The Denver Broncos are preparing to host their first home playoff game in a decade, facing off against quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round of the 2025 playoffs. The matchup marks Denver’s first postseason appearance at home since their Super Bowl 50 victory and follows an AFC West title secured with a first-round bye.
Tackle Mike McGlinchey expressed the team’s mindset ahead of the game: “We’re excited to be here, obviously, but [we’re] expecting a lot more. We’re ready for the opportunity. Again, you want to beat the best, and that’s what the playoffs gives you the opportunity to do, and the Bills are going to be a great one.”
Denver enters Saturday’s contest with notable momentum at home, boasting an 8-1 record this season and having won 13 of its last 14 games in Denver. Historically, they hold a 17-5 postseason record at home.
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton commented on returning playoff football to Denver: “I’ve been saying since I got here that we needed to get a home playoff game back in the city,” he said Tuesday. “The way that the fans have been showing up, Broncos Country has been bumping… I can only imagine what it’s going to be like, first [postseason] home game since 2015. It’s well overdue, and I’m excited to see Broncos Country show up and show out.”
The challenge is significant as Buffalo arrives led by MVP Josh Allen after securing their first road playoff win in nearly thirty years.
Head Coach Sean Payton noted Tuesday: “We have to be ready to play our best game.”
Key factors identified for Denver include late-game performance under pressure. Both teams rank among NFL leaders in fourth-quarter point differential; Denver set an NFL record with twelve comeback wins this season while quarterback Bo Nix leads the league in game-winning drives. Nix has thrown seventeen touchdowns with just two interceptions when trailing this year.
Tight end Evan Engram highlighted Nix’s impact: “When our backs are against the wall, we know we have a guy back there that steps up in those moments.” Sutton added about offensive composure: “I don’t think anybody on the offense flinches… I would like to say that the demeanor of our offense is very even-keeled… I think we’ve proven throughout the course of the regular season that 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.”
Nix has performed especially well at home compared to road games during his career.
Defensively, Denver has produced crucial stops throughout key games this season. They face Allen who engineered four game-winning drives for Buffalo this year; his efforts included critical plays during Buffalo’s Wild Card win over Jacksonville.
Payton emphasized preparation for close contests: “These games are going to come down to a two-minute [scenario],” he said Jan. 9.
Red zone efficiency is another focus area for both teams. Last year against Buffalo, Denver held them mostly to field goals early which kept them competitive into later quarters. This season’s defense ranks No.1 league-wide for lowest touchdown percentage allowed inside their own twenty-yard line while recent offensive struggles inside opponent territory present an area needing improvement.
Payton discussed third-down importance Thursday: “When this finishes, I’m going to look at two years of third down in the red zone — like, every third down — because it’s such an important down.”
Containing Josh Allen’s improvisational abilities will also be vital; Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph said: “You can’t simulate it… There’s one Josh Allen… We’ve got to get him stopped… That’s our job.” Joseph added about expectations: “I’m hoping we play our best football Saturday… It’s time… that’s the expectation.”
Run defense will factor heavily as well; Buffalo leads all teams in rushing yards led by James Cook who had over sixteen hundred yards this season including strong performances against Denver previously. On offense for Denver, controlling possession through effective running—especially given Buffalo allows high yardage per carry—could prove decisive.
If successful along both lines of scrimmage on Saturday night at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium—the Broncos may secure advancement toward another AFC Championship Game.
