The AFC Championship Game is set to deliver one of the most anticipated matchups of the NFL playoffs as the Denver Broncos host the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, January 25, 2026. With kickoff scheduled for 3:00 PM ET, the winner will earn a ticket to Super Bowl 60, capping off a dramatic season for both franchises.
The Broncos, finishing the regular season with a 14-3 record as the top seed in the AFC, secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. They advanced to this stage with a thrilling 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round. However, the win came at a significant cost, as rookie quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury late in the game. Jarrett Stidham, a former Patriots draft pick who has spent time with Denver, will step in as the starter.
Stidham brings familiarity with New England’s system, having been drafted by them and coached under Josh McDaniels, but he enters with limited recent experience, having made only a handful of career starts.
Despite the quarterback uncertainty, the Broncos boast one of the league’s stingiest defenses, which has been the backbone of their success. They allowed just 18.3 points per game during the regular season while ranking among the top units in yards allowed. The home-field advantage at Mile High is no small factor—Denver’s 8-1 home record reflects the challenges opponents face with the altitude, thin air, and raucous crowd noise that often disrupt visiting teams’ rhythm.
On the other side, the New England Patriots also posted a 14-3 record, claiming the AFC East title and advancing with a convincing 28-16 win over the Houston Texans in the divisional round. Under head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots have revitalized their program in the post-Bill Belichick era, leaning on a balanced offense led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Maye has shown poise and growth, guiding the team to high-powered production that averaged 28.8 points per game. New England’s defense has been opportunistic, forcing turnovers and pressuring quarterbacks effectively.
This matchup marks the third time the two teams have met in the AFC Championship Game and the sixth overall postseason encounter. The all-time series between the Broncos and Patriots stands at 55 games, with Denver holding a 31-24 edge, including a 3-2 advantage in playoff meetings. The Broncos are undefeated at home against New England in the postseason, winning all four previous encounters in Denver, including memorable victories in 2015 (30-24 in overtime) and 2016 (20-18). Those games were defined by late drama, defensive stands, and the altitude wearing down the visitors.
Recent regular-season clashes have also been competitive. In 2023, the Broncos edged the Patriots 26-23 in Denver, showcasing the tight nature of this rivalry. Games between these teams rarely blow out early, often coming down to critical plays in the fourth quarter or overtime.
Viewing options for fans are straightforward and widely accessible. The game will be broadcast nationally on CBS, with Jim Nantz handling play-by-play duties alongside color analyst Tony Romo. Sideline reporting will come from Tracy Wolfson and Evan Washburn. For those preferring to stream, Paramount+ will carry the live broadcast, requiring a subscription for access. Fans can also tune in via the CBS app on mobile devices or connected TVs, provided they have valid credentials.
Betting markets reflect the intrigue surrounding the quarterback situation. The Patriots opened as road favorites, with lines around -4.5 to -5.5 points and an over/under in the low 40s. Some analysts see value in the Broncos as home underdogs, citing their elite defense and the difficulty of playing in Denver. Others point to New England’s offensive firepower and experience in big games as reasons they could cover and advance.
Storylines abound heading into Sunday. For Denver, it’s a chance to return to the Super Bowl for the first time since the Peyton Manning-led era, proving their defense can carry them despite the offensive adjustments. Sean Payton’s coaching acumen will be tested as he schemes around Stidham’s strengths while leaning on a run game and play-action to keep the Patriots’ defense honest.
New England, meanwhile, seeks to reclaim championship glory and make a statement that the franchise is back among the elite. A road win in Denver would mark their first postseason victory there, overcoming a historical hurdle.
The altitude factor looms large, potentially affecting the Patriots’ conditioning and special teams. Turnovers, penalties, and time of possession will likely decide the outcome, as both teams excel at controlling the ball.
This clash between two 14-3 powerhouses promises intensity, strategy, and high stakes. Whether the Broncos’ defense and home advantage prevail or the Patriots’ balanced attack and quarterback edge shine through, the victor will head to Super Bowl 60 with momentum on their side.
As the NFL’s conference title games approach, all eyes turn to Mile High for what could be a classic. Fans across the country can settle in at 3:00 PM ET on CBS or Paramount+ for a game that could define the 2025 season.
