Broncos Return to Mile High for First Home Playoff Game in Ten Years Against Injury-Hit Bills.

DENVER — Sean Payton’s long-term vision for the Denver Broncos has centered on restoring postseason football to Mile High Stadium, and that goal becomes reality Saturday night. For the first time in a decade, the Broncos will host a playoff game, welcoming the Buffalo Bills in an AFC divisional-round matchup. Denver (14–3) secured the AFC’s top seed and the conference’s lone first-round bye, earning home-field advantage after a dominant regular season. The Broncos will face the sixth-seeded Bills (13–5), who are coming off their first road playoff victory since the 1992 AFC Championship Game. Payton, now in his third season with Denver, reflected on the importance of playing at home in the postseason, recalling similar motivation during his tenure with the New Orleans Saints. He is also pursuing history, aiming to become the first head coach to win Super Bowls with two different franchises. Saturday’s contest marks Denver’s first playoff game at Empower Field since Jan. 24, 2016, when the Broncos defeated New England in the final postseason meeting between Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. The Broncos have been particularly strong at home, winning 13 of their last 14 games in Denver and finishing 8–1 there this season. Buffalo enters the matchup dealing with extensive injuries. Quarterback Josh Allen is managing issues involving his right foot, left knee, and throwing hand, and he was evaluated for a concussion during last weekend’s win. Despite the concerns, Allen said he feels healthier now than he has in recent weeks.

The Bills listed 14 players on the injury report, with safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Maxwell Hairston ruled out. Wide receivers Gabe Davis and Tyrell Shavers were also placed on injured reserve, leaving Buffalo thin at the position. Still, Allen emphasized confidence in whoever is available to play. Denver’s defense represents a significant challenge compared to last season, when Buffalo rushed for 210 yards in a playoff win over the Broncos. The additions of safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw helped transform Denver into one of the league’s top defensive units. The Broncos led the NFL with 68 sacks and ranked first in red-zone efficiency. Defensive linemen Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, and All-Pro tackle Zach Allen anchor a pass rush that consistently collapses the pocket. Allen led the league with 47 quarterback hits, a key component of coordinator Vance Joseph’s defensive scheme. With Denver ranking second against the run, Buffalo may be forced to rely on its depleted receiving corps. Defensive leaders for Denver remain wary of Allen’s versatility, praising his arm strength, decision-making, mobility, and leadership. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix welcomed the reversal of roles after Denver played in Buffalo last postseason. Nix noted the advantage of crowd noise and communication at home, particularly against an opposing offense led by Allen.

On the Buffalo defense, edge rusher Joey Bosa is expected to increase his impact after a quiet performance against Jacksonville. Offensive coordinator Bobby Babich said Bosa understands the expectations moving forward. In Buffalo’s short-handed receiving group, Keon Coleman may play a larger role. The second-year receiver has seen reduced playing time since serving a suspension earlier in the season but expressed confidence in his ability to contribute when called upon.