Three Patriots backups to watch vs. Broncos in AFC Championship

On Sunday, the New England Patriots will face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship. 

The Patriots will rely on key starters like quarterback Drake Maye, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and cornerback Christian Gonzalez, but several backups can change the game's outcome. Here are three under-the-radar names to watch in New England's most important game of the 2025 season.

WR Efton Chism III

After New England third-string WR Mack Hollins suffered an abdominal injury in late December, Chism filled in. Chism played the final two games of the regular season and snagged three receptions for 75 yards and one touchdown. He remained in Hollins' role to begin the playoffs, managing just one reception for 20 yards across both games.

Chism will likely keep his role for the AFC Championship, as Hollins did not practice on Wednesday, per NBC Sports. Although he has yet to have an explosive game, Chism has the capacity to hurt NFL defenses. 

In two preseason games, he snagged 12 catches for 121 yards and two TDs. He also thrived during training camp, giving New England's starting cornerbacks a run for their money (98.5 The Sports Hub).

New England's starting receivers — Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte —are skillful enough to take down the Broncos secondary. But if Chism has a breakout game, with three explosive pieces, New England's receiving corps will be unstoppable.

CB Charles Woods

Starting CB Carlton Davis III is dealing with a head injury. Although he is expected to return, if his injury limits him on Sunday, Woods is the next man up.

He's appeared in 15 games this season, recording 12 tackles (10 solo, two assisted). Although Woods is a rotation player, expect him to perform well against Denver. 

Before starting quarterback Bo Nix's season-ending ankle injury, the Broncos had a slightly above-average offense (10th in yards, 14th in points). With backup Jarrett Stidham taking the reins, however, the unit is expected to regress. Stidham's last NFL pass attempt was in January 2024, and he lacks playoff experience. It would not be surprising if Woods and the rest of New England's defense have a dominant day against Denver's banged-up offensive unit.

Running back TreVeyon Henderson

The rookie had a wildly successful regular season (911 yards, 5.1 yards per rush, nine TDs), but has struggled in the postseason. Versus the Texans in the divisional round, he rushed for 25 yards (2.1 yards per rush), while teammate Rhamondre Stevenson had 16 rushes for 70 yards (4.4 YPR). 

The Patriots are likely to give the bulk of the carries to Stevenson against the Broncos, but if Henderson flourishes in his reduced role, he can make a sizable impact on the game.

New England had issues throwing the ball against Houston (five sacks, four fumbles). Having two explosive RBs in Stevenson and Henderson could rescue the team's struggling offense.