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Broncos vs Patriots: The Road to Super Bowl LX Runs Through Denver
The 2026 AFC Championship Game is set: the #1 seed Denver Broncos host the #2 seed New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, January 25th, 2026 at 1:00 PM MT (3:00 PM ET). With a trip to Super Bowl LX on the line, this clash between two 15-3 teams promises to be one of the most dramatic conference championship games in recent memory.
Adding to the intrigue: Denver will be without star quarterback Bo Nix, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the Broncos' thrilling overtime victory over the Bills. Backup Jarrett Stidham—a former Patriot himself—will take the reins against his old team. Meanwhile, Drake Maye has emerged as New England's franchise quarterback, leading the Patriots back to the conference title game for the first time since the Tom Brady era.
A Historic Rivalry Renewed
This marks the third time in 13 years that the Broncos and Patriots have met in the AFC Championship. Denver won both previous matchups at Mile High—in 2013 (26-16) and 2015 (20-18). The 2015 game sent Peyton Manning to his final Super Bowl, which the Broncos won. Now, a new generation of players writes the next chapter.
For the Patriots, this is their first AFC Championship appearance since 2018—the final postseason run of the Brady-Belichick dynasty. Under new head coach Mike Vrabel and with Maye at the helm, New England has returned to contender status faster than anyone predicted.
For the Broncos, this is Denver's first AFC Championship in a decade. Head coach Sean Payton has rebuilt this franchise into a defensive juggernaut that forced five turnovers against Josh Allen and the Bills in the Divisional Round.
The Quarterback Storyline
The elephant in the room: Bo Nix is out. The rookie sensation threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns against Buffalo before suffering the injury that ended his season. Enter Jarrett Stidham, who spent his first three NFL seasons in New England (2019-2022) before joining Denver. He hasn't attempted a regular-season pass since 2023, but now faces the biggest start of his career—against the team that drafted him.
Drake Maye has been sensational for New England. In the Divisional Round win over Houston, he threw three touchdowns while the Patriots defense picked off C.J. Stroud four times. Maye has silenced doubters and looks every bit like a franchise cornerstone.
What's at Stake
The winner advances to Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on February 8th, facing either the Seattle Seahawks or Los Angeles Rams. For Denver, it would be their first Super Bowl appearance since the 2015 championship run. For New England, it would continue their remarkable rebuild and prove the post-Brady era has officially arrived.
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How They Got Here
Denver Broncos Playoff Path
The Broncos earned the #1 seed and a first-round bye with a 15-3 record, claiming the AFC West title. In the Divisional Round, Denver faced the Buffalo Bills in an instant classic:
- Divisional Round: Broncos 33, Bills 30 (OT) – Denver's defense forced five turnovers, including four from Josh Allen. Bo Nix threw for 279 yards and three TDs before his injury.
New England Patriots Playoff Path
The Patriots also finished 15-3, earning the #2 seed as AFC East champions. Their playoff run:
- Wild Card Round: Patriots defeated the Chargers
- Divisional Round: Patriots 28, Texans 16 – Drake Maye threw three touchdowns while the defense intercepted C.J. Stroud four times, including a pick-six by Marcus Jones.
Key Players to Watch
Denver Broncos
- Jarrett Stidham (QB) – The former Patriot makes his first meaningful start since 2023 in the biggest game of his career
- Broncos Defense – Led the NFL in takeaways; forced five turnovers vs. Buffalo
- Sean Payton (HC) – The Super Bowl-winning coach has Denver one win from the big game
New England Patriots
- Drake Maye (QB) – The second-year QB has blossomed into a star; threw for three TDs vs. Houston
- Patriots Defense – Has been dominant in the playoffs with nine takeaways in two games
- Mike Vrabel (HC) – In his first year, has New England back in the AFC Championship
Game Day Information
Broadcast Details
- Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM MT / 3:00 PM ET
- TV: CBS (Jim Nantz & Tony Romo)
- Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+
Empower Field at Mile High
Empower Field at Mile High holds approximately 76,125 fans and sits at 5,280 feet elevation—the famous "Mile High" altitude that has challenged visiting teams for decades. Located at 1701 Bryant Street in Denver, the stadium offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and one of the most electric atmospheres in the NFL.
Getting to the Stadium
- RTD Light Rail: Take the C, E, or W lines to Sports Authority Field at Mile High Station
- Parking: Limited stadium parking available; arrive early or use satellite lots with shuttle service
- Rideshare: Designated pickup/dropoff zones on the north side of the stadium
Betting Line & Analysis
Despite being the home team and #1 seed, the Broncos opened as 4.5-point underdogs due to Bo Nix's injury. The over/under is set at 40.5, reflecting expectations of a defensive battle. Vegas rarely makes a home #1 seed an underdog in a conference championship—this line speaks to how significant Nix's absence is perceived to be.
Historical Context
The Broncos and Patriots have met three times previously in the AFC Championship:
- January 2015: Broncos 20, Patriots 18 (Denver advances to Super Bowl 50, wins championship)
- January 2014: Broncos 26, Patriots 16 (Denver advances to Super Bowl 48)
- January 2006: Broncos 27, Patriots 13 (Denver advances to conference championship era)
The Patriots have never won a playoff game in Denver during the modern era. Will that change Sunday?
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 AFC Championship Game?
The AFC Championship Game is Sunday, January 25, 2026. Kickoff is at 1:00 PM Mountain Time (3:00 PM Eastern) at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Who is playing in the AFC Championship?
The #1 seed Denver Broncos host the #2 seed New England Patriots. Both teams finished the regular season with 15-3 records. The winner advances to Super Bowl LX.
Is Bo Nix playing in the AFC Championship?
No. Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury during the Divisional Round win over Buffalo. Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, a former Patriot, will start for Denver.
Who is Jarrett Stidham?
Jarrett Stidham is the Broncos' backup quarterback who will start the AFC Championship. He was drafted by the Patriots in 2019 and spent three seasons in New England before joining Denver. This will be his first significant NFL start since 2023.
What channel is the AFC Championship on?
The game will be broadcast on CBS with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo on the call. It will also stream on Paramount+ and NFL+.
What is the capacity of Empower Field at Mile High?
Empower Field at Mile High holds approximately 76,125 fans for NFL games. The stadium is located at 5,280 feet elevation, giving Denver its famous "Mile High" home-field advantage.
How do I get to Empower Field at Mile High?
The stadium is accessible via RTD Light Rail (C, E, or W lines to the stadium station), rideshare services, or parking. Stadium parking is limited for high-demand games; satellite lots with shuttle service are recommended.
When is Super Bowl LX?
Super Bowl LX is Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The AFC Champion will face either the Seattle Seahawks or Los Angeles Rams.
What are the current betting odds?
The Broncos opened as 4.5-point home underdogs due to Bo Nix's injury. The Patriots are -250 on the moneyline, with the Broncos at +205. The over/under is 40.5 points.
Have the Patriots ever won a playoff game in Denver?
No. The Patriots are 0-3 in playoff games at Denver during the modern era. The Broncos won AFC Championship matchups in 2006, 2014, and 2015, all at Mile High.
Is this an official NFL ticket website?
No. We are an independent ticket resale marketplace connecting fans with verified third-party sellers. Prices are set by sellers and may be above or below face value. We are not affiliated with the NFL, Broncos, or Patriots.
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