Broncos vs. Patriots refs spark controversy changing ruling on disastrous Jarrett Stidham decision

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Broncos vs. Patriots refs spark controversy changing ruling on disastrous Jarrett Stidham decision

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Thomas Goldkamp | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 6:11 PM ET

A controversial ruling in the AFC Championship Game between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots could have significant ramifications. The play in question ultimately ended up ruled as a turnover.

Initially, though, officials indicated that Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham had committed intentional grounding after being chased down in the pocket and trying to get rid of the ball. That would have kept possession with Denver after New England had scooped up the live ball on the field. But upon further review, Stidham’s intended pass traveled backwards, making it a fumble.

New England recovered and took over with the ball inside the red zone, trailing 7-0 late in the second quarter. It was a huge potential momentum swing before halftime, one that the Patriots capitalized on in just two plays after quarterback Drake Maye took a quarterback keeper up the middle for the tying score.

Play is ruled a fumble and @Patriots ball

NEvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/KIe2UPl47Q
— NFL (@NFL) January 25, 2026

The Broncos, of course, are playing with Stidham after losing starting quarterback Bo Nix in the previous round of playoff action. Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury, ruling him out for the rest of the playoff run.

Ahead of the AFC Championship Game between the Broncos and the Patriots, reports emerged about the length of Nix’s expected recovery. ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided more.

Timeline for Broncos QB Bo Nix

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is expected to be sidelined for 12 weeks after undergoing successful surgery to repair his broken ankle, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He suffered the injury against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round last weekend.

According to Schefter, Nix is not supposed to put any pressure on his ankle to four weeks, but the recovery time will take a couple of extra months. That means if the Broncos beat the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game on Sunday, there’s no chance Nix will make a miraculous recovery before then.

Nix broke his ankle against the Bills in overtime, but was able to finish the game seemingly uninjured. He even led Denver to the game-winning drive that resulted in a Wil Lutz field goal.

Head coach Sean Payton called a press conference after his initial media availability to reveal the news. In his place, Stidham was set to start for the Broncos on Sunday.

On3’s Barkley Truax also contributed to this report.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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