January 25, 2026 — The AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos unfolded with high stakes and early drama on Sunday, as a Super Bowl LX berth hung in the balance and a key injury altered the flow of the matchup.
The game, played with national attention, featured rookie quarterback Drake Maye leading New England against a Denver team forced into an early adjustment after losing its starting quarterback.
Early scoring sets the tone
Denver struck first in the opening quarter, scoring the game’s first touchdown to take a 7–0 lead. The early score gave the Broncos momentum and briefly silenced New England’s defense, which had been among the league’s most consistent units throughout the postseason.
The Patriots responded by settling into a more controlled offensive approach, relying on short passes and field position rather than explosive plays.
Bo Nix injury forces quarterback change
A major turning point came when Bo Nix exited the game due to injury, forcing Denver to turn to Jarrett Stidham at quarterback. The change significantly affected Denver’s offensive rhythm, with play calling becoming more conservative as the Broncos adjusted to the sudden shift.
Stidham was tasked with managing the offense against a Patriots defense that increased pressure following the injury, focusing on limiting downfield opportunities and forcing longer drives.
Drake Maye manages the moment
On the other side, Drake Maye continued to operate New England’s offense with composure. Rather than forcing deep throws, Maye focused on timing routes, quick releases, and avoiding turnovers.
While explosive scoring plays were limited early, Maye’s ability to sustain drives kept the Patriots within reach as the game progressed.
Defensive adjustments shape the contest
Both teams leaned heavily on defense as the game settled into a tighter contest. New England’s defense adjusted quickly after the opening touchdown, tightening coverage and disrupting Denver’s timing following the quarterback change.
Denver’s defense also held firm, preventing New England from pulling away and keeping the game competitive deep into play.
What is at stake
The winner of this AFC Championship Game will advance to Super Bowl LX, making every possession critical. With one team adapting to a quarterback injury and the other relying on a rookie signal caller, the matchup has become a test of depth, discipline, and situational execution.
Live situation
As covered by live reports, the game remains defined by:
- Denver’s early 7–0 lead
- The injury to Bo Nix
- Jarrett Stidham taking over at quarterback
- Drake Maye managing New England’s offense under championship pressure
Further scoring, key plays, and the final result will determine which team earns the AFC title and a place on the NFL’s biggest stage.
