Jan. 24, 2026, 9:00 a.m. MT
The Denver Broncos are one game away from the Super Bowl.
After defeating the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs last week, the Broncos are now set to host the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game on Sunday afternoon.
Denver’s considered a home underdog going into the matchup after losing starting quarterback Bo Nix to a season-ending ankle injury. Jarrett Stidham is the team’s new QB1, and he’ll be facing his former team.
So, can the Broncos pull off an upset? And can Stidham join the list of backup quarterbacks who have won Super Bowls? Here are our score predictions for Denver’s potential matchups.
AFC Championship: Broncos 23, Patriots 20
If the Broncos are going to pull off an upset, they’ll need their play-making defense to step up once again. Vance Joseph’s unit forced five turnovers in the divisional round, and Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has thrown two interceptions and fumbled six times through two playoff games. Winning the turnover battle will be key for Denver.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Super Bowl LV: Seahawks 24, Broncos 21
In what would be a rematch of Seattle’s 43-8 blowout win over Denver in Super Bowl XLVIII (2013), the Seahawks would be considered clear favorites against a Broncos team missing its starting quarterback.
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Related:Â These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
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