ENGLEWOOD — After being the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II was named just second-team All-Pro in 2025.

So how is he handling this?

“I’m always looking to be on top of my game, so it is something that is a motivation there, but it’s all good,’’ Surtain told The Denver Gazette after Thursday’s practice at Broncos Park.

But will there be any extra motivation for Surtain in Saturday’s divisional playoff game against Buffalo at Empower Field at Mile High?

“No doubt,’’ he said.

Surtain, who was named first-team All-Pro in 2022 and 2024, likely slipped to the second team in voting from a media panel because he missed three games in the middle of the season with a pectoral injury. But Surtain, who was named to his fourth straight Pro Bowl, did receive the ultimate compliment this week from Broncos Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey.

Appearing Wednesday on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,’’ Bailey was asked to compare himself to Surtain. Bailey played in the NFL from 1999-2013, including with 2004-13 the Broncos, but didn’t win a championship, being on the losing end in Super Bowl XLVIII in his final season.

“I believe when it’s all said and done, he can be one of the greatest of all time if he stays on this path,’’ Bailey said. “I got a lot of respect for him. I told him last week I’m his biggest fan. … I believe he’ll be better, when you reflect on both our careers. … He’ll probably have a championship… He’s the most consistent player I’ve seen in the game at all positions. So I take pride in watching in him and really watching his play because he teaches me things that I wish I could do when I played.”

Surtain was flattered when asked about Bailey’s praise.

“I’ve got a long way to go, but that’s the ultimate compliment, for sure,’’ Surtain said. “I know Champ obviously over the years since being here. He’s shown me nothing but love when I reach out to him. I ask him for tips and stuff like that.”

Surtain, in his fifth Broncos season, is preparing to take the field for his second NFL playoff game. He called the situation very different from when Denver lost 31-7 in a wild-card playoff game last January at Buffalo. The Broncos are the No. 1 seed in the AFC while the Bills are No. 6.

“It always feels good getting that home-field advantage, being in the position where we’re at now,’’ Surtain said. “It’s a different year, different ball game, more confident, a more experienced team. But we still got to go there and play our game regardless. But I’m confident. We had a great week of practice and now it’s all about putting it together. … Just to be home in the playoffs with everything in front of us, I already know it’s going to be loud. The stadium is going to be rocking.”

The Bills have had numerous injuries at wide receiver, but Surtain said the Broncos can’t underestimate their aerial attack. Buffalo still has star quarterback Josh Allen, the 2024 NFL MVP, who also throws a lot to tight ends and running backs.

“All you can do is focus on your job and your assignment at the end of the day and not to overlook (Buffalo’s receivers) because it’s the NFL,’’ Surtain said. “They’re going to play hard and play to the best of (their) abilities. … Their offense varies from time to time from what I’ve seen. It’s the playoffs. So you got to be ready for anything they throw at you.”

Surtain figures the time is right for him to shine in the playoffs.

“It’s all about playing my brand of football,’’ Surtain said.

After not being named first-team All-Pro, he now has some additional motivation.