The #2 seed Patriots travel west to take on the #1 seed Broncos for the AFC Championship. The Broncos defeated the Bills yesterday but lost QB Bo Nix with a broken bone in his foot and that means Jarett Stidham who has not threw a pass since 2023. The Patriots QB Drake Maye was not great either but they defeated the Texans this afternoon. The game will be on CBS with kickoff at 3:00pm on CBS.

This game opened at Patriots -4.5 and in the last hour has moved to Patriots -5.5 now.

From Wikipedia:

"Stidham was born on August 8, 1996, in Corbin, Kentucky. His family moved to Stephenville, Texas when he was in elementary school"

let's go Red Hounds. 

I expect this game to be low scoring, largely because Denver’s defense is one of the best in the NFL and will be able to keep New England’s offense in check. The Broncos led the league in sacks this season and rank near the top in overall defense, and their front seven is especially strong against both the run and the pass. Their pass rush and cover units regularly force short drives and can limit explosive plays, which tends to keep point totals down.

Denver will be starting Jarrett Stidham, an Auburn alum, after Bo Nix’s season‑ending injury. Stidham has very limited recent playing time and no playoff experience, so the Broncos won’t need him to carry the offense just manage the game and avoid turnovers. That setup usually favors slower, methodical drives and puts even more emphasis on defense.

Given the Broncos’ elite front seven and Stidham’s role as more of a game manager, I anticipate a lower‑scoring affair where Denver’s defense keeps it close and Stidham does just enough to help his team reach a potential Super Bowl matchup.

 

Give me Broncos 21-17

Kickoff is now just a little less that 5.5 hours. The weather looks good for the game.

The Pats win this one.

I am hoping for the Pats because a Super Bowl with the Broncos will be hideous. I don't give the Pats much of a chance in the Super Bowl either, but we might at least still have a game worth watching in the second half.

Edited January 25Jan 25 by Voice of Reason

Kickoff just happened at 3:04pm the Patriots won the toss a deferred and we will see right off what Stidham.

Two runs and they have netted only 1 yard not good for the Broncos or Stidham a 3rd and 9.

A three and out for New England as the Broncos only net 1 yard now let's see what the Broncos can do to Maye and the Patriots. A great 56-yard punt and the Pats will start at their own 8.

1 minute ago, 16thBBall Fan said:

A three and out for New England as the Broncos only net 1 yard now let's see what the Broncos can do to Maye and the Patriots. A great 56-yard punt and the Pats will start at their own 8.

Dude is the best there is in the league at coffin cornering them. 

The Patriots go 3 and out after only gaining 6 yards and was almost picked off. The Broncos will take their 2nd possession on their own 42-yard line.

These two throws by Stidham have shown not throwing a pass since 2023 they were both off. Then he throws a 54-yard strike that looked like a season veteran. My goodness! The Broncos have it 1st and goal from the Patriots 7. A touchdown would be huge here!

A great play call! A touchdown on a 6-yard throw from Stidham to Sutton. The Broncos led 7-0 with 10:18 to play in the first quarter.