The Denver Broncos were one win away from Super Bowl LX. One win.
But when the final whistle blew in the AFC Championship Game, it didn’t just feel like a loss-it felt like a gut punch. That’s the brutal reality of the NFL.
One moment, you’re riding the high of a postseason run. The next, you’re watching another team hoist the Lamar Hunt Trophy on your own field.
Now comes the hard part: figuring out how to get back. And in this league, that’s anything but easy.
The Broncos hadn’t been this close since their Super Bowl 50 win back in 2015. It took ten years to climb back into this position, and while this loss will sting for a while, the offseason grind starts immediately for Sean Payton, GM George Paton, and the rest of the organization. Let’s break down what went wrong, what went right, and what it all means for a team that came up just short.
Two Game-Changing Moments-Both From Denver
Let’s start with the two most pivotal plays in the game-and yes, both were made by the Broncos. Unfortunately, one was a gamble that didn’t pay off, and the other was a mistake that flipped the game on its head.
The Fourth-and-One Gamble
Early in the game, Denver had a chance to go up 10-0 with a chip-shot field goal. Instead, Sean Payton kept the offense on the field for a 4th-and-1 at the Patriots’ 14-yard line.
Aggressive? Yes.
Controversial? Absolutely.
Now, if that call ends in a touchdown and the Broncos go up 14-0, we’re probably talking about Sean Payton as the coach heading to another Super Bowl. But that’s not how it played out.
The play call itself-rather than the decision to go for it-deserves the most scrutiny. The Patriots sniffed it out before the snap, and the execution was flat-out poor.
In today’s NFL, most teams are leaning on the quarterback sneak in those situations. Denver didn’t.
And it cost them.
Still, to pin the loss solely on this decision is overly simplistic. Given the weather, the quarterback situation, and the importance of every point, you can argue the safer move was to take the three.
But calling it the reason for the loss? That’s a stretch.
The Backwards Pass That Wasn’t
This was the turning point. The Patriots hadn’t even crossed midfield before this play. Then came the controversial call.
Jarrett Stidham was trying to get rid of the ball under pressure. It was initially ruled an incomplete pass with intentional grounding.
But after a quick conference, officials reversed the call-ruling it a backwards pass and a live ball. The Patriots recovered and scored their only touchdown of the game two plays later.
Looking at the replay, it’s hard to see how that wasn’t just a deflected forward pass. But regardless of the officiating, the bigger issue was decision-making.
Stidham had to eat that sack. Instead, he tried to make a play, and it gave New England the momentum-and ultimately, the game.
Bo Nix’s Absence Was Felt
Let’s be honest here: Jarrett Stidham wasn’t good enough. Broncos fans were hopeful, but this game showed just how much Bo Nix means to this offense. With Nix under center, there’s a strong case to be made that Denver wins this game.
If there’s a silver lining, it’s this-Denver has found its quarterback. Nix’s value was on full display by not being on the field.
The offense lacked rhythm, confidence, and explosiveness without him. That’s not a knock on Stidham; it’s a testament to how much Nix has grown into the role.
Weather Took Over in the Second Half
The weather was a factor all game, but it became the factor in the second half. At halftime, the snow started falling hard at Empower Field.
The wind picked up. The field got slick.
And any semblance of offensive flow disappeared.
The Patriots were fortunate to get the ball first after halftime. They marched down the field-before conditions got too brutal-and kicked a short field goal. That ended up being the game-winner.
From that point on, it was trench warfare. First downs were hard to come by.
Passing the ball was nearly impossible. The weather didn’t favor either team, but New England capitalized on the one clean drive they had.
Denver didn’t.
Denver Needs More Firepower-Plain and Simple
This loss highlighted something we already knew: the Broncos need more weapons on offense. After last year’s Wild Card loss to Buffalo, Denver made some moves-signing tight end Evan Engram and drafting wideout Tyrese Harvey in the second round.
That was a good start. But now it’s time to get aggressive.
A legitimate running back should be a top priority. Someone like Breece Hall, if he hits the open market, would be a game-changer.
Denver’s ground game was virtually nonexistent in this one. In weather like that, you need to be able to run the ball.
They couldn’t.
And while we’re at it, a true No. 1 wide receiver is still missing from this roster. Free agency might offer names like Deebo Samuel or Wan’Dale Robinson, but if the right guy isn’t available, the Broncos should be willing to swing big on a trade.
They’ve got their quarterback. Now it’s time to surround him with elite talent.
The Better Team Didn’t Win-But That’s Football
Let’s call it what it is: Denver was the better team. Even with Stidham at quarterback, they outgained New England, controlled the clock, and had more scoring opportunities.
But in the playoffs, execution is everything. And the Broncos just didn’t execute when it mattered most.
That’s not to take anything away from the Patriots. They made the plays they needed to make.
They took advantage of their one big break. They earned the win.
But if Bo Nix is healthy, this game probably has a very different ending.
Instead, the Broncos are heading into the offseason with a bitter taste in their mouths-and a clear sense of what needs to happen next.
What’s Next?
This team is close. Really close.
But this loss should serve as a wake-up call. The margin for error in the NFL is razor thin, and if Denver wants to be back in this game next year-with a different result-they’ll need to address their offensive depth, build around their young quarterback, and find ways to win ugly games when the weather turns.
The foundation is there. The quarterback is in place.
The coaching staff has the pedigree. Now it’s about finishing the job.
And if this loss fuels the fire heading into 2026? Don’t be surprised if the Broncos are right back in the thick of it next January-with a shot to finish what they started.