From that point forward, Payton discussed Stidham as a starting-caliber No. 2 quarterback. Out of the gates, Stidham backed up Russell Wilson in 2023, and just like his 2022 season in Las Vegas, he closed it out as the Broncos' starter in the final two games.

After throwing no passes and taking four snaps all season, Jarrett Stidham will take over as the Denver Broncos starting QB in the AFC title game.

Speaking as one No. 8 to another, Gary Kubiak, who coached the Broncos to the franchise’s last Super Bowl win a decade ago, offered Jarrett Stidham eight simple words of advice.

One rival executive isn't so sure whether the Denver Broncos will be worse off with Jarrett Stidham at quarterback instead of Bo Nix.

Stidham has been in Payton's system a year longer than Nix, and had moderate success when starting for the Broncos, going 1-1 in two games after Denver benched Russell Wilson at the end of the 2023 season. Sean Payton is right: watch out for 'Stiddy!'

The Denver Broncos won the battle but lost their starting quarterback, Bo Nix, in a costly victory over the Buffalo Bills. This means that in the all-important AFC Championship game next week, Sean Payton has to rely on backup QB Jarrett Stidham.