Denver Broncos Secure First AFC Championship Berth in a Decade with Thrilling Win Over Buffalo Bills
The Denver Broncos have taken another step towards the promised land of the Super Bowl after coming from behind to beat the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in overtime. The win, which was Denver's first AFC championship since Peyton Manning's final season in 2016, sets up a showdown with either the Houston Texans or New England Patriots on January 25th.
Broncos quarterback Sam Darnold took credit for his team's impressive defensive effort, saying that Seattle's defense has been "unbelievable" all season. The unit held Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey to just 236 yards and forced three turnovers in a lopsided 41-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Denver will host the Texans-Patriots winner on January 25th, while Seattle is set to face off against the Rams-Bears for the right to play in the NFC championship game. The win marks the Broncos' eighth AFC title game appearance and their first since Peyton Manning's final season.
However, Denver will be without quarterback Bo Nix, who suffered a broken ankle on the team's final series. Coach Sean Payton confirmed that Nix would undergo surgery on Tuesday and was replaced by Jarrett Stidham, who is set to start the AFC title game.
Payton expressed confidence in Stidham's abilities, saying "I feel like I have a (No.) 2 quarterback that's capable of starting for a handful of, a number of teams." Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll echoed his sentiments on Darnold's performance, stating "Can't say enough great things about that defense. It was tough in training camp and OTAs going up against them. But I'm glad they're on our side."
In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers were dominated by the Seattle Seahawks, who cruised to a 41-6 victory. The win marks Seattle's fifth trip to the conference title game and first in 11 years.
The Buffalo Bills once again fell short of achieving their goal of winning their franchise's first Lombardi Trophy. Josh Allen and the team suffered another disappointing postseason result after being denied by questionable officiating, including a disputed call on a deep pass from Allen that was intercepted as both players tumbled to the ground. The team will look to bounce back in the 2024 season.
Denver's last victory in the AFC championship came under Peyton Manning, who defeated Tom Brady and the New England Patriots 20-18 in the final game of his career. A stifling defense shut down Cam Newton and led Denver to a 24-10 win in the Super Bowl.
The Broncos' first AFC championship berth since Peyton Manning's final season sets up an exciting matchup against either the Houston Texans or New England Patriots on January 25th.
The Denver Broncos have taken another step towards the promised land of the Super Bowl after coming from behind to beat the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in overtime. The win, which was Denver's first AFC championship since Peyton Manning's final season in 2016, sets up a showdown with either the Houston Texans or New England Patriots on January 25th.
Broncos quarterback Sam Darnold took credit for his team's impressive defensive effort, saying that Seattle's defense has been "unbelievable" all season. The unit held Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey to just 236 yards and forced three turnovers in a lopsided 41-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Denver will host the Texans-Patriots winner on January 25th, while Seattle is set to face off against the Rams-Bears for the right to play in the NFC championship game. The win marks the Broncos' eighth AFC title game appearance and their first since Peyton Manning's final season.
However, Denver will be without quarterback Bo Nix, who suffered a broken ankle on the team's final series. Coach Sean Payton confirmed that Nix would undergo surgery on Tuesday and was replaced by Jarrett Stidham, who is set to start the AFC title game.
Payton expressed confidence in Stidham's abilities, saying "I feel like I have a (No.) 2 quarterback that's capable of starting for a handful of, a number of teams." Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll echoed his sentiments on Darnold's performance, stating "Can't say enough great things about that defense. It was tough in training camp and OTAs going up against them. But I'm glad they're on our side."
In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers were dominated by the Seattle Seahawks, who cruised to a 41-6 victory. The win marks Seattle's fifth trip to the conference title game and first in 11 years.
The Buffalo Bills once again fell short of achieving their goal of winning their franchise's first Lombardi Trophy. Josh Allen and the team suffered another disappointing postseason result after being denied by questionable officiating, including a disputed call on a deep pass from Allen that was intercepted as both players tumbled to the ground. The team will look to bounce back in the 2024 season.
Denver's last victory in the AFC championship came under Peyton Manning, who defeated Tom Brady and the New England Patriots 20-18 in the final game of his career. A stifling defense shut down Cam Newton and led Denver to a 24-10 win in the Super Bowl.
The Broncos' first AFC championship berth since Peyton Manning's final season sets up an exciting matchup against either the Houston Texans or New England Patriots on January 25th.
, they're always so dramatic and unpredictable 
. Can't the refs just make one decent call without all the controversy? And what's up with the Broncos having to scramble for a QB after Bo Nix gets injured 
... Jarrett Stidham is no Bo Nix 
, they'll have to see how he holds up under pressure.
. Peyton Manning's final season was a big part of that nostalgia, but now that they're back in, I just hope they don't choke under the pressure 
.
, it's starting to get old. They need to get it together if they want to make some noise in the playoffs. And what about the 49ers? Dominating teams like that is impressive, but can't they string together a win streak or two? 
. and can we talk about seahawks defense tho?! they're literally the best thing since sliced bread. i'm so stoked for jan 25th now, denver gets to play either houston or patriots 
they just pulled off that crazy win over buffalo bills and now its down to business for seahawks and patriots. sam darnold is lookin like a total boss out there! 
. anyway, denver deserves this after all the hard work they put in and seahawks r lookin strong against 49ers 
! I was watching this game with my friends and we were all on the edge of our seats, like "what's gonna happen next?!" 
. Now, can we PLEASE get some more excitement from this game? It's gotta be better than last year 
, Sam Darnold's a beast QB and his defense is straight fire