Denver Broncos' Bo Nix Makes NFL Playoffs History In Loss To Buffalo Bills

The Denver Broncos lost to the Buffalo Bills 31-7 on Sunday. In an ugly loss, former Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix made NFL history in his rookie year with the Denver Broncos despite being eliminated from the playoffs.
Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) warms up before a game against the Buffalo Bills in an AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) warms up before a game against the Buffalo Bills in an AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images / Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The Denver Broncos lost to the Buffalo Bills 31-7 on Sunday, eliminating the Broncos from the postseason while the Bills move onto the Divisional Round. Former Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix had little success against the Buffalo defense, finishing 13 of 22 with 144 passing yards and a touchdown. Nix also led the Broncos with 43 rushing yards on four carries.

Nobody expected the Denver Broncos to make it to the playoffs this season. Denver coach Sean Payton was heading into his second season at the helm. After a seesaw season with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, the organization decided to move on. Then they drafted quarterback Bo Nix in the first round as the replacement, a move heavily scrutinized by pundits and league personnel alike. The outside noise never mattered. They found a way, led by a fantastic defense, to make it to January and had an opportunity to chase a Super Bowl.

The reward? A date with the Buffalo Bills and a potential NFL MVP Josh Allen. The Broncos were 7.5-point underdogs in the wildcard matchup and some analysts feel like that’s a generous line from the Broncos. Most people had already penciled in the Bills vs. Ravens matchup got next week, but there’s one man that sung a different tune, though. NFL legend and former Super Bowl champion cornerback coach Jon Gruden had a sneaky suspicion the game would be interesting.

“My wild take is, you know how I am, my mind is not normal. I see the Broncos. I can feel the Broncos heating up, man. I feel real uneasy about Buffalo at home against Denver. I think Denver can go in there and shock the world,” said Gruden in a clip posted by Barstool Sports.

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He didn’t explicitly state faith in rookie quarterback Bo Nix, but it’s certainly implied. No one thinks a team is going on the road to beat a perennial playoff team, with an MVP contender, and not get a noteworthy performance from the quarterback. The Broncos' wins have been a collective effort all season, but Nix’s growth has been apparent and even the greats are taking notice. 

Nix started the game with a 43-yard touchdown connection with former Oregon Ducks teammate Troy Franklin. The two Ducks made history with the first-ever rookie-to-rookie touchdown pass. Additionally, Nix is only second rookie quarterback since Robert Griffin III to throw a touchdown on the opening drive of their playoff game since 2000. Nix also made history as the first rookie quarterback to ever start a playoff game in Broncos' franchise history.

The Broncos stole a possession with a successful fake punt called by Payton, but the Broncos were unable to capitalize with any points. Nix's long touchdown to Franklin was the Broncos' only trip to the end zone.

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