

Buffalo, on the other hand, enters the game as a formidable opponent. The Bills’ defense, ranked among the league’s best, will test Nix and the Broncos’ offense. Meanwhile, Josh Allen’s dual-threat capabilities pose a significant challenge for Denver’s defense. Despite the odds, Payton and Nix remain confident in their team’s ability to compete. “We’ve been in pretty much most of our recent away games—we’ve been in all of them,” Nix said. “A few of them we just haven’t been able to close out, so I’m excited to—eventually one is going to go our way.”

The game will be played at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 PM EST. Fans can watch the game on CBS or stream it on Paramount+.