‘SNL’ Spoofs Jarrett Stidham, Broncos Before Patriots Game

A “Saturday Night Live” sketch didn’t give Jarrett Stidham much chance of leading the Denver Broncos to an AFC Championship Game upset over the New England Patriots.

Stidham will make his first start of the 2023 season in place of Bo Nix, who broke his ankle at the end of Denver’s AFC Divisional Round victory. NBC’s writers apparently aren’t counting on the former New England backup to write a fairytale ending.

Although CBS will televise Sunday’s AFC title clash, “Saturday Night Live” performed a sketch parodying ESPN’s imagined coverage of the game. The evening’s host, Teyana Taylor, wrote off Denver before the opening whistle while portraying sideline reporter Lisa Salters.

“Well, the Broncos have nothing to be ashamed of,” Taylor said as Salters. “They had a great season and shouldn’t hold back their heads. They should hold their heads high. I’m sure they’ll be a team to watch next year.”

James Austin Johnson’s Joe Buck reminded Salters that the game hadn’t even started. That didn’t sway her analysis.

“I mean, come on,” Taylor responded as Salters. “They ain’t got no quarterback.”

Troy Aikman, played by Andrew Dismukes, also noted that the Broncos have a “very capable team” even without Nix. Salters echoed her, “Come on” insight before promptly cutting right back to Aikman.

Later in the sketch, Salters introduced an interview with a “fan” who was actually a fictional Stidham.

“Congrats on a great season, and better luck next year,” Taylor’s Salters told the quarterback.

“Now hold on, Lisa,” the Stidham character replied. “We got a great team here. I think we can win this game.”

“Yeah, but Jarrett. Come on. Back to you, Troy.”

Patriots fans will hope “SNL” didn’t jinx them before Sunday’s AFC Championship Game, which starts at 3 p.m. ET.