AFC Championship Game Preview: Patriots at Broncos - What to Watch, Who to Watch, and Why It Matters
The stage is set: Patriots vs. Broncos.
Two legacy franchises, one ticket to the Super Bowl. This Sunday’s AFC Championship Game isn’t just another playoff matchup - it’s a clash layered in history, storylines, and high-stakes football.
Here’s what you need to know heading into the showdown in Denver.
Patriots Rookies Making Noise
Let’s start with the youth movement in New England. Running back TreVeyon Henderson and kicker Andy Borregales both earned spots on the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie Team - a strong nod to what’s shaping up to be one of the Patriots’ most impactful draft classes in years. Henderson’s burst and vision have added a new dimension to the offense, while Borregales has been nails in clutch moments, offering rare stability at a position that often gets overlooked until something goes wrong.
A Special Moment Off the Field
In a heartwarming moment this week, Robert Kraft and several Patriots players surprised Massachusetts’ oldest living World War II veteran on his 105th birthday. It was a reminder that while football is the focus this week, the franchise hasn’t lost sight of the bigger picture. A classy move in the midst of a high-pressure playoff run.
Inside the Film Room: Patriots-Texans Recap
Coming off a gritty win over the Texans in the Divisional Round, the Patriots are riding high. Former Patriot and current analyst Mike Vrabel broke down key moments from that victory, highlighting the defense’s ability to adjust mid-game and how the offense leaned on situational football to control the tempo.
If you missed the game, there’s a four-minute highlight reel worth watching - and if you’ve got time, the “Patriots Unfiltered” podcast goes deep with a full two-hour breakdown, including areas to clean up before Sunday’s trip to Denver.
Key Matchups and Storylines vs. Broncos
There’s no shortage of intrigue heading into this one. Let’s break down a few of the biggest talking points:
1. Jarrett Stidham Faces His Former Team
The Broncos' starting quarterback has a little extra motivation this week. Jarrett Stidham, once a Patriot, now gets a shot at his old squad with a Super Bowl berth on the line.
According to Devin McCourty, who’s seen plenty of Stidham in practice, he’s no pushover - the arm talent is real, and he’s capable of making all the throws.
2. Drake Maye Under the Microscope
It’s been a rollercoaster rookie season for Drake Maye, and this week he faces arguably his toughest test yet. Denver’s defense is opportunistic, and Maye’s ball security will be critical.
Mike Reiss raised the question: are the turnovers a concern? They might be - but Maye has also shown a knack for bouncing back after mistakes.
**3. Broncos’ Altitude Factor?
Not a Concern** The Patriots aren’t sweating the elevation in Denver.
As one team member put it, “Just play well, try to be prepared, and the better condition that you are, the less of an impact that that’s going to make.” No excuses - just football.
4. Patriots’ Playoff Struggles in Denver
Here’s a stat that might surprise you: the Patriots are 0-4 all-time in playoff games played in Denver. It’s a tough place to win in January, and history isn’t on New England’s side.
But this group isn’t interested in ghosts of playoffs past - they’re focused on rewriting that narrative.
5. Veteran Experience Matters
Seven Patriots players bring Conference Championship experience to the table. That kind of playoff pedigree can be a stabilizing force in a hostile environment.
Look for those vets to set the tone early.
6. The Defensive Chip on the Shoulder
Milton Williams and the Patriots’ defense have heard the noise - and they’re not happy about the lack of respect. But if they keep playing like they did against Houston, that narrative won’t last much longer.
**7. The J.K.
Dobbins X-Factor** For Denver, the health of **J.K.
Dobbins** looms large. If he’s ready to go, the Broncos could finally field a balanced offense and take pressure off Stidham.
But if the Patriots jump out early, they’ll be able to unleash their pass rush - and that could tilt the game quickly.
Coaching and Gameplan Talk
Mike Vrabel hasn’t committed yet on the status of WR Mack Hollins (abdomen) or DT Joshua Farmer (hamstring), but both would be big pieces to have available. On the other side, Drake Maye’s development and decision-making will be under the spotlight, and Mike Reiss joined the “Zolak & Bertrand” show to break down how the Patriots might scheme around Denver’s aggressive front seven.
Looking Ahead and Around the League
Nationally, the Patriots are getting some love. They’re ranked No. 2 in NFL.com’s latest power rankings and are featured in several Super Bowl matchup predictions - including a potential rematch with the Rams, which would be a storyline-rich finale.
Meanwhile, Patriots owner Robert Kraft hinted at big-picture changes to the NFL schedule, including a possible 18-game regular season and one international game per team per year. That’s a conversation for another time - but it’s worth keeping an eye on.
The Bottom Line
Sunday’s game isn’t just about X’s and O’s - it’s about legacy, resilience, and execution under pressure. The Patriots have a rookie quarterback, a defense with something to prove, and a chance to end a long playoff drought in Denver. The Broncos have a former Patriot under center, a home-field advantage that’s historically been a fortress, and a shot to return to the Super Bowl.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET. Buckle up - this one has all the makings of a classic.