- New England Patriots defeated Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC Championship Game.
- Drake Maye scored the only touchdown for the Patriots with a 6-yard run in the second quarter.
- Patriots will face either Seattle or Los Angeles Rams on February 8, Super Bowl LX.
- New England’s defense dominated, holding Justin Herbert and the Chargers to three points last week.
The AFC Championship: Patriots vs. Broncos
As the NFL Playoffs reach their climax, the New England Patriots secured a spot in Super Bowl LX with a narrow 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game on January 25, 2026.
Patriots’ Triumph: A Narrow Escape
In a thrilling matchup between two of the league’s storied franchises, the Patriots prevailed with a field goal by Andy Borregales early in the fourth quarter. Drake Maye added to their lead with a 6-yard touchdown run in the second half, but the game was far from over. Despite trailing for most of the contest, the Broncos kept pushing and managed to put pressure on New England’s defense.
Key Performances: Maye and His Backfield
Miami native Drake Maye had a solid day overall, though he struggled with turnovers. The second-year quarterback threw three touchdown passes but fumbled four times, losing two of them. Nevertheless, his 23-yard field goal in the third quarter proved crucial. The Patriots’ running back Kayshon Boutte also contributed a touchdown, while Demario Douglas and Stefon Diggs caught more scoring opportunities for New England.
Denver’s Struggles: A Harsh Reminder
The Broncos, led by quarterback Bo Nix, suffered a tough loss but also faced the reality of their quarterback’s season-ending injury on the second-to-last play. Nix, who threw 279 yards and three touchdowns in the wild-card round against Buffalo, broke his ankle while attempting to evade pressure. Despite the setback, Ja’Quan McMillian continued his stellar performance with a game-changing interception that sealed Denver’s fate.
Super Bowl Previews: Patriots vs. Rams or Seahawks
With this victory, the New England Patriots advance to their 12th Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. They will face either the Seattle Seahawks or the Los Angeles Rams on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The Patriots will be looking to reclaim their title after a two-year hiatus and add another chapter to their rich playoff legacy.
The AFC Championship was not only a battle for supremacy but also served as a reminder of the high stakes involved.
Both teams showcased resilience and determination throughout the game, making it a memorable contest for fans and players alike. The Patriots’ defense, in particular, stepped up with a commanding performance that could prove decisive in their upcoming showdown.
