As the Denver Broncos prepare for their first home playoff game in a decade, the team is focusing on scenarios that have defined many games this season: third down, red zone, and especially two-minute situations. Head Coach Sean Payton emphasized to his players, “These games are going to come down to a two-minute [scenario].”
This approach proved relevant during Wild Card Weekend, when all four games ended with one-score differences. In three of those contests, the team leading at the two-minute warning ultimately lost. The fourth saw San Francisco stop Philadelphia on a crucial fourth down with just 21 seconds left.
The Broncos’ next opponent also advanced thanks to late-game execution. The Buffalo Bills scored with 1:04 remaining and then intercepted Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence on the following drive to secure their Divisional Round spot.
Denver’s performance in close games has been notable throughout the regular season. The Broncos tied an NFL record by winning 11 one-score games, often relying on effective play in final minutes. Early victories against teams like the Titans, Eagles, and Jets came after defensive stands in crunch time, while late offensive surges secured wins over the Giants and Texans. Against Kansas City, Denver managed a critical stop before mounting a drive for the game-winning field goal.
Quarterback Bo Nix led seven game-winning drives in either the fourth quarter or overtime this year. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton credited the team’s composure under pressure: “I don’t think anybody on the offense flinches,” Sutton said regarding two-minute situations. “If you look at our demeanor on the sideline, no matter what’s going on during the game…everyone should have that confidence, belief and faith in us that until that game is zeroed out, we have a chance to go win that game.”
Denver posted a plus-64 point differential in fourth quarters during the regular season—second best in the league—while Buffalo ranked just behind them at plus-50.
Tight end Evan Engram noted that Denver’s confidence began with a comeback victory over Philadelphia: “That was really the first one,” Engram said Tuesday. “[Against] a team that’s been undefeated since last year and defending Super Bowl champs and you get a win like that, it’s definitely going to build confidence. Obviously we’ve had a bunch more after that…. Looking back, I think that was kind of the jump start for us.”
Engram also highlighted quarterback Nix’s role: “When our backs are against the wall, we know we have a guy back there that steps up in those moments.”
Defensively, Denver faces reigning MVP Josh Allen and acknowledges his unique challenge as both a passer and runner. Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph commented: “You can’t simulate it, obviously…There’s one Josh Allen, and he lives in Buffalo.” He added about preparation: “[There’s] ways to win every game…and adjust quickly and obviously put the fires out when they come.”
Joseph hopes Denver’s defense—which finished first in red-zone defense, second on third downs, and third overall in scoring defense—is ready for its toughest test yet. “I’m hoping we play our best football Saturday,” Joseph said. “It’s time. It’s been a long, long good year for our defense…but it’s time to play our best ball. That’s the expectation.”
