If Patriots advance, they'll face their former backup QB, Jarrett Stidham

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle during Saturday’s AFC divisional-round game against the Buffalo Bills, ending his season. Jarrett Stidham, a 29-year-old backup with four career starts over seven NFL seasons, will take over as the starting quarterback. If the New England Patriots defeat the Houston Texans to advance to the AFC Championship, Stidham will face his former team, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2019. Stidham's tenure with the Patriots saw limited playing time behind quarterbacks Cam Newton, Brian Hoyer, and Mac Jones. After a stint with the Raiders in 2022, Stidham joined the Broncos, where he stepped in for Russell Wilson late in the season. The upcoming game will be the most significant start of Stidham's career, potentially against the Patriots or the NFL's top defense.