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On Jan. 24, 2016, in the final rendition of the Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning rivalry, the No. 1 Denver Broncos<\/a> hosted the No. 2 New England Patriots<\/a> in the AFC championship game with a spot in the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on the line. Manning’s Broncos went on to win the game, 20-18, and then, behind one of the NFL’s top defenses, went on to win Super Bowl 50.<\/p>\n Now, 3,654 days later, the scene is eerily similar, with the No. 1 Denver Broncos hosting the No. 2 New England Patriots in the AFC championship game, once again with a Super Bowl berth in San Francisco at stake. While Brady and Manning have long since traded their helmets for Hall of Fame jackets, the stakes in the Mile High City remain unchanged.<\/p>\n The Patriots, having successfully navigated their post-Brady rebuild, find themselves back in the hunt for championship glory. Under first-year head coach and former Patriot Mike Vrabel, New England is back in the NFL\u2019s final four for the first time since 2019. The engine of this revival is Drake Maye, who established himself as a premier signal-caller this season, ranking top-five in passing yards, completion percentage, and touchdowns. Though Maye struggled in a gritty Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans<\/a>, New England\u2019s elite defense compensated by forcing five turnovers to punch their ticket to Denver.<\/p>\n The Broncos enter this matchup mirroring their “No Fly Zone” predecessors. Instead of Von Miller and Aqib Talib, it is Patrick Surtain II and Nik Bonitto leading a unit that was one of the league’s top scoring defenses. However, Denver faces a massive hurdle at the most critical position. After second-year star Bo Nix suffered a season-ending broken ankle in their win over the Buffalo Bills<\/a>, the Broncos’ Super Bowl hopes now rest on the shoulders of Jarrett Stidham. In a twist of fate, Stidham \u2014originally drafted by the Patriots in 2019 \u2014 must now defeat his former team to secure Denver\u2019s championship return.<\/p>\n As the league celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Brady-Manning finale, a new generation of stars is ready to claim the spotlight. It is no longer Belichick vs. Kubiak, but Vrabel vs. Sean Payton \u2014 two masterminds leading squads that finished tied for the best record in the NFL. Whether it is Maye\u2019s ascent to superstardom or Stidham\u2019s improbable revenge story, one legacy will be forged.<\/p>\n The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights for Patriots vs. Broncos in the 2026 AFC championship game on Sunday. Follow below for complete results with a trip to Super Bowl 60 on the line.<\/p>\n STREAM:\u00a0Watch Patriots vs. Broncos LIVE with Fubo (free trial)<\/a><\/p>\n Patriots vs. Broncos score<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n NFL PLAYOFFS HQ:\u00a0Live NFL scores<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Full NFL schedule<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Updated NFL bracket<\/a><\/p>\n Patriots vs. Broncos live updates, highlights from 2026 AFC championship game<\/p>\n (All times Eastern)<\/p>\n 2:14 p.m.:\u00a0Last week, offensive lineman Frank Crum found the endzone for Denver’s first touchdown of the game. Fans are hoping No. 73 finds the end zone again today.<\/p>\n The celebrity of Frank Crum knows no bounds. #DenverBroncos<\/a> #BroncosCountry<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/CnbhnoAbO7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 2:02 p.m.:\u00a0Patrick Surtain, the top corner in the NFL, is looking to advance to his first Super Bowl in his fifth year in the NFL.<\/p>\n The reigning DPOY in the AFC Championship \ud83e\udd29 @PatSurtainll<\/a><\/p>\n NEvsDEN \u2013 3pm ET on CBS\/Paramount+ \u2014 NFL (@NFL) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 1:53 p.m.:\u00a0Wil Lutz cemented his status as one of the league\u2019s most reliable specialists by drilling a game-winning field goal against the Bills.<\/p>\n He’s back on the field hitting long field goals ahead of the AFC championship game.<\/p>\n Broncos kicker Will Lutz just hit a 62-yarder in warmups<\/p>\n \u2014 Karen Guregian (@kguregian) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 1:51 p.m.:\u00a0Ahead of his first start in nearly two years, Jarrett Stidham is on the field getting loose.<\/p>\n Stidham getting loose \ud83c\udfaf<\/p>\n NEvsDEN \u2013 3pm ET on CBS\/Paramount+ \u2014 NFL (@NFL) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 1:45 p.m.:\u00a0New England has also posted its inactives.<\/p>\n Patriots inactives for #NEvsDEN<\/a>. pic.twitter.com\/2wjCvYAAF9<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Most notable is defensive end Harold Landry, who is out with a knee injury.<\/p>\n 1:40 p.m.:\u00a0Denver has posted its inactives before the AFC championship game. Of course, Bo Nix is out, but he’s not the only crucial loss.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc40 our inactives for #NEvsDEN<\/a>.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf0 \u00bb https:\/\/t.co\/CkxlpoDvKE<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/w9cOFeP17P<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Troy Franklin, who suffered a hamstring injury in the divisional round against the Bills, is officially out.<\/p>\n 1:33 p.m.:\u00a0Just like her husband Drake, Ann Michael Maye<\/a> has taken the Patriots fanbase by storm.