The Denver Broncos are preparing for a rematch against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round of the 2025 NFL playoffs, following last season’s playoff meeting between the two teams. Players and coaches emphasized that this year’s team is different from the one that traveled to Orchard Park last January.
“We left with a sour taste,” said cornerback Pat Surtain II. “That wasn’t the result we wanted, but there’s a lot to learn from and take away from that game. We know that we’re a whole completely different team. Last year’s in the past.”
In last year’s Wild Card matchup, Denver trailed by only three points at halftime and remained within striking distance until late in the third quarter when Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw a key touchdown pass on fourth down. With another year of experience and several defensive additions, players believe they are better prepared this time.
“We’re just not the same team that we were a year ago,” outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper said. “And with the additions that we added with Dre [Greenlaw] and ‘Huf’ [Talanoa Hufanga], we’re definitely stepping up our game and our defense as a whole.”
Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss also noted how new players have integrated into Denver’s defense: “They’ve merged into this defense really well, and it’s a bunch of guys that trust each other,” Elliss said.
Tackle Mike McGlinchey pointed out that expectations have changed for Denver as they approach this postseason. “We’re excited to be here, obviously, but expecting a lot more,” McGlinchey said. “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.”
Despite changes since last season, Broncos players say there is still value in reviewing their previous matchup against Buffalo. Cooper discussed learning from facing running back James Cook, while Surtain commented on Josh Allen’s ability to make plays under pressure.
“He’s been great,” Surtain said. “He puts the team on his back, for sure, in critical moments. He finds a way to come through in the clutch. Obviously, he’s got all the attributes, but one of the things I picked up on is his toughness — how he’s able to lead his team to victory. One thing that we’ve got to eliminate is his second-chance opportunities. He thrives off that, finding opportunities even if the play is not there. He’s a great player, so we’ve got to game-plan and eliminate the explosives.”
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton has reviewed film from last year’s game twice as part of preparation: “Obviously, we didn’t have our best performance against them last year,” Sutton said. “There’s a lot to learn from that game — things that you look at and you’re like, ‘Dang, man.’ There [are] certain plays where it’s right there, and then there’s certain plays where it’s like, ‘We didn’t execute that at all the way we wanted to.’ To be able to go back in there and know that there’s learning opportunities from that film, it’s very beneficial.”
Defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers summarized Denver’s mindset ahead of Saturday’s contest: “The beautiful part about football is you get another opportunity,” he said.
