The AFC Divisional Round pits the top-seeded Denver Broncos against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday in a rematch of last season’s Wild Card Round.
Denver earned a 14-win season and a home playoff game for the first time since the 2015 AFC Championship, while Buffalo reached the Divisional Round with a road victory over the Jaguars, their first playoff road win since the 1992 AFC Championship. Both teams have historically reached the AFC Championship 10 times, and Saturday will decide which franchise makes it No. 11. Last year, Buffalo handled Denver 31-7 in the playoffs, but the Broncos enter 2026 as a stronger, more battle-tested team.
Denver’s season-long “Head West” goal has guided a team led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Nix has excelled in clutch situations, leading the league with seven game-winning drives in 2025. His supporting cast includes Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, and tight end Evan Engram, with rookie running back RJ Harvey carrying the load in the ground game after J.K. Dobbins’ season-ending injury. Harvey has been productive in the passing game but remains a developing rusher. Nix’s dual-threat ability will be critical against a Buffalo defense that allowed 6.7 yards per carry to opposing QBs, the highest in the league, meaning Denver’s offense can succeed with a balanced attack if Nix executes.
Buffalo enters the game with Josh Allen leading the charge after a dramatic Wild Card win in Jacksonville. Allen has averaged 310.6 total yards per postseason game this year, the most in playoff history (minimum 10 starts), despite being pressured constantly and losing key offensive weapons to injury. Denver’s pass rush, which led the league with 68 sacks in 2025 and features four players with seven-plus sacks, including Nik Bonitto and Patrick Surtain II in the secondary, presents a formidable challenge. The Bills will look to reestablish their rushing attack with James Cook and maintain Allen’s efficiency under duress.
Saturday’s matchup will also be informed by last season’s playoff meeting. Buffalo’s 24-point win wasn’t as lopsided as the final score suggested; the Broncos scored on the opening drive and had chances to stay competitive before Buffalo took over with a dominating rushing performance. Denver’s Bo Nix will need to improve on last season’s output, while the Broncos’ defense will aim to limit Allen and the Bills’ high-powered offense. The game is a true clash of strengths: Denver’s stout pass rush and strategic home-field advantage against Buffalo’s dynamic dual-threat quarterback and proven postseason execution.
Injury Report
Bills
Josh Allen (foot/knee/right finger) has practiced fully on Wednesday and Thursday after limited participation on Tuesday. Terrel Bernard (calf), Damar Hamlin (pectoral), Ty Johnson (ankle), Ed Oliver (bicep), and Curtis Samuel (elbow) are all questionable, with limited or full practices throughout the week. A.J. Epenesa (neck), Dalton Kincaid (knee/calf), Matt Milano (ankle), Greg Rousseau (back), and Matt Prater (right quad/right calf) participated in practices with varying levels of limitation. Maxwell Hairston (ankle) and Jordan Poyer (hamstring) are out.
Broncos
John Franklin-Myers (hip) and Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) practiced with varying levels of limitation this week. Lucas Krull (foot) and Drew Sanders (ankle) are out.
