Jarrett Stidham's unexpected playoff journey could etch his name in football history, but the odds are stacked against him. The Broncos' quarterback is stepping into the spotlight, facing a unique challenge.
If Stidham can pull off a win in the upcoming AFC Championship game, he'll join an exclusive club. He would become only the second quarterback in modern football history to secure a playoff victory in his first start of the season. It's a feat that highlights the pressure and the potential for an underdog story.
Stidham is taking over from Bo Nix, who sustained a broken ankle during the overtime win against the Bills. This unexpected turn of events sets the stage for Stidham's crucial opportunity.
Digging into the history books, since 1950, only six quarterbacks have started a postseason game after not starting any regular-season games. Only one of them managed to win: Frank Reich. He stepped in for Jim Kelly in the memorable 1992 wild-card game against the Oilers, where the Bills overcame a massive 35-3 deficit to win in overtime, 41-38. Reich then led the team to another victory the following week against the Steelers.
And this is the part most people miss... Although Reich hadn't started any games during the 1992 regular season, he had seen action, throwing 47 passes in five games. Stidham, however, didn't throw a single pass during the 2025 or 2024 regular seasons.
Stidham will also be only the second quarterback to make his first start of the season in the conference title game or later. In 1972, Roger Staubach made his first start of the year in the NFC Championship, but the Cowboys lost to Washington.
Stidham's recent playing history includes appearances in Weeks 17 and 18 of the 2023 season after Russell Wilson was benched. He also started two games at the end of the 2022 season with the Raiders. These are his only four career starts.
In the upcoming game, Stidham will face either the Patriots, who drafted him in 2019, or the Houston team, successors to the Oilers, who lost to Frank Reich 33 years ago.
But here's where it gets controversial... Can Stidham defy the odds and replicate Reich's historic achievement? What are your thoughts? Do you think Stidham has what it takes to succeed, or will the pressure prove too much? Share your opinions in the comments below!
