Denver Broncos Secure AFC No. 1 Seed for First Time in a Decade Ahead of Playoff Clash with Buffalo Bills

For the first time in a decade, the Denver Broncos have clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed as they prepare to host the Buffalo Bills in Saturday’s playoff opener. The Broncos last held the top seed in 2015—the final season of Peyton Manning’s tenure and the year they last captured the Super Bowl.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who previously led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory as the NFC’s top seed in 2009, emphasized the importance yet limitations of the No. 1 ranking. "The bye week is valuable, but it doesn’t guarantee a fast start," Payton stated on Tuesday. "We’re facing a team coming off one of their biggest wins in a decade, so we have to earn that momentum on the field."

The Bills enter the matchup on the heels of a dramatic 27-24 road victory over Jacksonville—their first playoff road win since 1992. Quarterback Josh Allen, despite battling foot, head, hand, and knee injuries during the game, delivered an impressive performance with 306 total yards and three touchdowns, including two pivotal go-ahead drives in the fourth quarter. "I feel good," Allen reported on Tuesday. "Honestly, I feel a little better than I have the last couple weeks."

With this victory, Allen aims to secure his third AFC Championship appearance, continuing a streak of playoff wins in each of his six seasons. However, the Bills face significant challenges in their receiving corps following ACL injuries to Tyrell Shavers and Gabe Davis. Buffalo’s active roster now includes only three wide receivers: Keon Coleman, Brandin Cooks, and Khalil Shakir. Shakir led the team with 719 receiving yards this season and recorded 12 catches for 82 yards against Jacksonville.

Filling the void is pressing, and Bills coach Sean McDermott urged his squad to rise to the occasion. "Another guy’s got to step up. That’s point-blank what it means," he said. "It’s full confidence in the guys in that room."

Additional optimism comes from the possible returns of key players. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver, sidelined with a biceps injury since late October, has resumed limited practice and may participate in his first playoff game this season. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel, recovering from an elbow injury, also opened his practice window and fully participated in early week sessions.

On the Broncos’ side, quarterback Bo Nix is preparing for his first home playoff game. He completed 59.1% of his passes for 144 yards and a touchdown in last year’s playoff loss to Buffalo. "Everybody would say they’d rather be at home in this situation," Nix remarked. "Last year was a tough environment, good for a young player like me to gain that experience, but it’s nice to be at home this time."

Denver’s defense remains a formidable unit, having set a franchise record with 68 sacks this season, 11 more than any other team and just shy of the NFL record held by the 1984 Bears.

Injuries affect both rosters heading into the contest. Buffalo’s Ty Johnson (ankle), Maxwell Hairston (ankle), and Jordan Poyer (hamstring) did not practice midweek, while Greg Rousseau (back), Matt Milano (ankle), and Dalton Kincaid (knee) were limited. Denver’s injury list includes four players with limited participation but none missing practices, notably tight end Lucas Krull and linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Drew Sanders.

Historically, the Bills have dominated recent meetings, winning four of the last five matchups, including postseason victories in both meetings, the latest being a 31-7 wild-card victory last season and a 10-7 AFC Championship win in 1991.

Saturday’s game promises a high-stakes rematch, with Denver seeking to leverage home-field advantage and secure a deep playoff run, while Buffalo aims to continue their recent winning trend against the Broncos.