Bo Nix may not be playing in the AFC Championship, but new Denver Broncos starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham is already making a statement. Stidham arrived to Empower Field at Mile High Stadium wearing a cowboy hat over his mullet along with a tan jacket, giving off serious Billy Bob Thorton vibes from the hit show “Landman.”
Broncos fans are hoping Stidham can strike oil and help Denver pull off the upset in Nix’s absence. The veteran quarterback will start in place of Nix against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship.
Denver is a 3.5-point home underdog against New England in the NFL odds, per FanDuel. Stidham’s signature arrival look had fans buzzing on social media ahead of the AFC Championship.
“Could be the look of a man about to shock the world,” one fan reacted.
“Do it for 10,” said another referencing Nix.
“Stidham with the Yellowstone vibes,” one person added.
“Yep it’s over Broncos let’s ride,” remarked another fan.
Here’s what you need to know about the Broncos QB1 in the AFC Championship.
Broncos HC Sean Payton on Jarrett Stidham vs. Patriots in AFC Championship: ‘He’s Going to Rip It’
With Nix out for the season, Denver is riding with Stidham to start against the Patriots and beyond. Denver signed Ben DiNucci, but the veteran is expected to serve as the team’s emergency third quarterback.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton continues to express confidence that Stidham can “rip it” in the AFC Championship.
“That’s his personality. He’s going to rip it, and that will be our approach,” Payton remarked on Stidham on January 21, 2026, per DNVR.com’s Henry Chisholm. “He has this calm demeanor that I think suits him well. He’s played in big games, college.
“I said this at the start of the season, I felt like our [No.] 2 was inside the best 32 [quarterbacks], and I think everyone feels that way.”
The Patriots Are Not Taking the Broncos & QB Jarrett Stidham Lightly in AFC Championship
Stidham is a veteran but largely represents an unknown ahead of the AFC Championship. The quarterback has not attempted a pass since 2023.
Stidham is a former Patriots player, and the team does not appear to be taking the Broncos lightly despite Nix’s injury. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel outlined what the team expects from Stidham.
“Again, he’s got the snaps that he has – the 400 or so snaps that are in regular season action,” Vrabel noted on Stidham during a January 21, press conference. “And then they have a lot of snaps on what they want to do. So, we’ll have to be prepared for the plan and the things that they’ve shown.
“I’m sure there’ll be some things that they haven’t shown. He’s more than capable to go out there and operate. It’s why he’s a backup, and one that was coveted around the league.”
Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham’s Outfit Is Turning Heads at AFC Championship