SNL trolls Jarrett Stidham, Broncos' Super Bowl hopes in sketch ahead of AFC championship game vs. Patriots

Jarrett Stidham isn't quite a household name. He will be come the end of Sunday's AFC championship game between the Broncos and the Patriots, however.

Denver's backup passer has yet to throw a pass during the season. But he'll lead Denver's attack against New England after Bo Nix was ruled out for the remainder of the postseason with a fractured ankle.

Understandably, some are skeptical that the Broncos can find success against the Patriots' glistening defense without its starting passer. "Saturday Night Live" crystallized that incredulity with an eye-catching skit on Saturday night.

Here's what you need to know.

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Jarrett Stidham SNL sketch, explained

If casual audiences weren't familiar with Stidham, they got to know him on Saturday night. The Broncos passer was made the subject of a curious "Saturday Night Live" sketch.

The skit sees "Saturday Night Live" spoof "Monday Night Football", with Joe Buck (played by James Austin Johnson) and Troy Aikman (played by Andrew Dismukes) discussing the Broncos' chances of besting the Patriots in the AFC championship game. They sought the perspective of sideline reporter Lisa Salters (played by guest host and Academy Award nominee Teyana Taylor), who expressed doubt over Denver being able to mount an actual challenge on New England without Nix.

"The Broncos have nothing to be ashamed of," Salters riffed. "They had a great season and should hold their heads high. I'm sure they'll be a team to watch next year."

When Buck informed Salters that the game hadn't started yet, Salters was adamant.

"I mean, come on," Salters said. "They ain't got no quarterback. Come on."

After a brief commercial break, Salters returns to the screen, this time interviewing Stidham. She didn't know it was him, however, instead labeling her interviewee as a fan.

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

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

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

MORE: How Jarrett Stidham situation compares to Nick Foles in 2017 with Eagles

Watch NFL on ESPN sketch

SNL made the sketch available for fans to watch on YouTube.

Real odds of Broncos beating Patriots

The Patriots opened up as 5.5-point favorites ahead of Sunday's game, per DraftKings Sportsbook. That figure has since dropped to 4.5 points, per Invisible Insider. And it's as low as 3.5 at some books. The Broncos will have their work cut out for them if they hope to score the upset. But a stout defense and wintery conditions could aid in their pursuit of a positive result.

Denver head coach Sean Payton has found success with backup hurlers in the past. In 2019, the Saints turned to Teddy Bridgewater after starter Drew Brees was ruled out with injury. New Orleans went 5-0 under Bridgewater's spell, with the Saints giving him credence to make alterations at the line of scrimmage.

Broncos coach Sean Payton has been through a similar QB situation as he is today with Jarrett Stidham back in 2019. I spoke to Teddy Bridgewater, who won 5 games filling in for Drew Brees in New Orleans, as to why Stidham could follow his route to success. pic.twitter.com/rNSppHvrBn

NFL Network's Steve Wyche reported that the Broncos could employ a similar game plan with  Stidham on Sunday afternoon.

MORE: Full list of backup QBs to lead teams to Super Bowl wins