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.

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.

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 Broncos have quite the test ahead of them this coming Sunday as they get set to take on the Patriots in the AFC championship game. When they do, they’ll line up not only with a trip to Super Bowl LX on the line, but with a different player under center than who’s led them throughout the regular season.

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.

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham has proven himself to be a capable backup here in Denver. Stidham was originally signed by the Broncos in 2023, to backup then-quarterback Russell Wilson. After the Broncos benched Wilson at the end of 2023 and drafted Bo Nix in 2024, Stidham found himself in a competition for the starting job.

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix injured his ankle during his team's game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, Jan. 17, according to coach Sean Payton. Jarrett Stidham is set to take over as the starting quarterback.