Davis Webb, former Buffalo Bills backup quarterback, embarks on his first NFL playoff journey, this time as the quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos. Webb reflects on his time with the Bills, where he backed up Josh Allen for three seasons and established deep connections with players and staff. His playoff debut takes him back to Highmark Stadium, facing a familiar team filled with friends and former teammates.

Preparing rookie quarterback Bo Nix for the high-stakes matchup against the Bills, Webb draws on his past experiences to guide Nix. Meanwhile, the Broncos are dealing with injury concerns, particularly with cornerback Damarri Mathis. Head coach Sean Payton emphasizes the importance of a strong run game, crucial for controlling the game's tempo and supporting the young quarterback.

In a thrilling overtime clash, the Cincinnati Bengals clinched a vital 30-24 victory against the Denver Broncos, keeping their playoff aspirations alive. Joe Burrow showcased his elite quarterback skills, throwing for 412 yards and three touchdowns, all to Tee Higgins, who had an impressive 11 receptions for 131 yards. The game culminated in dramatic fashion as Burrow connected with Higgins for a 31-yard pass, sealing the win with just over a minute left in overtime.

The Bengals' triumph marked their first victory of the season against a team boasting a winning record, improving their record to 8-8. However, they still require a win in their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, alongside favorable results from other teams, to secure a postseason berth for the first time since 2022. Meanwhile, the Broncos, now at 9-7, missed a chance to clinch an AFC wild card spot but will have another opportunity when they face the Kansas City Chiefs next weekend.

Burrow's performance further solidified his remarkable season, as he extended his NFL record to eight consecutive games with at least 250 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Bengals briefly led 24-17 after Burrow's 1-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. However, the Broncos responded with a spectacular touchdown pass from Bo Nix to Marvin Mims Jr., forcing the overtime period. Nix finished the game with 219 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while Mims tallied eight receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns. The match was not without its injuries, as both teams dealt with key player setbacks, including Damarri Mathis for the Broncos and Amarius Mims for the Bengals.

The Denver Broncos' defense has struggled significantly since cornerback Riley Moss suffered a knee injury in Week 12. Coach Sean Payton emphasized the importance of Moss, stating that his absence has led to opposing quarterbacks targeting other corners, particularly those not named Patrick Surtain II.

With Moss expected to return for a key matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Broncos hope to regain their defensive strength. Prior to his injury, Moss was a crucial player, ranking second on the team in tackles and contributing significantly to the defense's overall performance.

The Denver Broncos have secured Garett Bolles with a four-year contract extension that features unique financial strategies, including option bonuses and void years to manage cap space. Bolles' cap number for this season is $20.8 million, with over $23 million guaranteed at signing and a total of $42 million in guarantees.

As the Broncos prepare for their matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, rookie running back Audric Estime is set to start due to Jaleel McLaughlin's injury. The team is also making adjustments in the secondary, opting for younger players in key positions.

The Denver Broncos are surprising critics this season, shifting from a predicted bottom-tier team to a playoff contender, largely thanks to their young quarterback Bo Nix. However, injuries to key defensive players like Riley Moss and Patrick Surtain II pose challenges for the team's secondary.

With upcoming games against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Broncos will rely on young corners Damarri Mathis and Kris Abrams-Draine to step up. Mathis, who has faced struggles in the past, is back from injury and expected to play a crucial role, while Abrams-Draine has shown promise in recent games.

Head coach Sean Payton has expressed confidence in both players, emphasizing their potential to hold the defense together during this critical stretch. The outcome of their performance could determine the Broncos' playoff fate.