Three Under-the-Radar Patriots Who Could Swing the AFC Championship
The New England Patriots are set to square off against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship on Sunday - a heavyweight bout that could punch New England’s ticket back to the Super Bowl. With rookie quarterback Drake Maye under center, veteran wideout Stefon Diggs stretching the field, and cornerback Christian Gonzalez anchoring the secondary, the Patriots have their stars in place. But as is often the case in January football, it might be the lesser-known names who end up making the biggest plays.
Here are three Patriots flying under the radar who could end up being difference-makers in the biggest game of New England’s 2025 season.
WR Efton Chism III: A Role Player With Playmaker Potential
When Mack Hollins went down with an abdominal injury in late December, New England turned to rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III to fill the void. Chism stepped in during the final two games of the regular season and made the most of limited opportunities - hauling in three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. The production dipped in the playoffs, where he’s managed just one catch for 20 yards across two games, but the opportunity is still there.
With Hollins still sidelined - he didn’t practice Wednesday - Chism is likely to retain his role heading into Sunday’s showdown. And while he hasn’t had a breakout moment yet in the postseason, the potential is there.
Chism turned heads in the preseason with 12 catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns, and his training camp performances were strong enough to earn praise from within the building. He consistently challenged New England’s top corners, showing he’s more than just a depth piece.
The Broncos will have their hands full with Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte, but if Chism can pop for a few chunk plays, it could stretch Denver’s secondary thin. In a game where every yard will matter, don’t be surprised if Chism sneaks into a pivotal moment.
CB Charles Woods: Next Man Up in the Secondary
Carlton Davis III is working his way back from a head injury, and although he’s expected to suit up, there’s no guarantee he’ll be at full strength. That puts Charles Woods in a potential spot-start situation - or at the very least, a heavier rotational role.
Woods has logged time in 15 games this season, posting 12 total tackles (10 solo). While those numbers don’t jump off the page, his steady presence has been valuable in a secondary that’s had to shuffle pieces throughout the year. If Davis is limited or suffers a setback, Woods will be tasked with helping slow down a Denver passing game that’s already been forced into a major transition.
With Bo Nix sidelined due to a season-ending ankle injury, the Broncos are turning to Jarrett Stidham - a quarterback who hasn’t attempted a pass since January 2024 and has zero playoff experience. Denver’s offense was respectable with Nix (10th in total yards, 14th in points), but with Stidham under center, it’s fair to expect a drop-off. That puts the spotlight on New England’s defense, and Woods could find himself in a position to capitalize on a shaky passing attack.
If the Patriots’ front seven pressures Stidham early, Woods and the rest of the secondary could feast on rushed throws and misreads. In a game of inches, a timely pass breakup or turnover could be the spark that swings momentum - and Woods has the tools to deliver just that.
RB TreVeyon Henderson: A Rookie Looking to Reignite
TreVeyon Henderson’s regular season was nothing short of electric. The rookie back piled up 911 rushing yards, averaged 5.1 yards per carry, and found the end zone nine times. But the postseason has been a different story.
Against Houston in the Divisional Round, Henderson was bottled up - rushing for just 25 yards on 12 carries (2.1 YPC). Meanwhile, Rhamondre Stevenson carried the load with 16 carries for 70 yards and a more efficient 4.4 yards per tote.
Heading into the AFC Championship, Stevenson is expected to lead the backfield again. But Henderson isn’t going away.
Even in a reduced role, he brings a burst and big-play ability that can flip a drive - or a game - in an instant. If he can find a crease or two, Henderson could provide the kind of explosive change-of-pace that keeps Denver’s defense guessing.
That might be exactly what New England needs. The Patriots struggled to protect Maye against the Texans, giving up five sacks and coughing up four fumbles.
With the offensive line under pressure, a dynamic ground game becomes even more critical. If both Stevenson and Henderson are clicking, it gives New England a two-headed rushing attack that can control tempo and take pressure off their rookie quarterback.
The Bottom Line
Championship games often come down to more than just the stars. It’s the unexpected heroes - the third-string wideout, the rotational corner, the rookie back looking to bounce back - who can tilt the field. Efton Chism III, Charles Woods, and TreVeyon Henderson may not be household names just yet, but their roles on Sunday could be pivotal.
If they rise to the moment, the Patriots might just find themselves heading back to the Super Bowl.