{"id":436425,"date":"2026-01-25T11:22:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-25T11:22:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/436425\/"},"modified":"2026-01-25T11:22:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T11:22:08","slug":"patriots-playoff-record-in-denver-inside-new-englands-struggles-against-broncos-at-mile-high","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/436425\/","title":{"rendered":"Patriots playoff record in Denver: Inside New England’s struggles against Broncos at Mile High"},"content":{"rendered":"

When discussing the New England Patriots<\/a> and their playoff history, the words “challenges” and “struggles” often don\u2019t seem to fit.<\/p>\n

Then you look at their record-setting playoff game at Mile High\u2014a venue that is definitely not easy to play in.<\/p>\n

Playing at Denver\u2019s Empower Field, or anywhere in the city, is considered one of the toughest challenges in professional sports, mainly because of the high altitude (5,280 feet above sea level).<\/p>\n

The air is “thinner” due to lower atmospheric pressure, which means athletes get less oxygen and their heart and lungs have to work harder. Visitors often experience “heavy legs,” shortness of breath, and faster fatigue, especially in the second half.<\/p>\n

Despite their greatness, the Patriots organization is not exempt from these challenges.<\/p>\n

The Sporting News provides an in-depth look at New England\u2019s playoff battle against the Broncos<\/a> at Mile High.<\/p>\n

MORE 2026 NFL PLAYOFF NEWS:<\/p>\n

Patriots playoff record in Denver<\/p>\n

The Patriots have played a postseason game in Denver four times\u00a0and lost every single one. New England’s only playoff win over the Broncos\u00a0came in 2012, when the two met in New England. Here is a summary of how those four losses occurred.<\/p>\n

MORE:\u00a0Ranking the 18 greatest Patriots players ever<\/a><\/p>\n

1986 Divisional Round:\u00a0Broncos 22, Patriots 17<\/p>\n

The Patriots traveled to Denver for their first-ever playoff matchup. The game was closely contested, featuring crucial plays from both teams.<\/p>\n

Although the final score was close, Denver dominated time of possession and\u00a0nearly doubled its first downs, even though John Elway had an off day with two interceptions.<\/p>\n

Broncos defensive end Rulon Jones sacked Tony Eason in the end zone, resulting in a safety that sealed Denver’s\u00a022-17 win.<\/p>\n

2005 Divisional Round:\u00a0Broncos 27, Patriots 13<\/p>\n

The game remained scoreless until late in the second quarter, when Adam Vinatieri of New England successfully kicked a field goal.\u00a0<\/p>\n

At the Denver 5-yard line, Champ Bailey intercepted a pass from Tom Brady in the end zone and returned it 100 yards to the New England 1-yard line. This play led to a 1-yard touchdown run by Mike Anderson, increasing the score to 17-6.<\/p>\n

18 years ago today:<\/p>\n

Champ Bailey’s 100 yard INT return off Tom Brady in the AFC divisional round. Broncos won the game 27-13 and ended the Patriots hopes of 3 straight Super Bowls pic.twitter.com\/JyhxLVTE6H<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 DNVR Sports (@DNVR_Sports) January 15, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n

Denver increased their lead to\u00a024-6 after Jake Plummer threw a touchdown pass to Rod Smith. The Patriots scored a late touchdown to cut the deficit to 24-13, but Denver responded with a final field goal, securing a 27-13 win.<\/p>\n

2013 AFC Championship:\u00a0Broncos 26, Patriots 16<\/p>\n

The Broncos maintained the lead throughout the game and extended it to 23-3 in the fourth quarter, dominating both possession and total offense with 507 yards\u00a0to New England’s 320.<\/p>\n

The Patriots made a late attempt to close the gap, with Tom Brady throwing a touchdown pass to Julian Edelman and running in another score, reducing the score to\u00a026-16\u00a0with just over three minutes left. Nevertheless, a failed two-point conversion and a crucial fourth-down conversion by the Broncos on their final drive secured their win.<\/p>\n

2015 AFC Championship:\u00a0Broncos 20, Patriots 18\u00a0<\/p>\n

Once again, the Broncos never trailed in this game, and it came down to the wire. The key player was Von Miller,\u00a0who pressured Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, hitting him relentlessly, recording 2.5 sacks and an interception.<\/p>\n

Broncos are hosting the Patriots in the AFC Championship exactly 10 years and one day since this all-time performance from Von Miller<\/p>\n

2.5 sacks, 2 TFL, INT, 4 QB hits<\/p>\n

Denver\u2019s defense finished with 17 QB hits on Tom Brady<\/p>\n

pic.twitter.com\/5r2ADirvKB<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Phil Milani (@philmilani) January 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The game ended in a dramatic conclusion. Trailing\u00a020-12\u00a0late in the fourth quarter, the Patriots scored a touchdown with a catch by\u00a0Rob Gronkowski\u00a0with only 12 seconds left. However, the critical two-point conversion attempt to tie the game was intercepted by Broncos’ defensive back Brad Roby, securing Denver’s\u00a020-18 victory.<\/p>\n

MORE:\u00a0Revisiting 2016 AFC championship<\/a><\/p>\n