Jarrett Stidham will start for the Denver Broncos in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. He replaces injured rookie Bo Nix, who guided Denver to a 33-30 overtime win over Buffalo. Stidham hasn't attempted an NFL pass since 2023, making him an untested quarterback on the biggest stage.

This mirrors historic playoff scenarios like Jeff Hostetler and Nick Foles, backups who led teams to Super Bowl victories. Stidham, a 2019 fourth-round pick, has started only two career games. Broncos coach Sean Payton insists he's prepared, noting his mental aptitude and practice performance.

The Broncos seek their first Super Bowl berth since winning Super Bowl 50 in 2015. Stidham's performance will determine if Denver can overcome the Patriots' defense and advance to Super Bowl 60. The pressure is immense, but historical precedents show backup quarterbacks can thrive in these high-stakes moments.