Can the Broncos Pull Off a Stunning Upset Against the Patriots?

AFC Championship Showdown: Patriots vs. Broncos

The AFC Championship Game is here, and it promises excitement as the Denver Broncos host the New England Patriots. This matchup features the top two seeds in the AFC, but the Broncos face a mountain of adversity without their starting quarterback, Bo Nix. Can Denver pull off an upset in front of their home crowd?

Key Storylines

The most significant narrative swirling around this game is the Broncos' challenge as they navigate through a season without their star quarterback. Bo Nix's ankle injury during the Divisional Round has thrown a wrench in Denver's playoff aspirations. In his absence, Jarrett Stidham will take the helm, stepping into a high-pressure situation against New England's formidable defense.

“This is a pivotal moment for Stidham. If he can lead this team effectively, it could define his future in the league.”

A Head-to-Head Analysis

Everything hinges on how well Stidham manages the game and whether the Broncos can establish their rushing attack. Denver has struggled without their top running back, J.K. Dobbins, who was instrumental in their early-season success. They have managed more than 100 rushing yards only four times in their last eight games. If they want to keep pace with the Patriots, they'll need to find a way to reignite that ground game and take some pressure off Stidham.

Offensive Challenges for the Broncos

Stidham's success will heavily depend on his supporting cast, especially with a banged-up roster. Star receivers Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant are dealing with injuries, which could limit their effectiveness. Stidham will need all weapons at his disposal to carve out a path offensively against a stingy Patriots defense that has excelled in creating turnovers this postseason.

The Patriots' Offensive Strategy

Contrarily, the Patriots enter this game with their MVP contender, Drake Maye. With an explosive offense that has churned out impressive numbers against their playoff opponents, New England's focus will be on establishing the run early. They've demonstrated effectiveness with their running game in recent outings, which could be crucial in handling the altitude and pressure of playing in Denver.

Defensive Showdown

The defensive battle here will excite many fans. The Patriots' defense has been a standout this postseason, suffocating the Chargers and Texans by causing significant quarterback pressures. Maye will need to be aware of Pro Bowl pass rusher Nik Bonitto and Denver's ability to disrupt the backfield. If Maye can find a rhythm and minimize turnovers, that could tilt the game in New England's favor.

How to Watch

• Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
• Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
• TV: CBS/Paramount+

Injury Updates

The Broncos walked into this game with glaring injury concerns. With Dobbins sidelined, their running back situation is tenuous. Stidham's first start will be critical, and the pressure mounts further with limited receiver contributions expected. On the other side, the Patriots must be wary of their own pass-blocking struggles, as Maye has faced intense pressure in past playoff games.

Predictions

While I believe this game could be tightly contested, I'm going to lean toward the Patriots to advance. If it comes down to which quarterback can handle the pressure better, I have to give MVP candidate Maye the edge. But watch out; there's a chance Stidham could rise to the occasion and shock everyone.