"AFC Championship Preview: Mile High Destiny"

We've reached the pinnacle finish to what's been filled with wild finishes,
stifling defenses and heartbreaking plays in your 2025 NFL playoffs. To
say no excuses is a theme and left some teams asking themselves: "we
can't get over the hump." True and only the least mistake prone teams
advance in spite of their own crucial self-inflicted penalties.

Top seeded Denver will host the AFC title game since 2015, which set
them up for Super Bowl 50 with a great defense. This version of the
Denver Broncos have relied on their defense with elite play calling from
head coach Sean Payton. Even with a revived New England Patriots
team flying to the Rockies, it's sure to be strength versus strength:
defense.

1. Denver Broncos (14-3) vs 2. New England Patriots (14-3)

Denver flexed their muscles in an overtime playoff win against Buffalo
Saturday afternoon. Even with solid play calling from Payton, the
Broncos were able to push Buffalo around for sixty minutes and some
change. Establishing the run and allowing quarterback Bo Nix to make
plays with his arm and leg. An offense with solid playmakers rose to the
occasion and kept stomping when possible. A receiving core who can
make plays and serviceable run game is enough. But with that gutsy win

came with Nix breaking his ankle during overtime and still rallied a walk-
off field goal by Will Lutz.

With Nix out until likely middle of the 2026 season, enter back-up
quarterback Jarrett Stidham; who'll play the most important game of his
NFL career with a trip to Santa Clara on the line. He'll need everyone to
be crisper, sharp, and avoid any hiccups. A great defense who's been

great must take it up another level. Playing their brand of flying around
the field and creating turnovers. Defensive coordinator Vance Joesph
has been excellent in scheming up exotic coverages and fronts to make
it difficult.

For Denver: establish the run against a vaunted Patriots defensive front.
Keep Stidham out of harm's way in turning the ball over. Don't get too
aggressive in trying to hit the home run plays. Take a couple shots
downfield, only if the mismatch is there and receivers are getting
accurate separation. Let the defense create offense and short fields to
help your back-up quarterback.
New England's rebuild has arrived earlier than expected in 2025. Led by
head coach Mike Vrabel, his implementation of the "Patriot Way" has
built a culture of excellence. Bringing back offensive coordinator Josh
McDaniel has kickstarted second year quarterback Drake Maye's MVP
season and progression.

A gritty defensive slugfest against Houston, New England survived
careless turnovers and weather elements to prevail to the AFC title
game since 2018; which was their last appearance and Super Bowl title.
This team is a mirror image of Denver; built off grit and defensive culture
to win now. Even with Maye playing his third postseason game, this
could cement his MVP status.

A potent offense with a very strong two headed monster in Rhamondre
Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson, both backs are capable of
hitting home runs. If left to keep the clock moving, look for both guys to
control change of pace. A receiving core led by Stefon Diggs, this will be
a big game needed from the veteran receiver. With Kayshon Boutte
being the primary target, Diggs will have his opportunities to impact New
England's offense. Tight end Hunter Henry will be the security blanket
for Maye in short yardage situations.

A defense who takes on the identity of their head coach, the Patriots will
be ready to punch Denver in the mouth. A front who can create pressure
on Stidham. Guys who aren't afraid of chasing the quarterback, it'll be
their best chance in controlling the line of scrimmage. This defense can
force Denver to alter their game plan early if things start to rattle early
on. New England's secondary is solid and will matchup well against
Denver's receivers. Long as big chunk plays aren't running them off the
field, it could be a difference maker down the final minutes.

This game will be about which quarterback can overcome jitters early
and prevail in sending their team to Santa Clara for Super Bowl 60. In
my heart of hearts. I believe we're in for a thrilling finish; rather it's a
Lutz walk-off field goal or Maye game winning touchdown drive.
Whoever can hurdle through adversity and be the last team standing in
representing the AFC.