In a game that felt more like a test of willpower than a showcase of fireworks, the New England Patriots muscled their way past the Denver Broncos, 10-7, to punch their ticket to Super Bowl 60. The AFC Championship win wasn’t pretty-it was cold, it was gritty, and it was exactly the kind of game that rewards discipline, toughness, and execution in the moments that matter most.
A Snowy Slugfest
Let’s start with the setting: freezing temperatures and steady snowfall in Denver. The kind of weather that turns every yard into a battle and every snap into a challenge.
But the Patriots didn’t blink. They leaned into the conditions and found a way to grind out a win that sends them to their 12th Super Bowl in franchise history.
The deciding blow came via the right foot of kicker Andy Borregales, who drilled a 23-yard field goal in the third quarter through the snowflakes and swirling wind. That kick ended up being the difference, a small moment with massive implications.
But what really defined the Patriots’ win was a punishing 16-play drive that chewed up nearly ten minutes of clock. That’s not just ball control-that’s ball dominance.
It was the kind of drive that wears down a defense and breaks a team’s spirit. And in a game where points were at a premium, it was the Patriots’ ability to sustain that kind of possession that ultimately grounded a Broncos offense that never found its footing.
Drake Maye Leads the Way
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye was the steady hand in the storm. He didn’t light up the stat sheet, but he didn’t need to.
Maye finished with 65 rushing yards and scored the Patriots’ only touchdown, showcasing poise and athleticism in conditions that made even the simplest throws an adventure. His ability to navigate the snow and extend plays with his legs was a difference-maker, and his performance continues to validate New England’s investment in their young signal-caller.
Stefon Diggs: Finally, a Super Bowl
For Stefon Diggs, this win was more than just another playoff victory-it was a personal milestone. After years of coming up short in conference championship games with the Vikings and Bills, Diggs is finally heading to the Super Bowl.
His stat line-five catches for 17 yards-won’t turn heads, but his presence and impact go far beyond the box score. He’s been a steadying force for this young Patriots offense all year, and his leadership in the locker room has helped shape this team’s identity.
Diggs joined the Patriots last March on a three-year deal after a short stint with the Houston Texans. That move, at the time, raised some eyebrows.
But now? It looks like a masterstroke.
He brought veteran experience, playoff scars, and a hunger that’s helped fuel this Patriots run.
Cardi B: Front Row for the Journey
Watching it all unfold from the owner’s suite was Diggs’ girlfriend, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B. Her reaction to the win was raw and real-part joy, part pride, and all heart. She’s been by Diggs’ side throughout his recovery from a torn ACL, and seeing him reach this milestone made the moment that much sweeter.
"I'm feeling very excited, I'm very happy for him, very proud of him,” she told NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe after the game. “He just came back from an ACL, and me seeing the progress and the process of him going through there, from the first time he started running back."
Cardi B didn’t just show up for the cameras-she’s been a consistent presence throughout the season. From confirming their relationship in June to giving birth to their son in November, she’s been part of the Patriots’ extended family this year. And she’s fully embraced the role, complete with a Patriots cap and green hair at the snowy showdown in Denver.
When asked what she thinks has fueled Diggs’ comeback, her answer was simple and powerful: discipline.
"It's not like, oh, you wake up and you great. It's... it's discipline.
It's going to bed early. It's waking up early.
It's not missing one day of work, nothing. It's discipline.
Simple... hard discipline."
That mindset has clearly resonated in the Patriots’ locker room, where Diggs’ work ethic and focus have set the tone for a team that’s now one win away from football immortality.
On to Super Bowl 60
The Patriots will now face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60. Seattle earned its spot with a win in the NFC Championship game on the same day, setting up a heavyweight showdown between two franchises with plenty of big-stage experience.
For New England, this trip to the Super Bowl feels like a culmination of a season built on resilience, growth, and quiet confidence. And for Diggs, it’s the final step in a long journey-one that’s taken him through heartbreak, rehab, and now, a shot at the ultimate prize.
There’s still work to do, as Diggs himself reminded reporters after the game. But for now, the Patriots are back where they’ve so often found themselves in January-on top of the AFC, and heading to the biggest game in sports.