Key absences for both Broncos and Bills ignite playoff drama. Key players sideline as divisional round battle looms.
The Denver Broncos have surely enjoyed watching Wild Card weekend like the rest of us, but now that their matchup is officially set, it’s time to get ready. After defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-24 on Sunday, the Buffalo Bills will head to the Mile High City next weekend to take on the No. 1-seeded Broncos.
Both teams won’t be at full strength, however. The Bills will be without safety Jordan Poyer and receiver Gabe Davis on Saturday, while the Broncos will be without safety Brandon Jones and running back J.K. Dobbins.
Poyer missed the final two games of the season for Buffalo due to hamstring troubles, but returned for the matchup against the Jaguars. Unfortunately, he exited in the first half with a setback to his hamstring. Now, he won’t be on the field in Denver.
Davis also left Sunday’s game early for the Bills after suffering a torn ACL against his former team. Though he hasn’t been as much of a threat in 2025, Davis has provided quarterback Josh Allen a red zone target year after year. The loss of Poyer and Davis is certainly something to watch for the Bills.
Denver have their own injuries to overcome next weekend. Dobbins has been out since Week 11 for the Broncos with a foot injury. His status remains the same for the Broncos’ divisional matchup next Saturday, although there’s a possibility of a return deeper into the playoffs if his team keeps swimming without him.
Jones will also miss the divisional round game after being out since exiting a Week 15 game against the Green Bay Packers. Because he’s been placed on the injured reserve, he’s required to miss one more game before he can return to action. He may not be the biggest name on the Broncos’ defense, but head coach Sean Payton will be looking forward to his starting safety’s return.
There could be more names out for both teams, with Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver looking to be available next weekend, along with Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Denver and the Bills previously faced each other in the 2024 playoffs, where the Bills won by a score of 31-7. Fans at Empower Field at Mile High will be hoping for a much different outcome next weekend for the Broncos.