For the first time in nearly a decade, the Denver Broncos own the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed. Their achievement was fueled by Sean Payton’s steady coaching hand (certainly not his interpersonal demeanor), a resilient Bo Nix, and one of the NFL’s finest defenses this season. To beat Josh Allen and the experienced Buffalo Bills in Saturday’s AFC Divisional Round Game, the Broncos will almost certainly need to replicate this exact formula for success.
The cherry on top here is that the Broncos are likely getting a key offensive player back soon. Well, only if they advance to the AFC title game.
Starting running back J.K. Dobbins has reportedly begun practicing again (in a somewhat limited capacity) this week. The veteran runner suffered a Lisfranc injury in early November that ended his regular season. With the Broncos on the precipice of a deep playoff run, they may have bought enough time for Dobbins to recover and eventually play meaningful snaps again during this postseason:
Before his injury, Dobbins was on pace to eclipse over 1,300 rushing yards, which would have put him among the elite running backs in 2025. The Broncos have platooned well in their backfield without Dobbins, but there’s no denying what he brings to the table when healthy. He’s a true difference-maker.
And if the Broncos can beat the Bills, they will probably get the chance to reinsert him into their lineup.
