The Denver Broncos are one win away from the Super Bowl, and while the quarterback situation has shifted with Jarrett Stidham taking the reins, don’t count them out just yet. In fact, there’s a real case to be made that Denver isn’t just capable of beating the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship - they might just run them off the field.
Let’s break down three key reasons why the Broncos could dominate this matchup and punch their ticket to the big game.
1. Denver’s Pass Rush Could Wreck This Game
If you’ve been watching the Broncos lately, you know their pass rush is no joke. It’s not just good - it’s disruptive, relentless, and flat-out dangerous. And when you stack it up against what the Patriots have faced so far this postseason, it’s a different beast entirely.
Drake Maye has already been sacked 10 times in two playoff games - both of them at home. That’s five sacks per game, and now he’s heading into one of the most hostile environments in the NFL. The Broncos’ front seven thrives at altitude, and if they’re already getting home against more mobile quarterbacks or better-protected ones, it’s not far-fetched to think they could bring Maye down six or seven times in this one.
And it’s not just about the sacks. Maye has fumbled six times in the playoffs.
That’s a red flag - especially against a defense that knows how to turn pressure into turnovers. Even when the Patriots have managed to string together solid drives, those drives have been vulnerable to collapse under pressure.
That’s exactly the kind of chaos Denver’s defense is built to create.
2. Drake Maye’s First Road Playoff Start Comes in the NFL’s Toughest Venue
Let’s not overlook the moment here. Drake Maye has shown flashes in the postseason, but this is his first road playoff start - and it’s coming in Denver, where quarterbacks go to struggle. The altitude, the crowd noise, the speed of that Broncos defense - it’s a lot for any quarterback, let alone a rookie still finding his footing.
Sure, he’s made it this far, but this is a different kind of test. And if you want a reminder that even elite QBs can stumble in the playoffs, just look at Josh Allen’s performance in the Divisional Round. Maye isn’t immune to those struggles - especially when the defense is fast, physical, and playing with confidence.
And while the spotlight has been shining on Jarrett Stidham this week, it’s Maye who might be under the most pressure. If he can’t handle the heat, this game could get out of hand quickly.
3. Sean Payton Has a History With Backup QBs - and a Plan for Stidham
Let’s talk about the man on the sidelines for Denver. Sean Payton has made a career out of getting the most out of his quarterbacks - not just the stars, but the backups too.
And Jarrett Stidham isn’t just a random plug-in; he was the first free agent Payton brought in when he took over in Denver. That says something.
Payton knows how to build a game plan that plays to a quarterback’s strengths, and he’s had time to tailor this one specifically for Stidham. Don’t expect the Broncos to go conservative - expect them to go smart. Stidham is playing in front of a home crowd, with a coach who believes in him, and against a defense that, while solid, did allow a 93.1 opposing passer rating this season.
That’s not lockdown defense. That’s a defense that can be tested - and if Stidham gets into rhythm, he has the tools and the support to keep the chains moving.
This isn’t about surviving with a backup quarterback. This is about attacking with one.
Bottom Line: Don’t Sleep on Denver
This isn’t just a feel-good story about a backup quarterback getting his shot. This is a team with a ferocious defense, a veteran head coach who knows how to win in January, and a home-field advantage that’s as real as it gets. The Patriots are a solid team, and Drake Maye has shown promise, but this is a tall task - maybe too tall.
If the Broncos play to their strengths, control the line of scrimmage, and force Maye into mistakes, this could be more than a win. It could be a statement.