SNL NFL Sketch Draws Criticism for ESPN Branding and Broncos Portrayal

Overview

• Saturday Night Live parodied Denver’s quarterback situation before the AFC Championship, using an ESPN Monday Night Football setup with impressions of Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Lisa Salters.
• The real game is airing on CBS with Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, and Tracy Wolfson, a branding mismatch that became a focal point of reactions.
• The roughly four-and-a-half-minute segment leaned on a running promo gag for a fake Disney+ show called Quefs and had the sideline character prematurely declare the Broncos’ season over.
• Sports media voices and viewers widely panned the sketch for weak impressions and concept, with Awful Announcing highlighting a barrage of negative posts.
• Denver will start Jarrett Stidham after Bo Nix’s season-ending ankle injury, and some coverage noted unconfirmed speculation that SNL adjusted the bit following the injury.