The 43-year-old Wisconsin native and former NFL safety is Denver's assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator, and he's risen through the ranks quickly to earn those titles. Hired in 2024 by the Broncos as the defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator, he's already seen a promotion in Mile High, and was a college assistant as recently as 2023 with the Illinois Fighting Illini.
It's up to Stidham to be this year's Jeff Hostetler (New York Giants, Super Bowl XXV) or Nick Foles (Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl LII) and in so doing he'd bring a quartet of 49ers along for the ride. I'll admit to being a skeptic when Denver dropped big money on safety Talanoa Hufanga (three years, maximum of $45 million) and Dre Greenlaw (three years, maximum of $31.5 million).
It was an uneven game for the reigning NFL MVP. Allen threw for 283 yards and 3 touchdowns and he also racked up 66 yards rushing. But he turned the ball over four times, two interceptions and two fumbles, and missed tight end Dawson Knox for a potential game-winning touchdown at the end of regulation. One play that likely stung Allen and Bills fans everywhere: a deep pass to wide receiver Brandin Cooks that was ripped away for an interception by Denver's Ja'Quan McMillian in OT.
Von Miller left the Washington Commanders wanting another go-around with the franchise in 2026. The aging edge rusher thought he was joining a Super Bowl contender, and even though things didn't work out that way, he outlined his desire to help get this storied club back on track. It didn't take long for that to change, which could hint that a difficult conversation has already taken place between Miller and those in positions of power.
Sometimes, the punching bag punches back. That was the case Sunday as the Chargers, playing their backups, put up an impressive fight against the division-rival Denver Broncos, vying for the top seed in the AFC. The Broncos won, 19-3, but both teams were smothering on defense while failing to establish anything close to an offensive rhythm. The seventh-seeded Chargers (11-6) will play a wild-card game at second-seeded New England (14-3), which rolled over Miami, 38-10, in Sunday's finale.
"When all of the goals and all of the objectives the Denver Broncos have in this season felt like they hung in the balance Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, it was the team's most decorated player -- cornerback Pat Surtain II -- who came to the rescue with his first interception of the season. "That's why he is who he is, he always comes through in the clutch for us,'' Cooper said. "That's why he's the best player.''
Today's minor moves: Atlanta Falcons Cincinnati Bengals Denver Broncos Philadelphia Eagles Tampa Bay Buccaneers is being temporarily let go by the Broncos, but the 41-year-old tight end won't be a free agent for long. According to Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post, Lewis is expected to quickly land back on Denver's practice squad. However, the team may have some difficulty adding him back to the active roster.
Believe it or not, Week 14 of the NFL season is already upon us, and the playoff picture has started to take shape. The NFC is by far the most competitive conference. In the NFC North and NFC West, three teams each conference are tied or nearly tied at the top of the division, making the playoff race an exciting one to watch.
