AFC Championship Game Preview: Patriots at Broncos

Playoff Resume Check

Patriots

• Divisional Round: Defeated Houston 28–16 in snowy conditions
• Forced five turnovers, overcoming multiple offensive miscues
• Winners of 15 of their last 16 games, including playoffs
• Defense continues to dictate games while the offense controls tempo rather than chasing points

Broncos

• Divisional Round: Beat Buffalo 33–30 in an overtime thriller
• Game featured controversial calls, but Denver capitalized late with a clutch field goal
• Major setback: QB Bo Nix suffered a season-ending broken ankle in overtime
• Jarrett Stidham steps in with no playoff experience and just four career starts

Key Injuries

Broncos:

• Bo Nix (QB) – Out, broken bone in ankle

Patriots:

• Carlton Davis (CB) – In concussion protocol, status uncertain

Star Players to Watch

Patriots

• Drake Maye (QB): Poised and resilient; must stay efficient and avoid turnovers
• TreVeyon Henderson & Rhamondre Stevenson (RBs): Key to controlling tempo and clock
• Christian Gonzalez (CB): Can erase Denver’s top receiving threat
• Matthew Judon & Patriots front seven: Disrupting Stidham will define this matchup

Broncos

• Courtland Sutton (WR): Primary target and red-zone weapon
• Zach Allen (DE): Interior disruption to slow New England’s run game
• Nik Bonitto (LB): Must generate pressure on Maye to keep Denver competitive
• Pat Surtain II (CB): If he locks down one side, Denver’s defense gains flexibility
• Wil Lutz (K): A proven clutch leg in a game likely decided by margins

How Each Team Wins

Patriots Win If:

• They control time of possession and eliminate self-inflicted mistakes
• The pass rush forces Stidham into rushed decisions and turnovers
• They turn the game into a one-dimensional Denver offense

Broncos Win If:

• Stidham plays mistake-free football and sustains long drives
• Denver dominates the trenches and shortens the game
• Special teams or defensive takeaways flip momentum

Prediction

This shapes up as a tense, physical battle between two elite defenses. Denver’s loss of Bo Nix is simply too much to overcome at this stage, especially against a Patriots team playing this red hot. New England’s ability to pressure the quarterback, win the turnover battle, and control the clock ultimately proves decisive.

Final Score:
Patriots 23, Broncos 13

New England advances to Super Bowl LX, their first appearance since the 2019 season—when they defeated the Rams 13–3 to secure their sixth Lombardi Trophy.