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ann Michael Maye’s got the AFC Championship fit ready \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n (via annmichaelhmaye\/IG) pic.twitter.com\/K2bvjBI6Kc<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NFL (@NFL) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 1:20 p.m.:\u00a0Drake Maye has arrived in Denver.<\/p>\n .@DrakeMaye2<\/a> AFC Championship debut \ud83d\udd1c pic.twitter.com\/HWAYQgSW09<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n In his second season, Maye is an MVP candidate and has the Patriots on the doorstep of the Super Bowl.<\/p>\n 1:05 p.m.:\u00a0The Broncos don’t have their “Orange Crush” uniforms as primaries anymore, but the team has to give fans some flashbacks to John Elway’s Super Bowl teams.<\/p>\n This year’s Denver team, who had a NFL-best 14-3 record in the regular season, gets to wear their own orange uniforms, and will the rest of the way (if they’re lucky).<\/p>\n Our Championship Sunday best. \ud83d\udfe0 pic.twitter.com\/7bf9K6qfoy<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 1:00 p.m.:\u00a0The scene is set from Empower Field at Mile High, where one team will punch its ticket to Super Bowl LX.<\/p>\n It’s a beautiful day for an AFC Championship at Mile High<\/p>\n NEvsDEN\u2013 3pm ET on CBS\/Paramount+ \u2014 NFL (@NFL) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 12:30 p.m.:\u00a0The bodies are starting to stream into Denver’s home ground for this one. Here’s a look at Patriots WR Mack Hollins — outfitted in his signature barefoot attire — and New England head coach Mike Vrabel.<\/p>\n “Warriors, come out to play.”@mackhollins<\/a> making a statement in his return \ud83d\ude02<\/p>\n NEvsDEN \u2013 3pm ET on CBS\/Paramount+ \u2014 NFL (@NFL) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Can Mike Vrabel lead the @Patriots<\/a> to a Super Bowl in his first season as head coach?<\/p>\n NEvsDEN \u2013 3pm ET on CBS\/Paramount+ \u2014 NFL (@NFL) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 12:15 p.m.:\u00a0Stidham has arrived at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium. He’ll finally get his close-up today, for better or worse.<\/p>\n Jarrett Stidham arrives for the AFC title game, his first start in two seasons \ud83e\udd2f<\/p>\n (via @NFL<\/a>)pic.twitter.com\/VzRPVGJB96<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 10:55 a.m.:\u00a0With Bo Nix out with a fractured ankle, the Broncos will be turning to backup Jarrett Stidham. The 29-year-old hasn’t attempted a pass yet this season. But there’s a quiet confidence among Denver’s brass that he could find success. Payton found success in 2019 when Teddy Bridgewater filled in for an injured Drew Brees, giving the then-Saints<\/a> backup freedom to check out of plays as a member of scout team.<\/p>\n The adjustment worked a treat. New Orleans went 5-0 in Brees’ absence. NFL Network’s Steve Wyche reported that the Broncos employed a similar system with Stidham.<\/p>\n Broncos coach Sean Payton has been through a similar QB situation as he is today with Jarrett Stidham back in 2019. I spoke to Teddy Bridgewater, who won 5 games filling in for Drew Brees in New Orleans, as to why Stidham could follow his route to success. pic.twitter.com\/rNSppHvrBn<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Steve Wyche (@wyche89) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 10:45 a.m.:\u00a0It’s worth noting that Sean Payton hasn’t appeared in a Super Bowl since the Saints bested the Colts<\/a> in the 2010 iteration of the competition. Could he end his 16-year spell away from The Big Game today?<\/p>\n It’s been a while since Sean Payton appeared in a Super Bowl \ud83d\ude32 pic.twitter.com\/wDMUPOHCtW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 10:30 a.m.:\u00a0The Patriots have spent most of the season traipsing along the east coast. Sunday’s matchup represents the furthest west they’ve traveled this year. The forecast — marked by bitter winds and a dusting of snow<\/a> — is very New England-esque, though.<\/p>\n MORE 2026 NFL PLAYOFF NEWS:<\/p>\n Where to watch AFC championship gamePatriots vs. Broncos start timeDate:\u00a0Sunday, Jan. 25Time: 3\u00a0p.m. ET, noon PT<\/p>\n The AFC Championship Game will kick off at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 25 from Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.<\/p>\n It’s the Broncos’ first time hosting the conference title game since the last Broncos-Patriots game 10 years ago.<\/p>\n What channel is Patriots vs. Broncos on today?TV channel: CBSLive stream:\u00a0Fubo<\/a><\/p>\n The Patriots vs. Broncos AFC Championship Game will air nationally on CBS. Jim Nantz will be in the broadcast booth as the lead play-by-play announcer, joined by former quarterback Tony Romo as the color analyst. Tracy Wolfson and Evan Washburn will serve as the sideline reporters for the contest.<\/p>\n Those looking to stream they can via Fubo<\/a>, which offers new subscribers a free trial.<\/p>\n NFL playoff schedule 2026Wild-card round<\/p>\n Saturday, January 10<\/p>\n MatchupTimeTV ChannelRams 34, Panthers 31—-Bears 31, Packers 27\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Sunday, January 11<\/p>\n MatchupTimeTV ChannelBills 27, Jaguars 24—-49ers 23, Eagles 19—-Patriots 16, Chargers 3—-<\/p>\n Monday, January 12<\/p>\n MatchupTimeTV ChannelTexans 30, Steelers 6—-Divisional round<\/p>\n Saturday, January 17<\/p>\n MatchupTime (ET)TV ChannelBroncos 33,\u00a0Bills 30—-Seahawks 41,\u00a049ers 6—-<\/p>\n Sunday, January 18<\/p>\n MatchupTime (ET)TV ChannelPatriots 28,\u00a0Texans 16—-Rams 20,\u00a0Bears 17—-Conference championship roundMatchupTime (ET)TV ChannelPatriots vs. Broncos3:00 p.m.CBSRams vs. Seahawks6:30 p.m.FoxSuper BowlMatchupTime (ET)TV ChannelTBD vs. TBD6:30 p.m.NBC<\/p>\n
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