Stidham leads Broncos in AFC title game
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Jarrett Stidham before a game in Las Vegas. Photo: AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Denver Broncos starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham says Sunday's AFC title matchup — the most important game of his career — isn't about him.
The big picture: Days after taking the reins of an offense that lost its leader to a season-ending injury, Stidham told reporters he's prepared every week as though he's the starter.
- Broncos head coach Sean Payton immediately signaled confidence in his new starter, saying: "The Stiddy's ready."
Why it matters: Stiddy will rely on Payton's highly touted offensive tutelage to command an offensive unit that can give Denver a shot at the franchise's ninth Super Bowl appearance.
State of play: The Broncos host the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High in a matchup that, for many fans, harkens back to the Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady era.
- Stidham will become the seventh QB in the Super Bowl era to make his first season start during the playoffs.
Stunning stat: The Broncos are 4-0 all-time in playoff games at home against the Patriots — but New England is a 4.5 favorite over Denver.
Context: Overcoming Stidham's inexperience — he has 1,080 passing yards and six touchdowns in four career starts — will be monumental for Denver.
- The 6-foot-3 signal-caller grew up in Texas before attending Baylor and Auburn. He was selected 133rd overall in the 2019 NFL draft by the team he faces Sunday.
Yes, but: Miracles happen. The NFL has produced unlikely gridiron heroes in similar situations.
- Many Broncos fans pointed to Nick Foles, whose 2018 playoff run secured the Philadelphia Eagles' first title. Others mentioned New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler, a backup who won a championship in 1991.
The other side: The Pats are led by quarterback and MVP finalist Drake Maye.
- Running back Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to be a threat on the ground, while wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is a top target for Maye.
What's next: Sunday's game airs at 1pm on CBS.