Broncos vs. Patriots: 3 Keys to Victory as Denver Looks to Stay Perfect at Home
The Broncos weren’t supposed to be here - at least, not if you asked most people back in September. But here we are, deep into January, and Denver is still standing, still fighting, and still proving doubters wrong. Now, with a chance to punch their ticket to the AFC Championship Game, they’ll need to defend their home turf against a familiar playoff foe: the New England Patriots.
This isn’t just another postseason matchup - it’s a rivalry with real history. Sunday’s game marks the 56th all-time meeting between these two franchises, with Denver holding a 31-24 edge.
That includes five playoff clashes, most recently a pair of AFC Championship Games - both won by the Broncos. In fact, the Patriots have never won a playoff game in Denver (0-4).
The altitude hasn’t been kind to New England, and the Broncos would love to keep it that way.
So how does Denver keep its perfect home record intact and continue this improbable playoff run? Let’s break it down.
1. Stick With the Ground Game - And Get All the Backs Involved
Bo Nix showed poise and playmaking ability last weekend, delivering a strong performance both through the air and on the ground. But ideally, the Broncos wouldn’t need their rookie quarterback to carry that much of the offensive load. Early in the game, Denver’s run game found some rhythm - and then, for reasons unknown, it disappeared from the play sheet.
That can’t happen again.
Jaleel McLaughlin has been a pleasant surprise between the tackles, filling in admirably for the injured J.K. Dobbins.
R.J. Harvey, meanwhile, continues to flash big-play potential in open space.
Even if his best touches come via the passing game, that’s still a win. Sean Payton has long treated swing passes and screens as an extension of the run game, and Harvey thrives in those situations.
Among all rookies this season, Harvey leads the pack with a passer rating of 120.6 when targeted - that’s elite efficiency.
And now, with Dobbins officially activated off injured reserve, the Broncos have a chance to truly lean into a three-headed rushing attack. Add in an offensive line that was creating lanes against Buffalo, and the formula is there: control the clock, keep Nix in manageable situations, and wear down New England’s front seven.
2. Make Drake Maye Feel the Heat - Early and Often
If there’s one consistent theme in New England’s playoff run so far, it’s this: their offensive line has struggled to keep their rookie quarterback upright. In back-to-back games, the Patriots have given up five sacks.
Drake Maye has fumbled six times in those two games - and lost three of them. That’s not just pressure; that’s game-changing disruption.
Enter Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper.
Bonitto finished the regular season with more sacks than either Odafe Oweh or Will Anderson Jr. - the two edge rushers who wreaked havoc on Maye in previous rounds. He also boasts the second-fastest get-off in the league, with Cooper not far behind at fourth. That kind of explosiveness off the edge is a nightmare for a young quarterback still adjusting to playoff speed.
And while New England’s rookie left tackle Will Campbell has shown flashes of promise, he’s been overwhelmed in the postseason. Denver has to take advantage.
That might mean ditching the more conservative "keep the QB in the pocket" approach in favor of a more aggressive, sack-hunting mindset. Maye can move, but he’s no Josh Allen - he’s not going to beat you with his legs in the same way.
The mission is clear: hit Maye, make him uncomfortable, and force him into mistakes. This defense has thrived on turnovers all season. Sunday should be no different.
3. Protect the Football and Win the Turnover Battle
In a game like this, every possession is magnified. The Broncos know that better than anyone after last week’s win over Buffalo - a game where the defense didn’t force punts, but still came up with critical takeaways. That’s not a sustainable blueprint, but it worked when it mattered.
This week, the pressure is on both sides of the ball to take care of business.
Jarrett Stidham, in particular, has to play smart. That doesn’t mean playing scared or overly conservative - it means understanding the stakes and avoiding the kind of throws that swing momentum the wrong way. New England’s offense can put up points quickly, and falling behind early could be a tough hole to climb out of.
On defense, the Broncos need to keep doing what they’ve done best: creating chaos. Turnovers don’t just stop drives - they set up short fields and give the offense a chance to cash in. And in a game that could come down to a handful of plays, that extra possession or two could be the difference between moving on and going home.
Final Thought
The Broncos are right where they want to be: at home, in the playoffs, with momentum on their side. The Patriots have the pedigree, but Denver has the history - and a defense that’s built to make life miserable for a rookie quarterback. If they can stick with the run, rattle Maye, and protect the football, there’s no reason this Cinderella run has to end just yet.
Sunday’s going to be a battle. But the Broncos have shown they’re more than ready for it.