Broncos get timely defensive boost ahead of Josh Allen showdown
Denver has a tough test ahead as they face the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round this Saturday, but they were given some key reinforcements.
The Denver Broncos will enter Saturday’s Divisional-Round matchup against the Buffalo Bills with momentum and, potentially, a healthier defense than they had at the end of the regular season.
After locking up the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 14-3 record, Denver used its first-round bye to reset both physically and mentally. That extra week of rest is already paying dividends as the Broncos prepare to host Josh Allen and the Bills at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Bills and Broncos will face off in the Divisional Round! #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Q1y0uZVilh
— NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2026
Broncos receive key defensive reinforcements ahead of Divisional Round
Two key defensive pieces who were sidelined in Week 18 are now trending in the right direction.
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who missed the final two games with a hamstring injury, returned to the practice field Wednesday in a limited capacity. Greenlaw’s availability is a huge boost for a Denver defense tasked with slowing down Allen’s dual-threat ability. In eight games this season, Greenlaw has provided steady production in the middle of the field, contributing tackles, coverage plays, and a takeaway before injuries interrupted his year.
Sean Payton: “It’s good to have a healthy Dre Greenlaw back in the game.”
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) January 13, 2026
Also makes it pretty clear that I shouldn’t play middle linebacker pic.twitter.com/f6aYQS55vD
Defensive end John Franklin-Myers also practiced Wednesday, and did so without limitations. The veteran pass rusher was held out of the regular-season finale due to a hip issue, but his return gives Denver another experienced body up front against a Bills offense that thrives when Allen has time to extend plays.
While neither player’s status has been officially confirmed, both are expected to be available Saturday. Their presence would give the Broncos more flexibility along the front seven, an area that will be under constant stress against Buffalo’s quarterback.
The Bills arrive in Denver fresh off a 27-24 Wild-Card win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they now face a Broncos team that hasn’t played since Week 17 and has spent the past two weeks preparing specifically for this matchup.
Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, with Denver looking to leverage home-field advantage, and improved health, as they begin their pursuit of a Super Bowl berth. You can follow along with our live text coverage of the game right here on AS USA.
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