Can Jarrett Stidham become the next Nick Foles?

With Bo Nix suffering a devastating ankle injury against the Bills, the Broncos will now turn to backup Jarrett Stidham to start in the AFC Championship. Stidham will go up against the Patriots, the team that drafted him in the fourth round in 2019.

Stidham is looking to be the first backup quarterback to lead a team to the Super Bowl since Nick Foles in 2017-18. Foles took over for an injured Carson Wentz in week 14. Foles would finish with a 5-1 record, including a 41-33 Super Bowl victory against the Tom Brady led Patriots. He threw for 373 yards as well as three touchdowns and an interception in the game, and was named Super Bowl MVP.

Tom Brady also won the Super Bowl as a backup. Back in 2001, Brady took over for an injured Drew Bledsoe in week 2. Brady would then post an 11-3 record as a starter, including winning six straight games to end the regular season. The Patriots would go on to win the Super Bowl 20-17 against the Rams, with Brady leading the team to a game-winning drive.

As for Stidham, he has only started four NFL games in his career, and has a 1-3 record. His first start came with the Raiders in 2022, where he threw for 365 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in a 37-34 loss. Stidham’s last start came in week 17 of 2023 against the Chargers.

However, Stidham will have to face a stingy Patriots defense. The Patriots have forced six turnovers in their past two playoff games. They have also achieved nine sacks and have allowed only 19 points.

The odds seem slim for Stidham. With his first start in nearly three years coming in the AFC Championship, the pressure is high. Yet if he can keep his cool, his name will forever be remembered in Broncos’ history.

About the Author Published Jan 22, 2026

CAMERON JOYCE

Cameron Joyce is an NCAAF, NFL, NHL, and MLB beat writer for Ball Exclusives. Cameron also previously worked at The University of Alabama's newspaper, "The Crimson White," covering volleyball and baseball.