DENVER — The wait is over for the AFC’s top seed. The 14-3 Denver Broncos return to the postseason stage today at Empower Field at Mile High, hosting the sixth-seeded Buffalo Bills in a high-stakes Divisional Round clash. Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. MT as Denver looks to avenge last year’s 31-7 Wild Card exit and secure their first home playoff victory in a decade.
Vance Joseph’s top-ranked scoring defense faces its ultimate test against 2024 MVP Josh Allen. The Broncos enter this matchup with a league-leading 68 sacks, spearheaded by All-Pro Zach Allen and the relentless Nik Bonitto. Denver’s defensive front must contain a Buffalo rushing attack that ranks first in the NFL, though the Bills arrive “banged-up” with Allen managing multiple minor ailments and key starters like Jordan Poyer ruled out.
The Broncos will sport their “Sunset Orange” jerseys and “Summit White” pants today—a combination that has seen them go 5-1 at home this season. With linebacker Dre Greenlaw cleared to play after a hamstring scare, the middle of the field remains a “no-fly zone” for a depleted Buffalo receiving corps.
“He’s a combination of every single great quarterback in this league. He’s got the arm, the IQ, and the size. It’s a lethal combination—that’s why they call him Superman. But we’re built the right way to stop him.” — Zach Allen, Denver Broncos Defensive Tackle
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Bo Nix and Sean Payton. A victory today guarantees that the AFC Championship Game will stay in Colorado on January 25. Denver has won 13 of its last 14 home games, turning Mile High back into the NFL’s most feared atmosphere. If the Broncos can leverage their #1 red-zone efficiency against a Buffalo secondary missing its veteran leadership, a trip to the conference finals is well within reach.
