ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — For weeks, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has been confident a long-term connection would be made with receiver Troy Franklin, his college teammate at Oregon.

It happened in Game 5 of the Broncos’ first playoff game since the franchise’s Super Bowl 50 victory to close the 2015 season. On a second-and-4 from the Bills’ 43-yard line, Nix hit Franklin for a 43- Yard touchdown.

The rookie-to-rookie score was Franklin’s longest reception of the season and just his third touchdown of the season. It gave the Broncos an early 7-0 lead in Sunday’s AFC wild-card game at Highmark Stadium.

Nix was 2-of-2 for 62 yards on the Broncos’ first drive.

T AS IN TOUCHDOWN.

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/1UZYcSS7aZ

– Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 12, 2025

The Broncos got tricky on their third possession, taking advantage of punter Riley Dixon’s passing skills. On a fourth-and-8 at the Broncos’ 43-yard line, Dixon lined up as if it were a routine punt.

Instead, he took the snap and threw a 15-yard pass to leaping receiver Marvin Mims Jr., who carried the ball to the Buffalo 42.

Will be difficult.

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/78GsdsSCCH

– Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 12, 2025

The Broncos were unable to turn risk into reward as the drive stalled at the Bills’ 39. But Dixon held the Bills on the ensuing punt, as Buffalo had to start its next drive at its own 1-yard line.