The Denver Broncos are one win away from the biggest stage in football - Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara. But standing in their way is a New England Patriots team that’s been one of the most complete squads in the NFL this season.
If Denver wants to punch its ticket to the big game, they’ll need a near-flawless performance on both sides of the ball. Let’s break down what makes this Patriots team so dangerous - and how the Broncos can counter.
Patriots in 2025: Balanced, Disciplined, and Dangerous
New England didn’t just win the AFC East - they dominated it. A 14-3 regular season record speaks volumes, but the numbers behind it tell the full story.
Offensively, they finished second in the league in points scored and third in total yards. Defensively, they were just as stout, allowing the fourth-fewest points and ranking eighth in yards allowed.
They also finished top 10 in turnover margin - a stat that often separates contenders from pretenders.
This is a team that doesn’t beat itself. They’re efficient, physical, and well-coached on both sides of the ball. Head coach Mike Vrabel has brought a hard-nosed identity to the locker room, and it’s paying off in a big way.
Offensive X-Factor: Drake Maye
Let’s start with the guy under center. In just his second NFL season, Drake Maye has blossomed into one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks. Under the guidance of Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Maye has taken a massive leap forward - and the numbers back it up.
He threw for 4,394 yards, completed a league-best 72% of his passes, and tossed 31 touchdowns to just eight interceptions. Add in another 450 yards and four scores on the ground, and you’ve got a dual-threat quarterback who earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. Not bad for a second-year signal-caller.
What makes Maye so dangerous isn’t just his arm talent - it’s his poise and decision-making. He doesn’t force the ball, and he’s capable of extending plays with his legs.
That said, he hasn’t looked quite as sharp in the postseason. If the Broncos can keep him off rhythm, they’ve got a real shot.
Denver’s secondary was lights-out against Josh Allen last week, holding him to 0-for-9 on passes of 20+ yards. That’s the kind of performance they’ll need to replicate, because Maye thrives on pushing the ball downfield. If they can take away the deep shot and force him to dink and dunk, it’ll go a long way toward slowing down this Patriots offense.
Defensive X-Factor: Milton Williams
While Maye gets most of the headlines, the Patriots’ defense has been just as vital to their success - and Milton Williams is a big reason why.
The former Eagle signed a massive free-agent deal last offseason, making him the second-highest-paid interior defensive lineman in the league at $26 million per year. And he’s played up to that paycheck. In just 12 games, Williams racked up 29 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks - all while playing only 60% of the snaps and missing five games.
He’s not just a pass rusher. Williams is a force against the run, often commanding double teams and opening up lanes for his teammates to make plays. He’s the kind of disruptive presence that can wreck a game plan if left unchecked.
The Broncos’ interior offensive line will have its hands full. If Luke Wattenberg is healthy and able to go at center, that’s a big plus. But if Denver has to lean on Alex Forsyth or Sam Mustipher, the matchup gets a lot tougher - especially with Christian Barmore also lurking on that Patriots front.
Protecting Jarrett Stidham and establishing the run game will be critical. Denver’s offensive line has held up well all season, but this will be one of their biggest tests yet.
What Denver Needs to Do to Win
Let’s be clear - this is going to be a battle. Both teams are well-coached, disciplined, and capable of winning in multiple ways. But for the Broncos to come out on top, a few things need to happen.
1. Establish the Run Early
If J.K. Dobbins is healthy and ready to go, that could be a game-changer.
Denver needs to find success on early downs to stay out of obvious passing situations - especially against a front as talented as New England’s. A strong ground game will also help take pressure off Stidham and open up play-action opportunities.
2. Pressure Drake Maye
Denver’s front seven has to get after it. Maye is too comfortable when he has time in the pocket, and he’s dangerous when plays break down.
The Broncos need to generate pressure without overcommitting - collapsing the pocket while keeping contain will be key. If they can make Maye uncomfortable, they’ll give themselves a chance to force mistakes.
3. Limit Explosive Plays
New England’s offense isn’t built on one star - it’s a collective effort. Their tight ends and running backs are sneaky good at creating chunk plays in the passing game. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph will need to scheme up a plan to take away those mismatches and force the Patriots to earn every yard.
4. Win the Turnover Battle
This might be the biggest key of all. The Patriots don’t give the ball away often, and they capitalize when you do.
Denver needs to play clean football and find a way to create one or two momentum-swinging plays on defense. A timely interception or strip-sack could be the difference in a game that’s likely to be decided by a handful of plays.
The stage is set, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Patriots are the more balanced team on paper, but the Broncos have shown they can rise to the occasion.
If they execute their game plan and play to their strengths, there’s no reason they can’t walk out of this one with a ticket to Santa Clara. Buckle up - it’s going to be a good one.